SWIMMING POOL CARE MADE EASY

Take care of your pool and it will provide you with enjoyable swimming year after year.
If you follow the basics of proper chemical treatment and filtration,
pool care will be simple and easy to follow.

 This section will guide you through the steps you should take from pool start-up,
to in-season care, to winter protection. It even covers important tips on safety
around your pool and contains a handy trouble-shooting guide.

SIZING YOUR POOL

 You must know the amount of water that your pool holds in order
to know how much chemical to use. Here is a simple chart to figure
out your pool volume. All measurements should be taken in feet.

ROUND: Diameter  x   Diameter  x  Average Depth x 5.9 = Gallons

RECTANGLE: Length  x   Width  x   Average Depth x 7.5 = Gallons

OVAL: Long Dia.  x  Short Dia.  x  Average Depth  x  5.9 Gallons

For all other pools ask your builder, retailer, or serviceman for help.

FILTER SYSTEMS

 There are three basic filter types: diatomaceous earth (DE), sand, and cartridge.
Even though each pool may have its own unique plumbing design, all filter systems
will perform the same job. Pool water is drawn through a skimmer or a drain and
pumped through a filter which removes dirt, algae and visible contaminants that
enter the pool. You must operate the filter system at least eight
hours per day in order to remove wastes effectively.

 Remember, by filtering properly you will help avoid contaminant
build-up and save on chemical costs!

 You can protect your filter system by adding the correct amount of sand
or DE and cleaning your filter regularly with a FILTER CLEANER to remove
oils and other organics like lint or hair that may lodge in your filter.
Occasionally you may need to apply a CLARIFIER to help
your filter trap minute particles that may be passing through the system.

WATER BALANCE

 Your pool is designed to hold the same water for many years. You filter it and
chemically treat it over and over again. During this period of time the water
can drift out of balance and cause corrosion, scaling or even stains to appear.
You can easily prevent these problems by paying attention to the basics
of water balance. A good quality test kit will measure the key components
of water balance--pH, Total Alkalinity, and Acid or Alkali Demand.
Use your kit often until you become familiar with your pool and supplement
your tests by having your professional pool dealer perform detailed tests
on occasion to verify your readings and spot trends that could lead to potential problems.

pH

 Measures the acidity or alkalinity of pool water on a scale of "0- 14".
Extreme acid is "0" and extreme alkali is "14". The proper pH range is 7.2-7.8.
pH readings greater than 7.8 will lead to cloudy water and scaling on all pool
surfaces, inefficient sanitizing, and swimmer discomfort. pH readings less
than 7.2 will lead to corrosion of metal parts such as heaters and ladders,
wrinkled vinyl liners, etched plaster, and swimmer discomfort. You can
easily maintain proper pH by using pH DECREASER or pH INCREASER when
needed according to label directions.

TOTAL ALKALINITY

 Measures the level of certain minerals that help control the pH of your pool water.
The proper range of Total Alkalinity is between 80-150 ppm (parts per million).
Low Total Alkalinity allows the pH to fluctuate or "bounce" in either direction
and can make it difficult for you to keep the pH stable. For that reason another
name for Total Alkalinity is "pH Stabilizer". Raise Total Alkalinity by using
TOTAL ALKALINITY "INCREASER" according to label directions.
High Total Alkalinity locks in the pH, but usually at pH levels above 7.8.
This condition needs to be corrected with pH DECREASER or muriatic acid.
Vinyl, painted and fiberglass pools usually require somewhat higher Total
Alkalinity levels than plaster pools and you should consult your professional pool store
or serviceman for more details.

HARDNESS

 Measures the level of calcium and magnesium minerals present in your pool water.
These minerals exist naturally in all water but the levels vary greatly from one part
of the country to another. "Soft water" typically contains 50 ppm Hardness or
less while "hard water" may contain 300 ppm Hardness or more. The proper
range for plaster pools is 175-300 ppm Hardness and for vinyl, painted or
fiberglass pools the proper range is 125-250 ppm Hardness. Pool water
low in Hardness causes etching of plaster and corrosion of pool surfaces.
Raise Hardness by adding CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER according
to label directions. Pool water high in Hardness causes cloudiness and scaling
to occur. Control these symptoms by using SCALE OR STAIN REMOVER
according to label directions or drain a portion of the water and refill with
water low in Hardness to dilute the mineral level.

