Frequently Asked Question
This sampling of FAQs should
help with some basic chemistry information and
trouble-shooting issues. Of course, talking to us is
always your best bet.
What can
I do if algae shows up in my pool?
BioGuard® offers many
solutions based on your individual needs. Your Dealer
will make educated recommendations after performing a
water sample test. BioGuard has products such as:
-
Banish® to kill all types of swimming pool
algae.
-
Spot Kill® which is
formulated to kill black algae on walls.
-
Spot Kill WP which should
only be used on white plaster pools is also
formulated for killing black algae on walls.
Learn more about different
algae types and suggested BioGuard treatments in our troubleshooting
page.
My water
looks cloudy. How can I fix that?
Your best course of action
is to take a water sample to us. We can test your water
and provide personalized instructions on the best
corrective measures. Some suggestions your dealer
may provide are:
(Note: For BioGuard SoftSwim®
pools, use SoftSwim
Filter Aid and Flocculent.)
What is
the purpose of sanitizing my pool?
Sanitizing pool water kills
bacteria that can be harmful to bathers and also aids in
controlling algae. You need to constantly check and
maintain your sanitizer level because bacteria enter the
pool continuously from many sources. BioGuard offers
several chlorine/bromine based sanitizer
options, or explore our non-chlorine sanitizers, SoftSwim®
and Mineral
Springs®.
What is
Free Available Chlorine?
This is the active chlorine
in the water that has not combined with organic matter
and is therefore available for killing bacteria and
algae. The proper range for free chlorine residual is
1-3 ppm. Below 1 ppm can cause swimmer irritation,
cloudy water and even allow algae to grow. You should
test often throughout the summer when the pool is used
most.
Why do I have to "shock" my
pool water?
"Shocking" your pool water
chemically destroys the organic contaminants introduced
by bathers and the environment. They restore water
clarity, help maintain water balance and eliminate the
main causes of eye and nose irritation.
What
products can help me with stains caused by metals in the
water?
-
-
Sparkle-Up® aids in removal of copper and
iron from the water.
-
-
How can
I prevent scale from forming?
Use BioGuard
Scale Inhibitor to help prevent scale formation that
can cause serious damage to pool surface and equipment.
How
often should I clean my pool filter?
It is recommended that pool
filters be cleaned at least two times a pool season -
mid-summer and in the fall - or more often if needed.
The filter should also be cleaned at spring opening if
it wasn't cleaned as part of the pool closing procedure
in the fall. Kleen
It® removes oil, grease, dirt and scale from D.E.,
sand and cartridge filters.
What is
pH?
It's a way to measure the
acidity or alkalinity of water. This is the most
important part of chemical balance because it protects
the equipment, allows the sanitizer to do its best job
and increases swimmer enjoyment.
Ideal range 7.4 to 7.6
What is
total alkalinity (TA)?
It's a measure of the
water's ability to resist changes in pH. pH can be
affected by environmental factors such as acid rain,
pollution, run-off from the surrounding land, and
fertilizers-just to name a few.
Keeping the TA at the proper
range will help prevent pH from fluctuating and help
prevent scale and cloudy water.Ideal range 125 to 150
ppm
What is
calcium hardness (CH)?
It's the amount of dissolved
calcium in the water. Keeping CH at the proper range
will help protect equipment and keep water sparkling. It
also helps prevent cloudy water.
Ideal range 175 to 225 ppm
(200 to 275 ppm for plaster and SoftSwim®)
-
-
-
If over 400 ppm, it
may be necessary to partially drain the pool and
add source water with lower CH.
