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Tips
Helpful Tips for Pool Maintenance
Chemical Safety
Always read the label on any products and follow the directions carefully. If chemicals are used improperly, it can potentially become a hazardous situation. Always secure liquids while transporting them in your car so they will not tip over and never allow chemicals to stay in your car for a long period of time. When picking up cleaning chemicals, make the pool store your last stop. Take the cleaning chemicals out of the car immediately when you get home. Always wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, gloves, etc. according to the instructions on the product's label. Never allow children to handle these chemicals. They should always be kept out of reach with the lids securely closed.
Product containers must be opened in a well-ventilated area. Never inhale fumes or allow these chemical products to get in your eyes, nose or mouth. When opening them, turn your face to the side or point the container away from you. In the event of an accidental contact or if the product is swallowed, follow the emergency instruction on the label and call a doctor or local poison control center. The number for the poison control center is 1-800-222-1222.
Knowing your pool or spa’s exact volume will help prevent an incorrect amount of chemical products applied. Always use a bucket of water first when pre-dissolving or diluting granular or liquid products, then add the chemicals to the water. Never add water to the chemicals. Also do not mix any product with another (granular, tablet or liquid) before adding them to the pool. Add different products to the pool or spa separately and in a different area. An uncontrolled reaction such as fuming, fire or explosion could occur if you do not.
Take care when placing powdered products into the pool, especially on windy days, to prevent the powder from getting in your eyes, mouth or onto your skin. Always brush off any excess and wash the area thoroughly if any products come in contact with your skin or clothes. Never smoke around chemicals as some chemical fumes can be highly flammable. Always keep your pool products away from heat and open flames. Use a separate clean scoop for each product and never interchange measuring scoops or place wet scoops back into any measuring container. Replace all caps and lids securely on the proper container. Be sure to clean up any spills as soon as they occur then dispose of the material in a safe manner. Small spills can simply be washed off into the pool. Never use a vacuum to clean large spills. Remember that it is hazardous to throw any chemicals into the trash or put spilled material back into its original container. Keep all spills away from your lawn to avoid damage. Dispose of all chemicals according to the directions on the label.
Pool and Spa Care Product Storage
Always keep your water maintenance products in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep all pool care products tightly sealed in their original container as large, open containers often collect water and present a potential for drowning in areas where children may play. If standing water is present, action must be taken right away to find a dry location for any chemicals. Avoid storing these products in areas that are subject to rain, excessive moisture, freezing temperatures or direct sunlight. Keep your pool or spa care products away from other household or garden chemicals. Always separate dry products from liquid products as they may leak and contaminate other products. This can lead to fire, explosions or other major problems. Never store pool care or garden chemical products near c-based products. To determine if the product contains calcium hypochlorite, read the active ingredients list on the label. It is recommended to create a buffer zone between products when separating your pool care products.
Five Pool Care Tips
These five essential elements of pool maintenance will give you an understanding of how your pool operates. Pool care can be simple when you have a plan for routine maintenance and use the proper products.
Circulation
The more your water circulates, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to grow. The best time to circulate the water is during the day for a recommended time of 10 hours or more.
Filtration
Your filter is the most important piece of your pool equipment. It removes both visible and microscopic matter and should be back-washed to remove trapped material on or in your filter. When the water pressure in the filter reaches 8-10psi above normal, that is when you should back-wash it. However, back-washing does not remove oils or deeply embedded matter. Every filter needs to be chemically cleaned on a regular basis.
Cleaning
Some pools have areas with little to no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week you should scrub the walls and floor of the pool and vacuum to remove any matter that the filter misses. Even if you use an automatic pool cleaner, you must brush as well.
Testing
All pools have characteristics that must be routinely calibrated, most importantly the pH level and active sanitizer. By testing these two factors at regular periods, you will understand how usage load, weather and product will have an effect on your water. Testing your pool 2-3 times per week and every 4-6 weeks during the season will help you maintain proper water balance and reduce the potential for problems. If you have further questions about safely testing your water, contact us.
Chemistry
The final step in pool maintenance is applying the right products to your pool’s water at the right time. This will help you create a sanitary swimming environment as well as protect your equipment and pool surfaces, which can be damaged permanently by unbalanced water. It can also keep your pool water sparkling.