MINERAL CONTROL

 Is an important concern for pool owners who use well water or for pools that
contain copper plumbing such as heaters. Both conditions can yield trace
levels iron, copper or even manganese that can cause water discoloration and
staining. Such discoloration can appear green, blue, brown or even black in color.
This is caused by the reaction between your sanitizer and the particular trace
minerals in your pool water. You can prevent the problem by having your pool
water professionally tested for these minerals when your pool is being filled or
at any time during the season. If staining minerals are present apply
SCALE OR STAIN REMOVER as soon as possible according to label
directions. Re-apply the treatment if necessary and consult with
your professional pool dealer or serviceman for more information.

STABILIZER

 Refers to "chlorine stabilizer", the final part of pool water balance. This is a chemical
that prevents the ultra-violet rays (UV) of sunlight from prematurely breaking
down your sanitizer level so that it can do it's job sanitizing the pool water.
CHLORINE STABILIZER will reduce sanitizer consumption by up to
50% and need only be added once for the entire life of the pool water.
Apply CHLORINE STABILIZER according to label directions and do not
backwash for at least 24 hours.

SANITIZERS

 Now that your pool water is balanced and stabilized, iris time to sanitize it with chlorine.
There are many types of chlorine and your professional pool dealer or serviceman will
explain them all to you. The most economical and convenient choice is STABILIZED
CHLORINATING TABLETS or STICKS. This type of chlorine is applied
weekly and is not affected by sunlight like HTH or liquid bleach. You can
dispense TABLETS or STICKS by placing them in a chlorinator, a floating
feeder, or a skimmer basket. Again, your dealer or serviceman will guide
you to the approach that is best for your pool. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
has determined that you must maintain a level of 1.0-1.5 ppm of available chlorine
at all times to continuously kill bacteria, algae and other micro-organisms that try
to inhabit your pool. By using slow dissolving TABLETS or STICKS you
will be able to give your pool 24 hour protection. During pool start-up you may
need extra doses of chlorine in order to satisfy the initial demand of the water.
This demand could include contaminants such as organics and debris that
built up before you started using chlorine. Use your test kit often to check your
chlorine level and adjust your chlorinator or floater as needed to increase or
decrease the flow.  A few important factors affect the amount of TABLETS or
STICKS that you will consume. They are: Temperature, Bathing Load,
Rainfall and pH. The warmer the pool water, the greater the use of TABLETS
or STICKS. In fact, pool water at 80ø-85øF will require twice the chlorine
of pool water at 60-65øF! The greater the bathing load, the greater the use of TABLETS
or STICKS. Heavily used pools increase the load of contaminants such as
perspiration, mucous and tanning lotions, all of which consumes chlorine.
The greater the rainfall, the greater the use of TABLETS or STICKS.
Rain washes airborne contaminants such as pollen and algae spores into
the pool and tends to lower the pH of the water by contributing "acid rain", a
chemical reaction between rain and air pollution. Finally, low pH causes
chlorine to be "overactive" and dissipate too quickly. Proper control of
Total Alkalinity will prevent low pH and save on chemical costs. 
If you prefer to sanitize your pool water by hand, STABILIZED CHLORINATING
GRANULES is the proper choice. These granules are rapidly and completely soluble
in all water temperatures and provide the same 24 hour protection that you get from TABLETS or STICKS.

SHOCK TREATMENTS

 Various contaminants such as swimmer waste, lotions and oils can resist normal
chlorination and start to build up in the pool water. This build up usually occurs during
hot weather and periods of heavy bathing when your filter is already working
overtime. A weekly SHOCK treatment, when applied according to label directions,
will oxidize or burn-up these contaminants. A SHOCK quickly raises the chlorine level
to overcome the contaminants for a period of 12-24 hours. It is best to apply SHOCK
in early evening so that it can work overnight and be burned down to normal levels
the next day. Be sure to continue to run your filter during this period of time.

ALGAECIDES

 Algaecides are excellent treatments to prevent or kill algae growth when used
with chlorine. As a preventative, algaecides act as an insurance policy in your
pool, killing algae spores as they enter the water. Algae spores are constantly
entering your pool from rain, wind and dust storms and they multiply rapidly in
sunlight and warm water. Routine chlorination cannot, at times, cope with the
rapid growth of an algae "bloom", the visible outburst of algae. These algae
can appear green, brown, black, mustard or even pink in color. By the time
algae has bloomed there are millions of algae cells in every gallon of water!
Your professional pool dealer or serviceman has a variety of algaecides for
all kinds of algae and will recommend the best choice for either prevention or killing needs

PRODUCT LIST

 STABILIZED CHLORINATING TABLETS (3" Size)
* Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 7 oz. wrapped tablets,
For use in Floaters, chlorinators, or skimmers.

