Five Keys to Pool Care
The five essentials of pool maintenance described here give a basic understanding of how your pool functions. For a carefree swimming season, learn about the 5 keys and visit your BioGuard Authorized Dealer any time you need advice or expert assistance.
Keep in mind . . .
Each key is important for proper pool care. Consider each key as a simple, preventative maintenance step. Pool care can be simple when you have a plan for routine maintenance and use the right products.
Circulation
Pool water must be circulated to maximize your sanitizer’s effectiveness. The more the water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to grow and take hold. Debris is also pushed out and captured by your filter during circulation. The best time to circulate the water is during the day for about 12 hours or more.
Filtration
Your filter is one of your most important pieces of equipment! It should be backwashed (cleaning by the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media) when the water pressure in the filter reaches 8 to 10 psi above normal. Make sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines. Filters also need to be chemically cleaned to remove the oil and debris that backwashing doesn’t catch. Check with your BioGuard Dealer to establish a maintenance schedule.
Cleaning
Your filter doesn’t catch everything; some pools have areas with little to no circulation and this is where problems occur. Brush and vacuum your wall and floors at least once a week to catch the debris that your filter misses.
Testing
Every pool has characteristics that need to be regularly measured and adjusted. Your pH and sanitizer levels are the most important factors to check. Test your water two to three times per week with heavy to typical usage. Additionally, take your water to your BioGuard dealer at pool opening, closing and every four to six weeks during the season. This will keep your pool in check.
Chemistry
The last key in pool care is applying the right products at the right time. Follow the steps provided by your BioGuard Dealer to have welcoming, brilliant and sparkling water; swimmers protected from disease transmission; and protected pool equipment and surfaces by having properly balanced water.