Six Primary Spa Care Treatment Tips
In addition to the use of a pump and filter system, maintaining your spa water's sanitation and chemistry is necessary to your health as well as to prevent damage to the tub. Bromine, chlorine or mineral sanitizers are almost used as a primary sanitizer for spas and often are supplemented with an ozone generator. Shocking the spa is recommended to periodically remove any stubborn micro-organisms due to poor water sanitation. This can be done with non-chlorine shock or a relatively large dose of granulated chlorine. Your spa should not be used for a period of time after starting the shock treatment. This is usually 15 minutes for non-chlorine shock and 8 hours for chlorine. Maintaining the water chemistry involves keeping the pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness within acceptable ranges. If the pH is not maintained in the correct range, then chlorine will not be effective in eliminating bacteria. Severe problems with the chemistry of your water can also cause the metal parts of your spa's plumbing to corrode or destroy them. Calcium hardness is important to determine and maintain properly so calcium deposits do not form on the heating element or create a white ring in your spa.
Circulation
Bacteria and other contaminants can find their way into your spa water at any time. Care should be taken to enhance circulation, which will prevent these contaminants from becoming problems.
Circulation
Bacteria and other contaminants can find their way into your spa water at any time. Care should be taken to enhance circulation, which will prevent these contaminants from becoming problems.
As the water circulates it passes through the filter and the suspended particles are trapped. It also thoroughly distributes the products that kill bacteria, eliminate undesirable compounds and help prevent related problems.
You should run your spa's circulation system every day. Check your owner's manual to determine how long your spa's circulation system should run. If your spa has a separate circulation pump that runs continuously, make sure that your system is always in good working order.
Cleaning
If left unchecked, contaminants such as dirt, oil and bacteria can accumulate at the waterline, similar to a bathtub ring. Proper spa care involves regular cleaning of surfaces to preserve the surfaces and make the whole spa environment look and feel better.
To clean your spa, you should use a skimmer net to remove floating debris and brush and vacuum the spa. If you have a skimmer basket, empty it once or twice a week. You should clean the oily ring that forms at the waterline using surface cleaning wipes or a glove sponge. This will break up the oils and debris at the waterline, so you can easily wipe the surface clean. Prevent waterline build-up with enzymes, which digest most oils and eliminate them from the water.
By removing these oils, your spa will be less likely to form foam, the surface will be easier to clean, the waterline will require less frequent cleaning and the filter will require less maintenance.
Filtration
Many spa care problems are caused by poor filtration. A filter that is operating properly helps keep the water clear by capturing hair, oils, and cosmetics that wash off of people in the spa. When the filter is dirty or clogged, this debris remains in the water. Most spas have a cartridge filter. Check your owner's manual to learn how to remove the filter for cleaning. You should clean the filter ideally every 4-6 weeks.
First, remove the cartridge. Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose debris. A hose-end nozzle works best, but a pressure washer has too much pressure for the job. (Please note: this will not eliminate the accumulated oils) Every time you clean your filter, use a filter cleaner and degreaser according to the label instructions. This will dissolve and loosen the built-up oil and dirt. Thoroughly rinse the cartridge again. Ideally, it should be allowed to dry before being returned to service. Next, return the cleaned cartridge to the filter housing. Replace the filter element as recommended by us or the manufacturer. Also, use a water clarifier every week. Some particles of debris are microscopic and too small for the filter to catch. A water clarifier will help join these tiny particles together and allow the filter to remove them, keeping the water clear.
Chemistry
By using a spa care regimen, your spa will receive numerous benefits. When followed according to instructions, the water will feel clean and comfortable and bacteria will be killed. Additionally, this will protect spa surfaces from stains caused by metals which are often dissolved in water and spa equipment from scale caused by calcium deposits. Scale can accumulate on spa surfaces and inside filters and heaters, which will greatly reduce their effectiveness.
As these Brominating Tablets dissolve, they release powerful protection against bacteria. Use them in a brominator or in a floating feeder. Do not place Brominating Tablets in the skimmer or drop directly onto the spa's surface.
Cleaning
If left unchecked, contaminants such as dirt, oil and bacteria can accumulate at the waterline, similar to a bathtub ring. Proper spa care involves regular cleaning of surfaces to preserve the surfaces and make the whole spa environment look and feel better.
