Guide to Understanding your Pool
1. Before You Dive In Splash Zone offers important pool safety tips
2.
Store and Handle Pool Chemicals Correctly
3. Pool Terms: What Does It All Mean?
4. Chlorine Demand: The Key to Properly Sanitizing Your Swimming Pool Water
5. Why is pH such an important factor in pool maintenance?
7. Make Your Pool Water Softer Than Ever With BioGuard® Maximizer™
8. Regular Testing Ensures High Quality Pool Water
9. The Splash Zone Takes You Back-to-School
- Increase Your Knowledge at Pool School
-
1. Before You Dive In Splash Zone offers important pool safety tips
Amidst the poolside barbecues, splashing in the water, and summer
fun, pool owners often overlook safety as a top priority. By taking
the following precautions, you can create a fun and inviting
swimming environment, in the water and out:
* Learn how to swim, never swim alone, and do not allow young
children to swim without adult supervision.
* Learn CPR.
* Set and enforce strict pool rules such as: no running, no diving,
etc. Post a list of rules near the pool area.
* Keep a pole and ring buoy with rope by the pool at all times. Know
how to use each effectively, and make sure to replace these items in
the same location each time you use them.
* Always have a first-aid kit handy.
* Keep a cordless phone and a list of important phone numbers nearby
in case of emergencies. Also, list the address of the pool
residence, should someone other than the homeowner need to make the
emergency phone call.
* Use multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning, such as a
fence around the pool with a self-latching, self-closing gate, as
well as a pool alarm.
It is also important to keep the water conditioned for use. We
recommend the following for your pool water:
* Check the pH and sanitizer levels before you take the first swim.
Bring a water sample into our store for a free testing.
* Create a regular schedule of maintenance that includes three
steps: sanitation, oxidation and clarification, and algae
protection.
* Be careful with pool chemicals--never smoke near them or mix
different chemicals. Use care when opening containers and always
read and follow label directions.
* Keep chemicals out of the reach of children.
For more information on pool safety or the effective use of pool and
spa products visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us
at (239) 992-8999.
2. Store and Handle Pool Chemicals Correctly
Ensure you handle and store your chemicals correctly. BioGuard®
offers the following tips to remind pool owners that chemical safety
is a top priority:
* Read the product label and follow directions carefully.
* Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and
in different areas. Do not mix chemicals of any kind together.
* Do not inhale fumes or allow products to get into your eyes, nose,
or mouth.
* Do not smoke near chemicals.
* Store chemical products safely and out of the reach of children.
* Clean up any spills as soon as they occur and dispose of the
material in a safe manner.
* Keep pool maintenance products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated
area, away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum
products.
* Keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.
* Not all chlorinated products are the same even if they are
packaged similarly or smell the same. Never mix chlorinated products
of different brand, type, or kind.
* When adding products to a bucket to dilute, always add products to
water. Never add water to products.
For more information on how to use chemicals in a safe manner, or on
the effective use of pool and spa products, visit us at 20778 Estero
Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239) 992-8999.
3. Pool Terms: What Does It All Mean?
Swimming pool retailers and consumers alike share the responsibility
of knowing how to maintain clean, sparkling water. But for
consumers, some of the terminology may be confusing when they walk
into a store and realize they haven't had chemistry in years. Here
are some of the most commonly used terms every swimming pool owner
should know:
Algicide Products that prevent or control algae growth. The
term algicide is used for both algistats and true algicides
interchangably.
Bromine A halogen element; brominated compounds provide an
alternative primary sanitizer for pools; widely used in spas and
indoor pools (Ideal levels are 1.0 - 3.0 ppm for residential pools;
3.0 to 5.0 ppm for commercial pools).
Chlorine Demand The amount of free available chlorine
residual needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a
stable residual for effective sanitation. If a pool is unable to
maintain or measure a free available chlorine residual, it is likely
that the pool has a chlorine demand. This chlorine demand must be
satisfied before you can maintain a stable chlorine residual and
effectively sanitize your pool. Chlorine demand is measured in the
amount of free available chlorine residual needed to destroy the
organic contaminants causing your chlorine demand.
Chlorine A halogen element, chlorinating compounds are widely
used to sanitize pool water.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramines) Substance formed when free
available chlorine combines with urine, sweat or other contaminants.
Causes chlorine odor as well as irritation of the skin and eyes. The
difference in your Total Chlorine reading and your Free (Available)
Chlorine reading is combined chlorine.
Free (Available) Chlorine A form of chlorine compound capable
of destroying bacteria and algae. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 PPM.
Halogen A family of elements containing chlorine, bromine,
fluorine, iodine and astatine. Halogens are commonly used in a
variety of sanitizing situations.
