Pool Tips

This month's tip will help you sustain and maintain a perfectly balanced pool!

The heat of summer has arrived and by now your pool is probably warm and ready to swim in.  However, the increased water temperatures of your pool can become one of your biggest pool issu es if you do not take care of your pool ASAP (Algaecide, Shock, Alkalinity, and pH).
1. ALGAECIDE

Did You Know?

-There are over 21,000 known species of algae!

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:
In the world of pools, algae is broken down into categories by the color it appears as (Black, Green, Yellow, or Pink).  Fortunately, algae is easily preventable and in most cases easy to treat.
Treating your pool once a week for algae as well as keeping your pool clean by brushing the walls and vacuuming the entire pool will keep algae out of your pool.

2. SHOCK

Did You Know?

-Shock should be used on a weekly basis to ensure clear, crisp, and odor free pool water.

CHOICES OF SHOCK:
Shock is a chemical that comes in powder or liq uid form but will do just about the same thing.
3. ALKALINITY

Did You Know?

-Alkalinity is not the same thing as pH a nd in fact, without the proper alkalinity level, the pH of your pool may be near impossible to stabilize.

MAINTAINING PROPER ALKALINITY LEVELS:
Test strips are a great way to check your pools alkalinity.  Once you know the alkalinity of your pool it is an easy weekly task to control its level by adding an alkalinity increaser or a pH minus.
4. pH

Did You Know?

-One of the most important factors in keeping your pool in check is keeping an ideal pH of between 7.2 and 7.6.

BALANCING YOUR pH:
Living in the location we do, acid rain is a major contributor to our pool water.  Acid rain greatly affects the pH of your pool and therefore pH should be checked every week.  The acid rain will make most pool's pH low so a pH plus may need to be added to maintain the proper pH.
In some rare cases however, a pH minus may be needed.
Having the perfect pH in your pool is essential to reducing equipment corrosion, eye irritation, and skin dryness.  A great way to test your pool's pH is to use a pool water test strip.



Test strips come in varying quantities and can measure multiple levels such as pH, chlorine, bromine, total chlorine, total alkalinity, total hardness, and stabilizer.

DO NOT FORGET!
Adding chemicals to your pool water is not the only thing you need to obtain your perfect pool.  Always remember to:

-Check your skimmer basket for debris
-Vacuum your pool
-Skim your pool for leaves and other debris
-Brush the walls to cut down on algae buildup
-Check the filter and backwash if necessary