To clean your spa, you should use a skimmer net to remove floating debris and brush and vacuum the spa. If you have a skimmer basket, empty it once or twice a week. You should clean the oily ring that forms at the waterline using surface cleaning wipes or a glove sponge. This will break up the oils and debris at the waterline, so you can easily wipe the surface clean. Prevent waterline build-up with enzymes, which digest most oils and eliminate them from the water.
By removing these oils, your spa will be less likely to form foam, the surface will be easier to clean, the waterline will require less frequent cleaning and the filter will require less maintenance.
Filtration
Many spa care problems are caused by poor filtration. A filter that is operating properly helps keep the water clear by capturing hair, oils, and cosmetics that wash off of people in the spa. When the filter is dirty or clogged, this debris remains in the water. Most spas have a cartridge filter. Check your owner's manual to learn how to remove the filter for cleaning. You should clean the filter ideally every 4-6 weeks.
First, remove the cartridge. Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose debris. A hose-end nozzle works best, but a pressure washer has too much pressure for the job. (Please note: this will not eliminate the accumulated oils) Every time you clean your filter, use a filter cleaner and degreaser according to the label instructions. This will dissolve and loosen the built-up oil and dirt. Thoroughly rinse the cartridge again. Ideally, it should be allowed to dry before being returned to service. Next, return the cleaned cartridge to the filter housing. Replace the filter element as recommended by us or the manufacturer. Also, use a water clarifier every week. Some particles of debris are microscopic and too small for the filter to catch. A water clarifier will help join these tiny particles together and allow the filter to remove them, keeping the water clear.
Chemistry
By using a spa care regimen, your spa will receive numerous benefits. When followed according to instructions, the water will feel clean and comfortable and bacteria will be killed. Additionally, this will protect spa surfaces from stains caused by metals which are often dissolved in water and spa equipment from scale caused by calcium deposits. Scale can accumulate on spa surfaces and inside filters and heaters, which will greatly reduce their effectiveness.
As part of this regimen, you should maintain an adequate sanitizer level at all times to kill bacteria. Bromine is an ideal bacteria fighter in spa care. Add these concentrated granules into the spa water according to label instructions. Know that a double dose of Brominating Concentrate can also serve as a shock.
As these Brominating Tablets dissolve, they release powerful protection against bacteria. Use them in a brominator or in a floating feeder. Do not place Brominating Tablets in the skimmer or drop directly onto the spa's surface.
Chlorinating Concentrate is a fast-dissolving chlorine product that is effective against bacteria and easy to apply. Simply sprinkle the granules directly into the spa according to the label instructions. A double dose can also serve as a shock.
You can use a shock dosage of Brominating or Chlorinating Concentrate to remove undesirable compounds, eliminate odors, clarify the water and restore its sparkle.
When you refill your spa with fresh water, use Stain and Scale Control products to prevent metal stains and scale buildup. If your water contains high levels of minerals or metals, a weekly maintenance dose may be added to your spa care routine.
Even if your spa is equipped with an ozone generator, you still need sanitizing and "shock products." Ozone can provide some oxidizing support, but it is very short lived.
Testing
There are 2 primary components that affect spa water quality: sanitizer and pH. When both are within their recommended range, your water is comfortable, protected and clear. Also, your sanitizers and "shock products" will work efficiently and your spa surfaces and equipment will be protected.
You should maintain sanitizer within the recommended levels:
Also, you should maintain the pH between 7.4 - 7.6. In this range, bathers are comfortable, the spa surface and equipment are protected and the sanitizers will perform efficiently.
pH is the most important aspect of spa water quality. However, maintaining the proper pH can be a challenge in a spa. The heated, aerated water, combined with heavy bather loads, can cause the pH to change quickly. That is unless there is a buffer for these changes.
You can use a shock dosage of Brominating or Chlorinating Concentrate to remove undesirable compounds, eliminate odors, clarify the water and restore its sparkle.
When you refill your spa with fresh water, use Stain and Scale Control products to prevent metal stains and scale buildup. If your water contains high levels of minerals or metals, a weekly maintenance dose may be added to your spa care routine.
Even if your spa is equipped with an ozone generator, you still need sanitizing and "shock products." Ozone can provide some oxidizing support, but it is very short lived.