 STABILIZED CHLORINATING TABLETS (1" Size)
* Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 1/2 oz. tablets,
For use in Floaters or chlorinators.

 STABILIZED CHLORINATING STICKS (2" Diameter)
* Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 8 oz. sticks,
For use in Floaters, chlorinators, or skimmers.

 STABILIZED CHLORINATING GRANULES .
Fast dissolving, 62% available chlorine granules,
100% soluble, For hand feeding.

 BROMINATING TABLETS (1" Size) .
Slow dissolving, 61% available bromine, alternative
to chlorine, For use in brominators.

 UNSTABILIZED CHLORINATING GRANULES . Fast dissolving,
65% available chlorine granules, contains calcium, For hand Feeding.

 STABILIZER * Slow dissolving, 100% active granules, to
prevent sunlight From lowering available chlorine in pool water.

 pH INCREASER * Fast dissolving, 100% active, to raise pH.

 pH DECREASER . Fast dissolving, 95% active, to lower pH

 TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER .
Fast dissolving, 100% active Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate,
to raise and stabilize pH.

CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER
* Fast dissolving, 100% active, to raise and balance calcium level.

SHOCK TREATMENT . Fast dissolving, 65% available
chlorine granules, to oxidize contaminants that build up during year.

ALGAECIDES . A variety of maximum strength algaecides,
to prevent and kill a broad range oF algae.
Check with your dealer or serviceman for details.

SPECIALTY CHEMICALS . A variety oF specialties For clarifying,
stain and scale control, filter or surface cleaning.
Check with your dealer or serviceman For details.

TROUBLESHOOTING

 Sometimes even the most experienced pool managers run into
problems that require special treatments. Here are a number of the
most common problems and recommended actions.

CLOUDY WATER

 Make sure the filter is operating properly and the correct amount of filter
media has been used. Adjust the pH, if necessary, to 7.2-7.8 and SHOCK treat the water.
If the condition does not improve try adding a CLARIFIER or filter aid. Continue
filtering and maintain the required level of chlorine. If your pool water is "old" and
has a high level of dissolved solids (calcium, stabilizer, chlorides and other salts)
you may need to drain a portion of the water and refill with fresh water.
Your dealer or serviceman can test this for you and advise the correct action.

ALGAE

 There are many types of algae that can infect pool water. The most common types,
floating or clinging green algae, respond quickly to a SHOCK treatment and
dose of maximum strength ALGAECIDE. Be sure to adjust the pH, if necessary,
to 7.2-7.8 before shocking and brush all pool surfaces to expose algae hiding in cracks or wrinkles.
Apply the algaecide the next day. Pink algae and mustard algae require extra care
because they both tend to re-infect pool water very easily. Treat pink algae in the
same manner as already outlined but, in addition, sanitize all pool parts that come in
contact with the water, such as the vacuum hose and head, by immersing them in
the pool during the shock treatment. Treat mustard algae with a special algaecide
designed to combat this strain. Clinging black algae that tends to appear as
dots or nodules can be treated by applying a slow dissolving granular algaecide
directly on the algae and by brushing the algae vigorously to expose it's roots.
In all cases apply the ALGAECIDE directly into the pool as close to the algae as possible.

COLORED WATER

 Reddish or brownish colored water is usually caused by oxidized iron or manganese.
Treat the pool water with STAIN & SCALE REMOVER to coat the minerals
and prevent the oxidation process. Greenish or bluish colored water is usually
caused by oxidized copper. Treat the condition as above and consult with
your dealer or serviceman for more details. Be sure not to confuse green,
slimy water that indicates an algae infection with the greenish cast associated with copper.

STAINS AND SCALE

 Stains can develop when colored water is left unattended or when metals
such as coins are accidentally left in the pool. Scale is a crusty build up on
pool floors and walls caused by excessive calcium levels and high pH.
Usually both conditions must occur for scale to form. Both stains and
scale can be controlled by lowering the pH, if necessary, and by using
STAIN AND SCALE REMOVER according to label directions.
Severe conditions, especially in plastered pools, may require an "acid wash",
a draining and cleaning performed by your dealer or serviceman.

CHLORINE: TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW

 Inability to hold a chlorine reading usually indicates lack of STABILIZER in the water.
Have your water tested for STABILIZER and add if necessary. Also be sure to check
your floater or chlorinator to insure a supply of chlorine. Low readings could signal
an excessive chlorine demand that is not being met. In this case, a SHOCK treatment
would be appropriate. Finally, your testing chemicals (reagents) may be old and need
to be replenished. Check with your dealer or serviceman for accurate water testing.
A high chlorine reading that won't dissipate gradually may indicate too much chlorine
is being added to the water. Check your floater or chlorinator and make the
necessary adjustment. On occasion chloramines (chlorine reacted with swimmer waste)
can develop and cause the chlorine reading to remain high. In this case,
a SHOCK treatment corrects the condition by breaking up the chloramines.