Lint Pump/Pump Pot A bowl-like container located in the
plumbing of the pool directly in front of the pump. This container
has a basket insert to catch leaves and other debris to prevent them
from entering the pump.
Oxidizer A chemical that breaks up contaminants such as
suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration and windblown dirt found in
pool water. Oxidizers are used to break down chloramines. Also known
as "shock".
pH A way of measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water.
This is the most important part of chemical balance. Proper pH makes
swimmers more comfortable, keeps water clear, protects pool surface
and equipment, and allows sanitizers to work more efficiently. pH is
measured on a scale from 0-14. Preferred range: is 7.4 - 7.6.
PPM Parts Per Million is a unit of measurement for chemical
concentration, usually in water.
Sanitizers Products that are added to pool water in order to
control bacteria growth.
Saturation Index A value based on water temperature, total
alkalinity, calcium hardness and pH. This value predicts the
tendency of the pool water to be corrosive, neutral or scale
forming.
Shock An oxidizer used in the maintenance of pool water.
Eliminates contaminants such as suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration
and windblown dirt found in pool water.
Skimmer A device in a pool wall that continuously removes the
surface water and floating debris to be taken away by the filter.
Skimmer Weir A flap-like piece located within the skimmer at
the entrance point for water from the pool into the skimmer. The
weir provides a dropping surface for water exiting the pool into the
skimmer when the water level of the pool is properly adjusted. This
dropping surface creates the maximum skimming action, providing for
removal of floating debris from the pool surface.
Superchlorination The process involving the adding of
chlorinating compound (3 to 5 times the usual dosage) to destroy
chlorine demand compounds and combined chlorine.
Total Alkalinity (TA) Total Alkalinity is a measure of pool
water's ability to resist pH change. Total Alkalinity is also
measured as part of every Splash Zone water analysis. Ideal range is
125 - 150 ppm.
Total Chlorine The sum of free available chlorine (active
sanitizing form of chlorine) and combined chlorine (odorous,
non-active form of chlorine) present in water.
Water Balance The proper ratio of mineral content and pH that
prevents pool water from being corrosive or scale forming. The
chlorine and bromine residuals work best in water that is properly
balanced. Balanced water is also more comfortable for swimmers and
better for equipment. Water balance is determined by making sure
that swimming pool water has the appropriate levels of pH (7.4 -
7.6), Total Alkalinity (125 - 150 ppm), and Calcium Hardness (200 to
275 ppm for Plaster & SoftSwim® Pools; 175 - 225ppm for all other
types).
For more information on maintaining your swimming pool or spa, or to
find out more about The Splash Zone’s free computerized water
analysis, visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at
(239) 992-8999.
4. Chlorine Demand: The Key to Properly Sanitizing Your Swimming Pool Water
Proper pool maintenance is the result of an effective pool care
program. Dissolved and undissolved debris together jeopardize pool
sanitation levels, increasing the demand for chlorine in the fight
against existing pollutants. Chlorine demand is the amount of free
available chlorine needed to destroy existing bacteria and
pollutants, and establish a stable residual for effective
sanitation.
Effective sanitization of your pool water depends on maintaining
enough free available chlorine to kill new bacteria and eliminate
other pollutants as they enter the pool. This chlorine is called a
free chlorine residual.
To determine the chlorine demand for your pool or spa water, visit
The Splash Zone. Just bring in a water sample, and we will provide
you with a computerized analysis of your pool water. Our pool and
spa experts will help you choose the best program for your pool or
spa water.
Our programs are developed by BioGuard to be easy to use, so you
won't spend all of your leisure time working on the pool. Instead,
you'll be enjoying your pool.
For more information on the effective use of pool and spa products
visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239)
992-8999.
5. Why is pH such an important factor in pool maintenance?
The best way to manage your swimming pool water so that you keep
soft, clear water is through a maintenance program that ensures
properly balanced water. Sanitizers such as chlorinating and
brominating products work best in water that is properly balanced.
Balanced water is more comfortable for swimmers and protects your
pool equipment. pH is the primary factor in maintaining balanced
water.
If your pool water's pH is too high or too low, the water will not
feel soft and silky to swimmers. More importantly, the water may
cause swimmers to develop itchy or irritated skin and burning,
blood-shot eyes.
Generally speaking, a high pH will yield cloudy water, and a low pH
will promote clear water. As a matter of fact, low pH is a huge
problem because the water does not give any visual indication that
there is a problem. This low pH not only makes swimmers
uncomfortable it also eats away at your pool equipment.
At The Splash Zone, we offer products that combat either low pH or
high pH. BioGuard® Balance Pak 200® is
designed to restore proper pH balance to pool water with low pH.
