August 2010
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The Importance of Proper Ventilation for Indoor Spas
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Steps to Ensure A Safe, Fun-filled Pool Season
in Maintenance
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Pool Cleaning Tips for the Summer
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Save Money & Energy with a Solar Pool Heater
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Choose the Right Pool Cover
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Ready, Set, Open Your Pool
March 2009
by Jenn Danko
Related Articles
Spring is in full bloom, and for many parts of the country, that means it’s time to open your pool. No matter what seasonal issues you might be faced with when opening your pool for spring—whether it’s debris on the cover or an algae bloom underneath—the solutions are simpler than you might think.
Leaves, Debris
Issue: My pool’s cover is cluttered with leaves and standing water.
Solution: To remove the debris, Paul Kurke, training manager for Arch Chemicals, recommends using a pool rake with a net that’s usually 18 to 24 inches deep. Once most of the debris is gone, standing water can be removed in one of two ways. “If you have an above-ground pool, you can siphon it out. Or for about $60 to $70, you can purchase a pool cover pump,” he says. The device attaches easily to a garden hose, lasts for years and is no larger than the size of a grapefruit.
Algae
Issue: When I took off my pool cover, I discovered some green algae in my water.
Solution: Fill your pool to its normal operating level—usually halfway across the skimmer—and allow the water to circulate 12 to 24 hours before taking a water sample to a pool dealer to check the chemical balance, Kurke says. “Be prepared to tell the dealer how much algae is in your pool, so the technician can prescribe the proper product and procedure,” he advises. To rid the problem, your pool dealer may recommend adding a product like POOLIFE® TurboShock® treatment to kill the algae. Non-chlorine treated pools must use a product that is compatible with non-chlorine sanitizers, such as BAQUACIL® Premium Algicide. An algae infestation also warrants chemically cleaning your filter. To learn how, read “What You Should Know About Cleaning Your Filter”. For further instructions on getting rid of algae, read “Eliminate Algae for a Gorgeous Pool.”
Cloudy Water
Issue: My water is cloudy, and I need to make it crystal clear in time for my pool season kick-off party.
Solution: The No. 1 cause of cloudy water is a chemical imbalance—and often an early sign of an algae bloom. To avoid problems, Kurke recommends running your pool filter pump for a minimum of 10 to 12 hours each day. To correct the existing problem, ask your dealer about super chlorinating your pool with POOLIFE® TurboShock product (for chlorine-based pools). If your pool is operated on a chlorine-free BAQUACIL system, bring a sample of the water to your pool dealer for analysis to ensure the correct product and application. For additional tips on how to eliminate cloudy water, read & ldquo;Clear Up Your Cloudy Water.”
Stains
Issue: When I removed my cover, I discovered stains on the pool surfaces.
Solution: Stains require fast action. “The first thing a pool owner should do is take a water sample to his or her pool dealer to determine what kind of stain it is,” Kurke says. Metallic stains, which are caused by iron or copper, require the addition of chelating or sequestering products added directly into the pool. If stains are spotted in time, they can easily be removed. If you ignore a metallic stain, you risk permanent discoloration on your pool’s surfaces. Your pool dealer may also carry stain identification kits to help you test the water yourself and identify the type of stain. Super chlorinating the pool can remove the organic stains caused by leaves and similar debris. If your pool is treated with the chlorine-free BAQUACIL system, use BAQUACIL Oxidizer to remove organic stains. To learn how to keep your pool stain-free, read “Secrets to a Pool Without Stains.”
Opening your pool this season doesn’t have to be a worrisome and tough process. Make it simple and easy by following this printable step-by-step checklist.