WINTER CARE

 If you live in a climate that requires winterization of your pool you
should follow these simple steps.

1. Have your water tested professionally and add any necessarybalancers at this time.
2. Vacuum the pool thoroughly and clean the filter.
3. If you have minerals, high calcium level, or a new plaster pool add STAIN AND
SCALE CONTROL directly to the water.
4. While the pool is still circulating, SHOCK it according to label
direction and be sure to distribute the SHOCK evenly.
5. Prevent winter algae growth by adding ALGAECIDE the followingday.
6. Lower the water level if desired, plug all lines and drain water
from the equipment to prevent freeze damage.
7. Follow all equipment makers recommendations for winter care.
8. Add pool grade anti-freeze to the lines to prevent freezing.
9. Cover the pool with either a mesh or solid cover and fasten itsecurely.

Consult with your dealer or serviceman for the cover that is best foryour pool
and for more details about winter care.

SAFETY TIPS

Your pool will bring years of safe and enjoyable swimming if you follow these simple rules.

1. No running, pushing, or foolish play in or near the pool.

2. No diving in shallow or unmarked pools.

3. Children must be supervised at all times.

4. Safety fencing should be added (check local building codes).

5. Keep a first aid kit and manual, a life ring, and a pole on site at alltimes.Browser Fixed

Safe handling of chemicals should also be the rule.

1. Chlorine products emit powerful chlorine gas and should never be opened
indoors and when opened, avoid breathing fumes.

2. Label directions for use must be followed at all times.

3. Do not mix chemicals. A violent reaction can occur.

4. Never add water to chemicals.

5. Read all warning statements on product labels.

6. Do not take advise from others or experiment on your own.

7. Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place and keep sealed.

8. Most important of all, KEEP CHEMICALS AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

ALGAECIDES: MANY CURES

Algae are constantly infecting water through airborne contact which is accelerated by rain and wind. If algae spores are killed off as they enter the water by using repeated algaestatic or maintenance doses of algaecides, the incidents of alga bloom are effectively eliminated. This is an "insurance policy" approach compared to the cost of treating alga bloom.

If algae does bloom (become visible), then the best approach is to adjust the pH= 7.2-7.8, shock treat the water with 7-10 ppm of available chlorine, brush all surfaces vigorously, and follow with a killing dose ( 5x maintenance dose) of algaecide. Continue to filter and backwash, if necessary, during the entire episode.

According to the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) all approved algaecides prevent and kill most strains of algae. There is no rule or clear-cut order to determine which algaecide to use, so choosing algaecides is similar to choosing medicines. Start with your favored choice and proceed from there. If algae persists, try another choice.

Here are the algaecide choices and their characteristics:

• QUAT TYPE :This is the nickname for Quaternary ammonium chloride. It is economical, long-lasting, non-staining (non-metallic), excellent wetting properties (penetrates microscopic cracks). Will foam if overdosed. Best used for floating green, clinging green and pink algae.
• POLYMER TYPE  This is the nickname for an organic polymer. It is fairly expensive, very long lasting, non-staining, and non-foaming. Manufacturer data suggests it is more stable in the presence of high chlorine than "quats." Best used for black (Dark green complex) and pink algae.
• COPPER TYPE This is a chelated (controlled) copper solution. It is very economical, very long lasting, and non foaming. Can cause blue staining or "green" hair. Best used for floating green and mustard algae.
• SILVER TYPE . This is a silver colloid (controlled) solution. It is very expensive, short lived (curative use only), and non foaming. Can cause brown staining if mis-handled. Best used for black and mustard algae.

All other approved algaecides are dilutions or blends of these four types.


ACID & BASE DEMAND CALCULATIONS

Don't overlook the importance of performing Base Demand Tests if your pH is 6.8 or lower and Acid Demand Tests if your pH is 8.2 or higher.

Many water samples are being reported with pH-- 6.8 when, in fact, the true pH might be 5.0-6.5! Taking time to perform the Base Demand Test will take the guess work out of adjusting the pH. Look at the difference:

pH Reading     Amount of Product Needed to Attain pH=7.5

• 6.8         1.5 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons

• 6.5         4.5 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons

• 6.0        10-12 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons

 If a pool owner uses 1.5 lbs. of Sodium Carbonate when 5 or 10 lbs. is actually required, the pH reading will still appear as 6.8.

