HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL
NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS: PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Filtration
- To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7.
- If your pump is on a timer, you should make sure that it runs during the hottest hours of the day.
- Dirty filters can cause foaming, cloudiness, and poor circulation.
- Use Filter Cleaner at least once a season OR after treating for algae
- If you have a cartridge filter, please remember to rinse the filter off periodically through the season and/or when pressure gets too high.
- Do not use a pressure washer as it could damage the fibers.
- If you have a sand filter, the media should be changed every 3-5 years and possibly sooner if it has not been chemically cleaned each season.
- If you have a cartridge filter, please remember to rinse the filter off periodically through the season and/or when pressure gets too high.
Sanitizer, Shock and Stabilizer
Sanitizer
- When using a…
- Chlorinator: Add 1-2 Aqua Foot or Maxi Pucks
- Adjusting the dial on the chlorinator as needed to keep a reading of 1-3ppm.
- Brominator: Fill the feeder half full with Brominating Tablets.
- Adjusting the dial on the brominator as needed to keep a reading of 1-3ppm.
- Chlorinator: Add 1-2 Aqua Foot or Maxi Pucks
- Always check your sanitizer level and adjust depending on use, weather conditions, etc.
Shocking
- Shocking and oxidizing eliminates bather wastes such as perspiration, body oils, and cosmetics that tend to cloud the water and use up free chlorine.
- Shocking and oxidizing will help eliminate these wastes.
- In addition to your weekly routine, a shock or oxidizer should be added after heavy use (ex. a party) or after heavy rainfall.
- Remember to remove all toys, automatic vacuums etc from the pool before shocking and leave your solar blanket off for at least 8 hours after shocking.
Stabilizer
- Stabilizer is an important chemical that needs to be added to all pools to prevent sanitizer loss due to the sun.
- Stabilizer is also added to ensure that the liner is protected, and that the liner warranty remains valid.
- Stabilizer Plus pucks should be added to ensure levels remain in range of 30-60ppm
Water Testing
- Test kits or strips can help you monitor your pool water on a weekly, or as needed basis.
- We recommend visiting our water lab for a more comprehensive water test at least once a month to maintain proper water balance.
- Monthly tests are required to ensure that the warranties on your pool equipment and pool liner remain valid.
- If any problems occur (ex. algae or cloudy water), or if you question the balance of your water, bring a water sample in for testing.
Adding Chemicals
- Before adding chemicals to your pool water, the pump needs to be running.
- To avoid cloudy water, please be sure to wait for the recommended time required between each chemical addition.
- Follow water testing printout to ensure proper dosing of chemicals.
Weekly Maintenance for Clear Water
- Treat the pool weekly, even if it is not getting regular use.
- Example weekly treatment: Zap, Algi Pro 40 and Meta Stain Prevent.
- Keep the pool circulating 24/7.
- Bring a water sample into Bud’s Spas and Pools once a month.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not leave the solar blanket on your pool for an extended period of time, as it facilitates a warm environment that algae thrives in.
- The best time to put on the solar blanket is at night and for a maximum of 12 hours. The solar blanket is meant to prevent heat loss, it will not heat the pool.
- Over time o-rings tend to break down and as a result can cause an improper seal with your pump, heaters, etc.
- Apply silicone lubricant to o-rings at the beginning and end of every pool season to prevent this from happening (or as needed through the season).
- Using something other than a silicone-based lubricant (ex. Vaseline) can lead to o-rings breaking down faster.
Things you Should be Doing on a Regular Basis
- Brush down the walls and floor once a week and before vacuuming to stir up any debris or algae that may be hiding.
- Clean out your skimmer and pump baskets often, as it can restrict the flow and use up sanitizer if there is a lot debris gathering in the baskets.
- Suction side automatic vacuums are a great way to keep your water clean, but they should not be used for any longer than 6 hours. The water at the surface is not circulating when the vacuum is in use.
- Bring a water test once a month to Bud’s Spas and Pools or whenever you are having problems with your pool water.
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