Testing
There are 2 primary components that affect spa water quality: sanitizer and pH. When both are within their recommended range, your water is comfortable, protected and clear. Also, your sanitizers and "shock products" will work efficiently and your spa surfaces and equipment will be protected.
You should maintain sanitizer within the recommended levels:
- Bromine residual = 2 - 6 ppm
- Brominating Concentrate = 3-6 ppm
- Brominating Tablets = 2-4 ppm
- Chlorine residual = 3 - 5 ppm
Also, you should maintain the pH between 7.4 - 7.6. In this range, bathers are comfortable, the spa surface and equipment are protected and the sanitizers will perform efficiently.
pH is the most important aspect of spa water quality. However, maintaining the proper pH can be a challenge in a spa. The heated, aerated water, combined with heavy bather loads, can cause the pH to change quickly. That is unless there is a buffer for these changes.
Test the sanitizer and pH level several times a week using test strips. These strips provide quick, easy and accurate readings. Simply dip and read according to the label instructions.
Have a water sample checked regularly (every 4-6 weeks) for a complete water analysis. In addition to testing the pH and sanitizer, a professional analysis will measure the water's total alkalinity, calcium hardness, iron, copper, manganese and total dissolved solids.
Have a water sample checked regularly (every 4-6 weeks) for a complete water analysis. In addition to testing the pH and sanitizer, a professional analysis will measure the water's total alkalinity, calcium hardness, iron, copper, manganese and total dissolved solids.
Draining & Filling
Regular draining and refilling should be a normal part of spa care. Over time, the water absorbs and dissolves minerals, chemicals and other soluble materials. Have your water tested to see if it's time to have it replaced. High test results can make the water look dull, become foamy and develop an odor. How often you drain and refill your spa depends on how often you use it.
This simple formula can help:
(# of Spa Gallons / # of Daily Bathers) / 3 = Days Between Draining
This simple formula can help:
(# of Spa Gallons / # of Daily Bathers) / 3 = Days Between Draining
For example: (300 gallons / 2 daily bathers) / 3 = 50 days
Winterization and Seasonal Care
In the winter, you must close your pool properly. By taking steps to properly secure your pool, it lessens the chance that your pool will be damaged or compromised by freezing water. In preparation for freezing temperatures, in-ground swimming pools pipes must be blown out. An above ground pool should also be closed so that ice does not drag down the pool wall, thus collapsing its structure. The plumbing is sealed with air, typically with rubber plugs, to prevent cracking caused by freezing water. The pool is typically covered to prevent leaves and other debris from falling on top of it. The cover is attached to the pool, typically via a cable and ratchet system. The skimmer is closed off or a floating device is placed into it to prevent it from completely freezing and cracking. Drain plugs on the filter are removed after it has been cleaned. The pool pump motor is taken under a cover and winter chemicals are added to keep the pool clean.
A pool cover can be manually, semi-automatically or automatically operated. Manual covers can be easily folded and stored. Pool cover reels can also be used to manually roll up the cover, then wheeled out of the way. Semi-automatic covers use a motor driven reel system to roll and unroll the cover. However, they usually require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling or guide the cover onto the reel. Semi-automatic covers can be built into the pool deck surrounding the pool or use reels on carts. Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool with just the push of a button. They are the most expensive but convenient option. Some covers can fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool and even supports the weight of several people. These covers can be run manually, semi-automatically or automatically. Safety covers may be required by inspectors for public pools.
Pool cover materials
There are three main materials used for pool covers: vinyl, thermal bubble and debris.
A pool cover can be manually, semi-automatically or automatically operated. Manual covers can be easily folded and stored. Pool cover reels can also be used to manually roll up the cover, then wheeled out of the way. Semi-automatic covers use a motor driven reel system to roll and unroll the cover. However, they usually require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling or guide the cover onto the reel. Semi-automatic covers can be built into the pool deck surrounding the pool or use reels on carts. Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool with just the push of a button. They are the most expensive but convenient option. Some covers can fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool and even supports the weight of several people. These covers can be run manually, semi-automatically or automatically. Safety covers may be required by inspectors for public pools.
Pool cover materials
There are three main materials used for pool covers: vinyl, thermal bubble and debris.
