Pool Care

3-Step Maintenance Program

Here's an overview on pool care in general with step-by-step guidelines.

An Aqua Chem maintenance program has 3 simple steps: Balance, Sanitize and Shock.

Following these basic steps will be well worth it – especially when you’re swimming in your clear, sparkling pool.

Step 1: Balance

When pool water is "balanced", it has the right pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels as listed in the chart in the water testing section. Maintaining the correct levels is vital because it:

• Improves product effectiveness, especially the bacteria-killing power of chlorinating products and other sanitizers.
• Prevents eye and skin irritation.
• Prevents corrosion and the formation of scale that can damage pool equipment and cloud the water.

Total Alkalinity

Total alkalinity refers to the concentration of several chemicals in your pool water. Although not the same as pH, proper total alkalinity does help stabilize pH. If your total alkalinity is too low, the pH level will be very sensitive and may suffer drastic swings. A high alkalinity level, in addition to contributing to cloudy water and scaling, can keep the pH level high. If the total alkalinity level is too low, add Alkalinity Plus. If your level is too high, add pH Decreaser to lower the level.

pH

pH is a measure of the level of acidity or basicity (alkaline) on a scale of 0 to 14. The ideal pH range for your pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. pH is one of the most important factors in balancing your water. If your pH level is too low, add pH Add. If your pH level is too high, add pH Decreaser.

Calcium Hardness

How "hard" water is has to do with the amount of calcium and magnesium in it. Water hardness varies throughout the country. But no matter where you live, as your pool water evaporates, calcium and magnesium are left behind, which increases water hardness. If your calcium hardness level is too low, add Calcium Hardness Increaser. If the calcium hardness level is above 250 ppm, add Metal Stain & Scale Out to prevent possible scaling. If the water hardness is above 500 ppm, drain off some of the water and dilute with fresh fill water to lower the level. Retest and repeat if needed.

Step 2: Sanitize

The second step in pool care is sanitization. Sanitizing pool water kills bacteria that can be harmful to bathers and also aids in the control of algae. The continuous free chlorine level should be kept between 1.0-3.0 ppm (parts per million) for proper sanitation. Granular products – Small Pool Sanitizer - are fed directly into the pool using a spoon, scoop or other clean, dry measuring device to maintain the correct pool chlorine levels. For a larger pool... a floater can be used to apply 1" Stabilized Tablets.

(Note - If using a floater do not leave it in the pool when the pool is covered with a pool cover or solar blanket. Damage to the covers and pool may result. Build-up of gasses may occur within the floater.)

Step 3: Shock

Pool shock products oxidize (breaks down and destroy) chloramines that are formed when Nitrogen containing organic wastes, such as suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration and other wastes combine with the free chlorine residual in your pool water. The resulting chloramines cause strong chlorine odor, cloudy water, and eye irritation. A weekly shock treatment with Shock Plus, Shock with Clarifier or Shock is recommended as part of your regularly scheduled pool care program. Use more frequent applications after heavy use or rain.