POOL CARE TIPS
Clean water and balanced water chemistry are the keys to pool maintenance. Establish a weekly routine to clean the pool and maintain the chemical balance. Test and remove phosphates from the pool. Test and balance the calcium hardness, alkalinity, and pH weekly. Adding a 60% algaecide monthly is good preventive maintenance. A shock treatment solves and prevents the majority of pool problems. We recommend the use of non-chlorine oxygen shock (MPS – Monopersulfate). Shock the pool weekly and also when the following occur:
Very heavy rains and windstorms • More swimmers than usual • Foul odor from the pool water • Extreme temperatures • Swimmers with burning, red eyes • Algae growth • Murky, slimy water
Balance Your Pool
A properly balanced swimming pool means it has just the right total alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness levels. Maintain correct levels and all should run smoothly. Proper balancing keeps your metal equipment and accessories from corroding and plaster surfaces from etching. It also prevents scale formation that can damage pool equipment, stain surfaces and cloud your water. Best of all, it prevents eye and skin irritation. If you are using chlorine and not one of our natural systems, your continuous chlorine level should always fall between 1-3ppm for proper sanitation and to prevent bacteria and algae.
Shock Your Pool
Shocking should be done weekly, without fail. It can get rid of contaminants that cause cloudy water, chlorine odor and eye irritation, while also preventing future problems and reducing the need for other chemicals. There are a variety of shock products for use in any pool. We highly recommend the use of non-chlorine oxygen shock (MPS – Monopersulfate).
Add Algaecide to Your Pool
Like an alien invasion, millions of tiny microscopic plants in the form of algae can march into your pool by rain, wind and fill water. Leave it unchecked and your water will quickly become unusable due to clogged filters, low water circulation and reduced effectiveness of pool chemicals. Algaecides prevent algae from taking over the pool and are good preventive maintenance.
Clean the Pool
Daily: Skim debris out of the pool and clean all skimmer baskets during swimming season.
Weekly: Test the water and clean the walls and floor. Use nets, brushes and vacuums recommended by the pool manufacturer. Start at the shallow end and continue to the deep end. Overlap each stroke when vacuuming and brushing to cover all areas thoroughly. Always keep the vacuum head under water while in use. To speed up the process, dedicate 10 minutes a day to brushing down the walls, hose down the pool area after cleaning and before using. Direct the spray away from the pool to prevent dirt from washing into the water.
SWIM
PLAY
LOVE
SAFETY TIPS
Swim, Play, Love but be safe while doing it!
- Floating toys are irresistible to children and will attract them to it like a magnet. Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4′ high safety fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
- Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool – never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Keep electrical appliances, such as radios, away from pool edge, to avoid electrocution.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
- Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
- Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving”, “stay away from drain covers”, “swim with a buddy” and “walk please”.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.
(courtesy of AmericanRedCross.org)
