To keep your pool looking its best, follow these four important steps.

Circulation
The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. And it will be easier for your filter to catch debris as more water flows through it. Circulate your pool water during the day – preferably for 10 hours or more – to help your pool products work their best.

Filtration
One of your most important pieces of equipment, the filter removes both visible debris and microscopic matter to keep your water sparkling clear. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for backwashing the filter (removing material trapped on or in the filter media). A regular chemical cleaning is also necessary to remove oils and deeply imbedded debris that backwashing misses.

Cleaning
Algae and bacteria can grow in areas of poor circulation. At least once a week, brush and vacuum the walls and floor of your pool. Even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or a weekly service, brushing is a must.

Testing
To keep your pool looking great, certain elements must be regularly tested and adjusted, including alkalinity and calcium hardness levels. The tests for pH and active sanitizer are the most important and should be done several times per week. You should also bring a sample of the water to your SunGuard Dealer for testing at pool opening and closing, and every four to six weeks in between.

To fully enjoy your pool, start the season out by opening it the right way.

Remove the Pool Cover
If you use a solid cover, drain off the water. Don’t let the standing water get into the pool.

Fill the Pool
Fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer opening to ensure proper circulation.

Check Your Equipment
Make sure all equipment is clean and in working order, including the pump, skimmer, heater and filter. Start the circulation system and remove debris from the pool. Check diving board, slide and stairs for wear, looseness or corrosion. And make sure your filter is working properly – the products you add will not be effective if the filter is not in good condition.

Clean Surfaces
Brush and vacuum pool, and skim the top for debris. Use SunGuard Thick Tile & Vinyl Cleaner around the waterline to remove oil, grease and other debris.

Test and Balance Water
Take a sample of your pool water to your local SunGuard Dealer for a complete water analysis. If you test the pool water yourself, check the free chlorine or total bromine residuals and pH levels. To maintain proper balance, you should be in the following ranges:

       Free chlorine residual         1.0 to 3.0 parts per million (ppm) for chlorinated pools
       Total bromine residual        1.0 to 3.0 ppm for brominated pools
       pH                                        7.4 to 7.6 is ideal range (7.2 to 7.6 is acceptable)
       Total alkalinity                     125 to 150 ppm

Add SunGuard Products
Shock your pool with SunGuard Cal-Shock or E-Z Shock to remove organic waste and make the water sparkle. Add SunGuard Maintenance Algaecide or Algaecide 60 to prevent, control or kill algae.

Routine Maintenance
You’re ready to swim! Start your regular maintenance program, and contact your SunGuard Dealer if you need any further help or recommendations.

Balancing your pool water is crucial for keeping it clear and inviting.
When pool water is balanced, it means that the total water chemistry is right where it should be.
Balanced pool water makes swimming more comfortable by preventing eye and skin irritation.
It also helps to keep water perfectly clear and prevents corrosion to metal parts and scaling on pool surfaces.

THERE ARE FOUR KEY FACTORS TO STAYING BALANCED.

pH
pH, the most important factor in balancing your water, is a measure of how acidic (low pH) or basic (pH) water is. Based on a scale of 0 to 14, the ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6. If you see your pH level is too low after testing, add SunGuard pH Plus. If your pH is too high, add pH Decreaser.

Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity refers to the total concentration of several chemicals in your pool water. It is not the same as pH, but proper total alkalinity does help stabilize pH. If your total alkalinity is too low, the pH level will be very sensitive and suffer drastic swings. High alkalinity, on the other hand, can keep your pH rigidly fixed, in addition to contributing to cloudy water and scaling. Total alkalinity should be between 125 and 150 ppm for all pools. If yours is too low, add SunGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser. If it’s too high, add SunGuard pH Decreaser.

Calicum Hardness
How hard water is has to do with the amounts of dissolved calcium in it. Pool water needs a proper calcium hardness level to prevent damage or scaling to surfaces and equipment. The desired range for water hardness is between 200 and 250 ppm for plaster pools, and 175 and 225 ppm for vinyl, fiberglass and painted pools. If your water is above 500 ppm, drain some water from the pool and replace it with new water lower in calcium hardness. If your calcium level is low, add SunGuard Calcium Hardness Increaser.

Metals
Some pool water contains traces of metals like iron, copper and manganese. The metal content usually depends on your source of fill water. When dissolved metals are in the water, they can cause stains on pool surfaces. Your SunGuard Dealer can test for metals in your pool water and advise you appropriately.

Getting your pool ready for cold weather can be simple and convenient if you take the proper steps and use the right products.
With Winter Care™ Closing Kits, you can keep your pool clear all winter long.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW, USING THE INDICATED PRODUCTS, TO GUARANTEE AN EASY SPRING START-UP.

1. Balance Your Water by taking one quart to your professional SunGuard dealer for a complete water analysis. Follow your dealer’s instructions for balancing.

2. Take Care of Housekeeping including brushing pool walls and vacuuming. Clean tile at the water line with Thick Tile & Vinyl Cleaner.

3. Clean Filter Thoroughly with SunGuard Filter Cleaner Degreaser following labeling instructions.

4. Protect Pool Water with Winter Care Winter Shock at the rate of 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. Run pump for several hours to distribute product thoroughly.

5. Protect from Algae with Winter Care Algaecide at the rate of 1 quart per 20,000 gallons. Run pump for several hours to distribute product thoroughly.

6. Prepare Equipment for Winter according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. Cover Pool with a well-designed pool cover. For an uncovered pool or one with a mesh cover, a second treatment of Winter Care Winter Shock is recommended about mid-winter or just before the water freezes.