BioGuard Lo 'N Slo™ restores proper pH balance to pool water with
high pH.
To find out if your pool water is properly balanced, just bring in a
water sample and our professionals will provide you with an Accu-Scan
computerized water analysis. Visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero,
FL or call us at (239) 992-8999.
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Calcium hardness is a measurement of the calcium levels in water. As
the most prevalent mineral in water, it is a strong indicator of
proper mineral balance -- or the lack of balance.
Water that has too little calcium is classified as aggressive
because it displays the need to satisfy its mineral appetite. The
surface of plaster pools and spas is very vulnerable to this
aggressive search for mineral satisfaction.
Water's appetite for calcium changes with the temperature. When
water is cold, it works more aggressively to dissolve calcium from
surfaces and equipment. This results in corrosion or etching of pool
surfaces. When water is warm, it forces calcium out and the calcium
deposits form scale more readily.
The Splash Zone provides pool owners with free computerized water
analysis that determines water balance. If necessary, our pool
professionals can recommend one of many pool water treatment
solutions, such as Balance Pak 300™ from BioGuard®, to
properly balance calcium levels in your pool water.
For more information on the effective use of pool and spa products,
visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239)
992-8999.
7. Make Your Pool Water Softer Than Ever With BioGuard® Maximizer™
Every swimming pool owner wants to enjoy the benefits of their
investment. They key to maximizing your swimming pool experience
lies in making sure you've got soft, clear water. Now, your dream
water is a reality that's only minutes away.
MaximizerTM
from BioGuard® works in pools
treated with chlorinating and brominating products, as well as
biguanide pools, to suppress algae growth and make the water soft.
MaximizerTM
enhances water quality, reduces eye and skin
irritation and creates sparkling swimming pool water. In addition,
it provides improved buffering in the water, making it easier to
maintain the proper water balance for protection of equipment and
pool surfaces. MaximizerTM
significantly reduces the likelihood
of cloudiness, algae growth and other problems in pools, making
lower operating costs more attainable.
MaximizerTM
works in pools with any surface type, and is
compatible with all pool treatments. The benefits of using MaximizerTM
are long-lasting, whether consumers are using chlorinating,
brominating or biguanideTM
products as a sanitizer. Pools operated
with alternative sanitizer systems such as ionizers, ozone and
chlorine generators also will benefit from the use of MaximizerTM.
For more information on MaximizerTM, please visit The Splash Zone at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239) 992-8999.
8. Regular Testing Ensures High Quality Pool Water
Regular water testing is the best way to ensure properly balanced
pool water throughout the pool season.
Experts recommend that pool owners have their pool water tested
throughout the swimming season to detect potential problems. This
enables pool owners to be aware of any balancing and treatment
adjustments needed before a problem becomes serious.
Most people falsely assume that clear water means the water is free
of bacteria, swimmer residue and algae. This is not so. Pool Owners
should make sure that their pool water has the proper amount of
sanitizer and is balanced during the peak swimming season. That
means the water needs to be tested by an Authorized Pool and Spa
Care professional at least once a month. Pool owners should also
test at home on a weekly basis.
Visit The Splash Zone for an Accu-Scan® computerized
water test that's quick and easy.
BioGuard's Accu-Scan test strip reader provides the best technology
for testing water with fast, accurate results. By using technology
originally developed for the medical industry, Accu-Scan provides
concise analyses for pool water.
All pool owners need to do is bring in an eight-ounce sample of
their pool water to The Splash Zone for a water analysis. By reading
a special water analysis strip, Accu-Scan accurately measures free
chlorine, total chlorine and bromine residuals, total alkalinity,
borates, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, biguanide, hydrogen
peroxide and copper and iron. These are all the tests that should be
run to keep your pool ready for swimming when you are.
Take a few minutes to make sure you know what steps are appropriate
for the maintenance of your pool water. It's quick, easy and smart.
Your pool water will be properly balanced, properly maintained and
swimmers will be able to enjoy the pool.
For more information on The Splash Zone’s computerized water
analysis service, or the effective use of pool and spa products,
visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239)
992-8999.
9. The Splash Zone Takes You Back-to-School
- Increase Your Knowledge at Pool School -
How do I prevent algae? When should I shock my pool? How do I clear
up cloudy water? Learn the answers to these questions and many more
at our Pool School. The free seminar is open to the public and will
be held throughout the year. We will teach you about maintenance
programs, algae prevention and water testing. We will cover the
essential steps you should follow to achieve sparkling, clear
swimming pool water. In addition, we will tell you about any new
innovative technologies to make taking care of your pool easier on
you.
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