Vinyl covers are made of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation placed between two layers of vinyl.
Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV, stabilized, floating covers which are designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools. They are typically used in spring and fall when the temperature difference between pool water and air temperature is the greatest. They can raise the water temperature of the pool by 20 degrees after being on the pool for a week. Heat is lost through evaporation.
Bubble covers are usually applied and removed by being rolled up on a device fitted to one side of the pool. Covers generally fall apart after four or five years thanks to sun rot and chlorine exposure. Bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination.
Debris covers are typically attached throughout the winter by hooked bungee cords or hooked springs connected to the pool deck. They are usually made of black or green fine PVC mesh. These covers are designed to stop leaf debris from getting into your pool. They also provide some safety for animals and small children, but should not be relied on for this alone. These covers are not popular in warmer climates, due to the 5-10 minutes it takes to fit and remove, thus making it inconvenient for repeated application and removal.
Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV, stabilized, floating covers which are designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools. They are typically used in spring and fall when the temperature difference between pool water and air temperature is the greatest. They can raise the water temperature of the pool by 20 degrees after being on the pool for a week. Heat is lost through evaporation.
Bubble covers are usually applied and removed by being rolled up on a device fitted to one side of the pool. Covers generally fall apart after four or five years thanks to sun rot and chlorine exposure. Bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination.
Debris covers are typically attached throughout the winter by hooked bungee cords or hooked springs connected to the pool deck. They are usually made of black or green fine PVC mesh. These covers are designed to stop leaf debris from getting into your pool. They also provide some safety for animals and small children, but should not be relied on for this alone. These covers are not popular in warmer climates, due to the 5-10 minutes it takes to fit and remove, thus making it inconvenient for repeated application and removal.
Safety Tips
Preparation is key to preventing near-drowning or drowning incidents. Create a safe, refreshing swimming environment by installing proper safety equipment and making sure that emergency precautions and equipment are nearby. The best rule for every household is to never swim alone.
The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission has made the following suggestions for keeping your pool or spa safe for children. Fences and walls should be at least four feet high and completely installed around the pool. Gates should be self-closing and latching with the latch out of a small child’s reach. Furniture should also be kept away from the fence areas to prevent a child from climbing into the pool area. If your house forms one side of the barrier to your pool, all doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms. Look for alarms that meet the ASTM standards. We recommend that remote alarm receivers are used, so the alarm can be heard inside the house or any areas further away from the pool.
A power safety cover can be used when the pool is not in use. You should keep rescue equipment by the pool and make sure a phone is nearby with emergency numbers posted. Knowing CPR is also important. Never leave pool toys and floats in the pool area as they may attract young children. For above ground pools, steps and ladders should be secured, locked or removed when the pool is not in use. If a child is missing, always look in the pool first.
To prevent possible body entrapment and hair entanglement, have your drain suction fittings and covers on your pool and spa inspected. This will make sure that they are the proper size, properly attached and meet current safety standards. If your pool or spa has a single drain outlet, consider installing a safety vac release system that breaks the vacuum to avoid any potential entrapment conditions.
The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission has made the following suggestions for keeping your pool or spa safe for children. Fences and walls should be at least four feet high and completely installed around the pool. Gates should be self-closing and latching with the latch out of a small child’s reach. Furniture should also be kept away from the fence areas to prevent a child from climbing into the pool area. If your house forms one side of the barrier to your pool, all doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms. Look for alarms that meet the ASTM standards. We recommend that remote alarm receivers are used, so the alarm can be heard inside the house or any areas further away from the pool.
A power safety cover can be used when the pool is not in use. You should keep rescue equipment by the pool and make sure a phone is nearby with emergency numbers posted. Knowing CPR is also important. Never leave pool toys and floats in the pool area as they may attract young children. For above ground pools, steps and ladders should be secured, locked or removed when the pool is not in use. If a child is missing, always look in the pool first.
To prevent possible body entrapment and hair entanglement, have your drain suction fittings and covers on your pool and spa inspected. This will make sure that they are the proper size, properly attached and meet current safety standards. If your pool or spa has a single drain outlet, consider installing a safety vac release system that breaks the vacuum to avoid any potential entrapment conditions.
Contact New Era Pools and Spas today to learn more!
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