FAQ

A cloudy pool condition may be caused by several factors.  The problem may be one of chemistry or one of filtration. If it is a chemical problem, it is most likely the visible presence in the water of chloramines or calcium. If it is calcium, usually lowering the pH will correct the problem. If neither of these procedures helps, a complete water analysis usually reveals the problem. If the problem is one of filtration, no amount of chemical balancing will help. Before adding anything, check the filter to insure that it is functioning properly. A defect may be allowing dirt to pass through the filter and back into the pool. In general, problems such as these can be minimized by the correct use of diatomaceous earth, even in a sand filter.

pH is the measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of swimming pool water. It is the factor that determines both the comfort of the water with respect to eye and skin irritation and also determines the effectiveness of the chlorine in the swimming pool. For these two reasons it is obviously very important to keep the pH within the ideal range. If the pH is not in range it is entirely possible that the chlorine will not do its job and the pool can rapidly grow algae and bacteria.

Algae is caused when algae spores are introduced into the swimming pool either by wind or rain and are not killed by the chlorine residual. The warm humid conditions of a swimming pool are ideal for the growth of algae. To get rid of algae, we recommend a combination of super chlorinating the swimming pool (increase the chlorine residual to 4 or 5 times the normal level) along with a recommended dosage of algaecide.

Super chlorination is a process whereby the residual chlorine in a swimming pool is increased to 4 or 5 times its normal level. What this does is destroy resistant strains of algae and rids the pool of contaminants called chloramines. This is the only way to rid a pool of chloramines which are detrimental to the general chemistry of the swimming pool. Chloramines are introduced into the pool by swimmers urinating in the pool.

The most economical way to rid a pool of red iron is to use STAIN AND SCALE CONTROL to aid in the settling of the material which can then be removed by the water vacuum or through the normal filtration system. This should be done when the pool is initially filled. The chlorine which is added to the swimming pool for daily maintenance will then keep the water clear by reacting with the iron and causing it to settle on the bottom where it can be vacuumed up.

Backwashing is a process whereby the flow of water through the swimming pool filtration system is reversed. This releases the dirt which is trapped in the media and cleans the filtration system so that it can do an adequate job of purifying the water.

The proper chlorine level for swimming pools is 1.5- 2.0 ppm. For pH the ideal range is from 7.2- 7.6.

YES. Contaminants are introduced into the pool not only by swimmers but also by wind and rain. For this reason, it is necessary to check the pool on a daily basis to see that the chlorine level is within the ideal range.

The best time to add chlorine varies with the type of chemicals that you are using. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation in this regard. If you are using our recommended product, the best time to chlorinate is whenever it is convenient for you because the sun has very little effect on this type of chlorine in your swimming pool. Definitely chlorinate any time your test shows a chlorine residual below 0.6 ppm.

This ring is caused by the suntan oils and body oils which collect on the surface water and are then deposited on the pool walls particularly around the skimmer. It is best to use a cleaner which is specifically designed for swimming pools because of the particular chemical problems that are involved. We would recommend the use of a product like TILE AND LINER CLEANER which is phosphate free thereby not contributing to any possible algae problem. NEVER use any abrasive cleaners as they will remove the protective coating on the liner. This can cause damage to your liner. If you have any questions, contact your local Pool Dealer.

A stabilizer, sometimes referred to as a preconditioner, is a companion product to stabilized type chlorine (chlorinated cyanurates). It is definitely economical to use. Why? The sun destroys 80% of normal chlorine once it has been introduced into your swimming pool. This is why some chlorines have to be introduced at night. The purpose of the stabilizer is to reduce the amount of chlorine that is destroyed by the sun. The amount of chlorine that you will save as a result of stabilizing your pool, is well worth the investment in stabilizing your pool in the beginning of the pool season.

A stabilizer should be used only when the pool is initially filled. Very little of this material is lost during the course of a season, only through backwash and splash out is the material lost. This is also being replenished when using a stabilized chlorine. Therefore, even though the pool water level is significantly reduced for the winter; when it is refilled there is usually enough stabilizer in it to last from season to season. This allows your initial investment to be spread over several years as long as the pool water is maintained.

NEVER DRAIN YOUR POOL!