Rule of thumb: For each drop of Base Demand, use one-third (1/3) lb. of Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons.

The calculation for Acid Demand reveals a similar pattern with an extra complication related to the level of Total Alkalinity. This is especially true in hard water areas and with curing plastered pools. An extra amount of acid may be needed to lower the both Total Alkalinity and pH.

pH Reading       Amount of Dry Acid Needed to Attain pH= 7.5

• 8.2           1.5 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons

• 8.5           4-5 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons

• 9.0        10-12 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons

 

For those who prefer Muriatic Acid, the conversion factor from Dry Acid to Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) is:

10 lbs. of Dry Acid -- One (1) Gallon of Muriatic Acid

Because of the connection between high pH and high Total Alkalinity the following information should be considered. The most common technique to reduce Total Alkalinity is to pour Muriatic Acid in a series of "pockets" in the deep end of a pool, keeping away from the walls and floor, if possible. Use of Muriatic Acid seems to reduce Total Alkalinity with less impact on pH than use of Dry Acid.

Rule of thumb: 1 Gallon of Muriatic Acid reduces 60 ppm of Total Alkalinity in 10,000 gallons.

 

ALGAE: SOME STUBBORN FACTS

Algae, algae, algae... green, black, mustard, and pink. Why do you use algaecides? When do you dose? Which one? How much? These questions are asked over and over again. It seems that everyone has their own opinions about algae control and here are some of the most widely held beliefs:

Algaecides are not necessary because chlorine kills all. This may be true in theory, but the chlorine level must be kept high at all times (3 ppm or higher) and not permitted to slip. This can be expensive, irritating to swimmers, will lead to bleached swimwear and vinyl liners, and is difficult to maintain. Even in high chlorine, some algae "habitate" or become accustomed to a steady level. In tropical areas, for example, black algae sets "roots" and seals itself with a tar-like coating that is unaffected by high levels of chlorine. Mustard algae is another algae that seems to thrive in chlorinated water.

Algaecides are killers and Algaestats are preventatives. This may be true by definition but one product does both jobs. The EPA does not recognize the difference between killing visible algae (Algaecide) and killing invisible algae (Algaestat). Invisible algae sounds like a contradiction but, in fact, thousands of algae are growing before they become visible in an algae bloom.

 

Algae doesn't grow in low pH water. Not true. The most common types of algae such as "planktonic blue-greens" prefer pH= 7.4-9.0. but many types live in pH-- 5.0-7.0. During periods of hot weather and intense sunlight, photosynthesis is at its peak. As algae grow, carbon dioxide (food for algae) is withdrawn from the water and the pH drifts upward. It is most common to see a green pool with a pH-- 8.0.

 

Algae doesn't grow in cold water. Temperatures have to drop to near freezing before algae move into a dormant state. Studies in the Arctic Circle indicate that as long as light is present algae will grow.

Algae can be filtered out of water. This is true for "colonies" of algae that are visible in the water, but is not true for single ceil algae, for example, that exist as small as 0.5 micron. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters particles down to 1-3 microns, sand filters particles down to 15-20 microns, cartridge filters particles down to about 20 microns. Generally, if you can see it, you can filter it.

 

CHELATORS & SEQUESTRANTS

The word CHELATE is derived from the Greek word for "claw". In pool and spa chemistry chelate means a chemical treatment to control or "coat" soluble metal ions and prevent their oxidation into unwanted colored precipitates. A chelator attaches to a metal ion like copper or iron and wraps around it like a claw.

 There are many types of chelators available in the market. Among the most widely used is a group of organic acids called "amino polycarboxylic acids". These chemicals are usually formulated into liquids that quickly attach to copper or iron ions and deactivate them. Please note that chelators will not react with metals such as finely divided iron shavings and they react very slowly with metals that are already oxidized or precipitated.

 Sequestrants differ from chelators in the way they "coat" or react with mineral ions. Sequestrants generally have a few active sites on each molecule allowing it to control two or more metal ions at a time. Because of this, sequestrants are often more powerful as stain removers and are often sold with specific stain removal directions.

FACTS ABOUT CHELATORS & SEQUESTRANTS

Many chelators and sequestrants have metal ION PREFERENCES called "displacements". This means that certain metal ions will be coated before others. The usual preference is iron, then copper, then manganese, then calcium, then magnesium. There are chelators that favor calcium first.