Opening
your pool
Doing it
the right way can mean the difference
between a summer of fun and a summer of
headaches! Follow these important (and
easy) steps to ensure a smooth, carefree
pool opening in the spring. And
remember, your local BioGuard®
Dealer is always ready to assist
with information tailored to your
specific pool care needs.
1. Remove
pool cover (skip this step for new
pools)
Drain
off any accumulated water on the
cover away from your pool. Once
removed, clean with BioGuard
Stow-A-Way® to prevent sticking
and odors. Store in a dry place,
free of debris and protected from
the sun and weather.
2. Fill
your pool
Your
pool should be filled to the middle
of the skimmer opening to allow for
proper circulation.
3. Check
your pump, skimmer basket & filter
4. Get your
water tested
Be sure
to circulate pool water 24 to 48
hours before taking a water sample.
Using a clean plastic container (or
better still, one that your dealer
provides), scoop about one quart of
water from elbow-depth. Seal the
container and take it to your BioGuard
Dealer for testing and analysis.
BioGuard
pioneered the idea of computerized
water analysis. Over the past 25
years, we have used our resources to
research, develop and refine the
science of water analysis. Today,
our computerized water analysis
system provides accurate results
almost instantly. You receive
personalized instructions for
starting the pool. Help keep your
water perfectly balanced by bringing
in a water sample at least once
every month during the pool season.
5. Test
sanitizer & pH levels
You can test
sanitizer and pH levels yourself using
the BioGuard 1200V Test Kit or BioGuard
Test Strips to check free chlorine,
total bromine residuals and pH levels
and Total Alkalinity.
Use the
following chart to determine proper
levels.
|
Free
chlorine residual |
1.0 to 3.0 ppm |
|
Total Bromine residual |
1.0 to 3.0 ppm |
|
pH |
7.4 to 7.6 is ideal range (7.2
-7.6 is acceptable) |
|
Total Alkalinity |
125 to 150 ppm |
|
Calcium Hardness:
Plaster pools
All other types |
200 to 275 ppm
175 to 225 ppm |
6. Routine maintenance
Routine
maintenance is the best way to maintain
your pool. And with one of BioGuard's
easy-to- use 3-step pool
care programs, it's as easy as
1-2-3! We even have a non-chlorine
system-our SoftSwim®
Program-if you prefer pool care that
doesn't use chlorine to sanitize!
Closing for winter
Winterizing
is the most important thing you can do
to make your spring pool opening as easy
as possible. There are enormous benefits
to correctly closing your pool,
including:
-
Protecting your pool surfaces and
equipment.
-
Keeping
water looking its best all winter
long.
-
Protecting equipment from freeze
damage.
-
Saving
money on extra maintenance when you
open your pool.
Whether you
completely cover your pool or just
reduce maintenance, BioGuard® can make
winterizing painless. Convenient Artic
Blue® Winter Kits include the
products you need for cold weather care.
Vacation
preparation
While on
vacation, debris and bacteria can
collect in your pool and upset the water
balance. Consider a "vacation plan" to
prevent problems so you can come home to
a clear pool and not a messy surprise.
-
Contact your BioGuard
Dealer for a vacation
maintenance plan. (Your dealer
can give you instructions based
on your specific BioGuard
Program.)
-
Clean your pool thoroughly,
brushing and vacuuming walls and
floors.
-
Test
pool water and make sure it's
properly balanced. Anything
that's out of balance-total
alkalinity, pH, calcium
hardness-will likely get worse
when left unattended.
-
Run
your pump at least eight hours a
day to help prevent algae and
bacteria growth. (Either set
your timer or ask a neighbor to
turn it on and off.)
-
Upon returning,
have your BioGuard
Dealer perform a water
analysis to ensure that your
pool is properly balanced and
ready for swimming.
