FIVE KEYS TO POOL CARE

Many of the most common pool care problems can be avoided, or at least minimized, by simply mastering these five keys:

• Circulation - The more the water moves, the harder it is for problems to take hold. Additionally, properly circulated water insures that chemicals are properly mixed throughout the pool.
• Filtration - Filtered water removes insoluble waste particles that can cloud the water and compete with bacteria and algae for the sanitizers attention.
• Cleaning - Vacuuming and brushing debris and biofilm in the pool and on the surfaces prevent the growth of bigger problems, making it easier to keep the water clean. Routine use of a skimmer net is helpful in removing floating debris to prevent it from settling to the bottom of the pool.
• Chemistry - Adding the proper amount of the right products at the right time insures that the water stays clear, clean and healthy.
• Testing - By measuring critical water factors, you can make sure the water is balanced and an adequate sanitizer level is being maintained.

Paying attention to these five keys will guarantee the beautiful water you expect. It should also be understood that poor filtration or inadequate circulation cannot be overcome by adding more chemicals. Numerous water problems are related to poor or inadequate filtration and/or circulation.

Even when a pool's circulation system is in top working order, dead spots will still occur. These spots require extra cleaning attention, which is why routine brushing is so important!

Routine Brushing insures:

• The debris and biofilm accumulating in these dead spots are moved back into the circulation pattern of the pool water for removal in the filter.
• The debris and biofilm are now exposed to the sanitizing and oxidizing chemicals.
• The sanitizers and oxidizers are allowed to be redistributed in these dead spots.

The information on this page has been provided courtesy of BioLab, Inc. ©1998