Cloudy water?
There are several things that you can easily do to discover why your pool has cloudy water
- Check to make sure the pH levels are in proper range
- Check the pool filter. Clean or replace if needed.
- Check the pool sanitizer’s level. If it’s low, raise the level.
- Call Pool Zone for additional help for chlorine stabilization, alkalinity, calcium hardness and heavy metals
When to clean? When to replace?
Periodic backwashing will remove most dirt from a filter; however, over a period of time, grease, oils and scale can attack and build up on the elements. When this occurs, you should clean or replace your filter depending on the type of filter.
NOTE: Check the filter if water is murky or water quality decreases.
Why filtration is important?
Filtration is the mechanical way to remove visible matter from the water. The filter medium is designed to remove hair, dirt, tiny skin flakes, metal or calcium precipitates and other visible debris that would otherwise cause the water to be hazy and cloudy.
What is the proper way to get rid of algae?
First, you must add the algaecide according to the directions. If you don’t add the correct dosage amount, it won’t kill any of the algae. Also know that using the entire bottle of algaecide is ineffective. Not only will you spend additional money, large doses can lead to staining and foaming in your pool.
In addition to properly dosing your water, it is also recommended that the algaecide be added in the morning on a bright, sunny day for best results. Algae grow in the presence of sunlight. Adding algaecide during algae’s best growth time will increase intake of the algaecide and make it more effective. If black algae is present, brushing the algae at least once daily will also help expedite algae removal. Brushing the dead cells away makes the living algae more vulnerable to the algaecide.
Shock Treatment
Pool water composition always includes some undesirable elements that actually contaminate the water and reduce the efficiency of the disinfectant or sanitizer. Materials such as hair spray, suntan oil, cosmetics, perspiration and other organic material react to combine with the chlorine in the water to form “combined chlorine.”
Once “combined chlorine” forms, it acts as a very poor disinfectant, contributing to eye and skin irritations and the forming of unpleasant chlorine odor. Pools with this problem are often inaccurately accused of having too much chlorine.
Routine shock treatment is necessary to destroy combined chlorine compounds and restore the chlorine sanitizer to “free chlorine” efficiency. A pool can be shock treated by adding large doses of chlorine, commonly referred to as superchlorination, or by adding a non-chlorine shock.
How long before I can jump in?
With the exception of superchlorinating (which requires waiting until the chlorine level drops to recommended levels), you generally can use your pool when the chemical is dispersed. Fifteen minutes to one hour should be about right.
Test frequently
Depending on your usage, you should test the water frequently. Some users test the pH and chlorine every other day – others test once a week. During heavy usage and summer months, you can perform a daily test. And anytime you notice a change in water quality, get your test kit out and check the water quality.
Basic Rules of Thumb
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Store chemicals in a cool, dry and shaded place.
- Never mix different types of chlorine – add each to the pool separately.
- Never mix chemicals together – add each to the pool separately.
- Avoid breathing fumes or vapors.
- Don’t buy more pool chemicals than you’ll use in a season – they lose effectiveness over time.
- Make sure pool chemicals are inaccessible to children.