|
Helpful Hints
Click below to read more on...
So you bought a house with
a swimming pool
Water Condition
Chemical Safety
Pool Terms
So you
bought a house with a swimming pool
 You've
been searching for months for the perfect home. One that's
in the right neighborhood, has the right amount of space and
the right price tag. And you've finally found it. There's
even an added feature you might not have been expecting: a
swimming pool in the backyard.
You're looking forward to the many relaxing days you'll spend
pool side but you may also be concerned that you won't know
how to take care of the newly acquired pool. Don't worry.
Just as you learned to cut the grass and clean the gutters,
you can learn to keep your new pool in top condition, too.
Maintaining a pool can be a simple routine if you know the
correct information and a few user-friendly products and services.
And fortunately for you, help is just around the corner...
or a few miles away, depending on where this `perfect house'
is located. Many new pool owners incorrectly assume that pool
maintenance is a time-consuming chore. But once a pool is
in top form, regular maintenance is as easy as 1-2-3.
Here are some basic pool care guidelines you should follow
to take the guesswork out of pool care and ensure the water
is in top form when you take your first dip. The first step
should be to ensure that the water is balanced. A balanced
pool will make regular maintenance easier and will prevent
potential damage to pool equipment. To do this, take a sample
of the pool water *o your local pool and spa professional.
BioGuard Authorized Dealers can provide a free, computerized
water analysis of your pool water, as well as a customized
prescription for bringing the water into top form.
Once your water is balanced, follow these simple steps to
keep your pool clean and clear throughout the summer season:
- Step 1 -
Sanitize the water with stabilized chlorine to kill bacteriacontinuously.
- Step 2 -
'Shock' the pool to re-move swimmers' wastes (i.e., cosmetics,
perspiration, suntan lotion, etc.) and restore water sparkle.
- Step 3 -
Prevent algae by adding an algaecide to pool water.
These three steps allow pool owners to spend more time in
the pool and less time maintaining it. The BioGuard Once-a-Week
3-Step Program includes all three steps in one easy-touse
program for simple and effective pool care.
So, go ahead and sign the contract on that new house and
leave our worries behind. With these three simple steps to
clean, clear water, your new pool is just one more reason
the house will be the perfect choice for you and your family!
Top
Water
Conditions
 Cloudy
water Hazy, murky appearance. Caused by poor filtration, inadequate
circulation, water balance, low sanitizer levels and/or lack
of routine oxidation.
Algae A common "green" algae that can be free floating
or wall-clinging. Ranges in severity from patches on walls
and bottoms to entire pools. Can clog filters and create surface
damage if left unchecked.
Black Algae Forms in cracks and crevices on pool surfaces,
especially plaster finishes. Known for skeletal growths that
make it impervious to normal chlorine levels.
Mustard (yellow) Algae A chlorine-resistant form of green
algae. Often resembles dirt or sand on bottom or sides of
pool. It can be brushed away very easily, but returns quickly.
Although it usually creates a large Chlorine demand, it has
been known to survive in high levels of Chlorine.
Staining Discoloration of pool equipment and surfaces caused
by contamination, sunlight and metals in pool water.
Pink Slime Often categorized as algae, but is actually a
bacterial growth. Develops in remote places: inside the skimmer,
behind the light, underneath ladder treads, around return
fittings, and inside automatic pool cleaners.
Foam Foam is caused by elevated levels of algicide or a foaming
algicide in pools with jetted returns, attached spas or water
features
Scale Scale formation is caused by high calcium hardness.
Chlorine Residual The most common cause of increased chlorine
demand is a high level of contaminants.
Top
The ABC's
of Pool and Chemical Safety
- Always read directions for the use, storage and handling
of pool chemical products. Do not overdose your pool, use
the exact amounts specified on the label.
- Never mix chemicals together-the reaction could cause
an explosion or fire may occur. Always add chemicals to
pool water separately.
- Keep chemicals out of reach of children. Only a responsible
adult should handle pool chemicals, Store products safely
in a cool, well ventilated area. Always keen chemical containers
closed.
- Never smoke around pool chemicals. Some chemicals have
highly flammable fumes that could ignite from a lighted
cigarette of match.
The bottom line of most pool safety is to use basic common
sense. Taking a responsible approach to safety can allow pool
owners to have the worry-free enjoyment they deserve.
Top
Pool Terms
 This
glossary is a tool for getting acquainted with a variety of
pool-related terms. You will be better able to maintain your
pool with a basic understanding of the words below. Either
browse around or search for a particular word:
Algae Microscopic plants capable of rapid reproduction.
Algicides Products that prevent or control algae growth.
Bacteria Microscopic organisms, some of which are harmful
to bathers.
Balanced Water The proper ratio of mineral content and pH
that prevents pool water from being corrosive or scale-forming.
Bromine A halogen element alternatively used as a sanitizer
for pools.
Calcium Hardness (CH) The amount of dissolved calcium in
water. Ideal range 175 - 275 ppm depending on surface type.
Chlorine A halogen element, compounds of which are widely
used in pool water sanitation.
Chloramines Irritating compounds formed by the combination
of nitrogenous compounds and free chlorine. Nitrogenous compounds
are introduced into the water by urine, perspiration, cosmetics,
suntan oils, etc.
Chlorine Demand The amount of a free available chlorine residual
needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a stable
residual for effective sanitation.
Chlorine Residual The amount of total chlorine in pool water.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramine) Chlorine which is bonded to
other compounds.
Dry Acid Product used to lower pH and total alkalinity; preferred
over muriatic acid (HCl) for handling, storage and safety
issues. BioGuard Lo' N Slo®.
Top
 Free
(Available) Chlorine Chlorine in a form capable of bacteria
and algae destruction. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.
Oxidize (see Shock Treatment)
pH A way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water. This
is the most important part of chemical balance. (Ideal range
7.4-7.6)
ppm Parts Per Million, a measurement for chemical concentration.
Reagent Tablets powder or liquid material for use in water
testing.
Scale Coarse calcium or silicate deposits on swimming pool
wall, floors and circulation plumbing, especially in heat
exchangers.
Saturation Index A value based on water temperature, total
alkalinity, calcium hardness and pH. The value predicts the
tendency of pool water to be corrosive, neutral or scale-forming.
Shock Treatment Adding an oxidizing compound to the pool
water to chemically break up (oxidize) contaminants such as
suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration and windblown dirt.
Stabilized Chlorinating Products Form of chlorine used to
sanitize pool water. Favored for its economy and ability to
remain active in strong sunlight.
Stabilizer Cyanuric acid a compound that prevents the dissipation
of chlorine residuals by sunlight. BioGuard® Stabilizer
100™.
Superchlorination Adding enough chlorine (3 to 5 times usual
dose) to destroy chlorine demand compounds and combined chlorine.
Total Alkalinity (TA) The amount of the alkaline components
in water. TA acts as a buffer against rapid pH fluctuation.
(Ideal range 125-150)
Undesirable Compounds Substances introduced in the water
by people or the environment that interfere with ideal pool
conditions.
Top
Agincourt Pools
Service Limited © - All rights reserved. |
