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Chemistry of a Clear Pool
General Pool Care & Water Maintenance
Pool Care TipsThe following information will be a general outline of basic pool care.Testing WaterWhen testing water with standard pH and Chlorine test kits, submerge the tester as deep as your elbow, remove the kit and add test drops. Then shake and read immediately. While you are checking the readings, hold the kit against the sky or non-coloured background. The ideal readings for Chlorine should be 1ppm and pH at 7.2. When using test strips, make sure they do not get wet prior to using, or the reading will not be accurate.Filter SystemsThe filter's job is to stop and contain dirt, dead algae and impurities, therefore if it is not functioning properly, the result could be cloudy water, algae problems, or dirt and debris coming in through return jets.There are two popular types of filter systems. One is a Sand Filter System, and the other a Cartridge System. It is up to the filter to trap all the dirt particles, dead algae and all other impurities that build up in the water. So it is very important that the filter is runnig at full capability.
Also, the sand over time becomes smooth and round, thus becoming less efficient in trapping and holding impurities. Products on the market are designed to loosen up compacted sand, not renew it. It is our recommendation that you change the sand every 5 seasons whether it's needed or not. This will ensure optimum performance. When changing your sand in the filter, always remember to backwash the new sand for several minutes before switching to the rinse and then filter cycle. This will ensure that the fine dust in the new sand doesn't end up in the pool. With filter cartidges, the more often you clean or rinse them, the better they will function. The filter system should be free of leaks. If you are losing water, or sucking air into the system, it will decrease efficiency of the system. Cartridge filters, so they should be checked often and fixed immediately when needed. VacuumingIn order to avoid getting air in the system, submerse the hose and vacuum head into the water, then place the opposite end of the hose at a return jet and hold in place until all air bubbles are forced out of the vacuum head. Then insert the hose into the skimmer or vacuum inlet. The key to proper vacuuming is slow and even movements so as not to stir up debris. If motions are too quick, the dirt will be pushed around and be resuspended in the water. This will give an illusion of clean water, until it settles back down to the bottom of the pool. Backwash until the water from the waste outlet comes clear, then switch to rinse for approximately 15 seconds.CirculationWater jets should aim upward at an angle of 20-30 degrees and away from the skimmer to create a rippling effect across the surface, which allows debris to enter the skimmer while producing an aerating effect, which is crucial for healthy water.SanitizerIf you own a chlorinator or brominator it is a very easy and convenient way to dispense your sanitizer. Fill with chlorine or bromine and place on lowest setting or if you do not have the luxury of owning an automatic dispenser, place a puck or 2 in the skimmer basket.Solar CoversWhen using solar covers(blankets) try not to leave them on all day, especially during the hot summer days, solar covers are designed to keep the heat in, not make the water warmer. The best time to use a solar cover is in the evening when the sun goes down and to remove it during the daytime. This practice will ensure healthier water by being able to absorb the suns rays to heat the pool and also allows oxygen to enter the water. The Best TipThe best tip for pool care is to use C-POOL mineral treatment. When Introducing C-POOL into the water, do not dump in skimmer, dilute or throw abruptly on the surface, for best results sprinkle lightly on the surface approximately 6" above the water, a scoop every couple of metres around the pool.
Water MaintenanceWater ReadingsAfter a pool is up and running, and the water is clear, check water levels with a test kit.
Water HardnessMost city water is usually high in water hardness. A reading of 160 to 220ppm is ideal. it is recommended not to add pool hardener unless the reading is less than 100ppm. it is also better to have the water hardness on the low side rather than on the high side.Chlorine Or BromineA reading of 1ppm at all times is ideal. To achieve this reading, fill Chlorinator or Brominator and place on the lowest setting. If you do not use an automatic dispenser, place 1 chlorine puck in the skimmer basket at a time.Shocking Pool WaterIt is recommended to shock your pool water every week or two with liquid chlorine. The reason for shocking is to have a quick spike in your clorine reading to destroy any bacteria that have grown tolerant to regular everyday levels. It is recommended to use between 2 to 10 litres of liquid chlorine depending on pool size.
C-POOL ReadingsUnder normal conditions, the proper initial treatment and weekly maintenance will be sufficient to guarantee that there is at least .5ppm of copper present in the water. If testing, use a Copper test kit, or check at a local pool store. A reading of .5 to 1ppm of Copper is ideal.StabilizerMost Chlorine pucks have stabilizer built into them. When the pool is first opened, an ideal reading is 40ppm. With the use of stabilized pucks, the reading will gradually increase to between 75 and 80ppm, which is ideal during the peak of the summer. |
