Pool Care Guide
Keep your pool clean and clear throughout the season by following these basic pool maintenance tips.
Cleaning
Regular maintenance should involve skimming the pool water and cleaning the surface, corners, and stairs by brushing and vacuuming. Performing these tasks weekly helps avoid visible issues such as algae growth or scaling.
Filtration
Maintaining a clean pool filter is essential for keeping the water clear and free of debris, algae, and contaminants from swimmers. Chemically clean the filter at least twice per season, and backwash it whenever the water pressure rises 8 to 10 psi above the normal level.
Circulation
Circulating pool water helps prevent algae and bacteria from settling on surfaces and ensures even distribution of chemicals. Run the jets, angled downward, for at least 8 hours to maintain proper circulation. Always keep the system running when adding chemicals.
Water Care
- Test and balance your pool water weekly, maintaining a pH of 7.2–7.6 and free chlorine of 1–4 ppm
Sanitize regularly by using granules daily or tablets weekly to maintain a steady deposit of chlorine
Shock weekly and after pool parties or severe weather to keep water clear
Apply a preventative dose of algaecide weekly and definitely when temperatures rise
Weekly
- Test pool water using test strips
- Balance pool water accordingly based on test results
After a Big Event
- Clean the pool by brushing, vacuuming and cleaning the skimmer baskets
- Apply shock per dosing guidelines to protect pool from bacteria
Filter Care
- Clean your filter per the manufacturer's directions at least twice each pool season
- Chemically clean the filter with filter cleaner
Pool Opening Tips
- Fill your pool with water until it reaches the midpoint of the skimmer opening.
Check that the pump, skimmer, and filter are functioning properly.
Clear debris by skimming the water's surface, then thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool.
Start pool equipment following the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow the water to circulate for 24 hours.
Test the water using Test Strips.
Adjust water balance based on the test results.
Sanitize the water with tablets or granules, following label instructions.
Apply Shock PLUS® according to dosing guidelines to eliminate residual contaminants.
Add a preventative algaecide, such as Algicide + Clarifier, following the label directions for pool opening.
Let the products work overnight with the pump running.
Before allowing pool use, test the chlorine level to confirm it is within the safe range of 1–4 ppm.
Pool Closing Tips
- Use Test Strips to test the pool water.
Adjust the water balance based on the test results.
Clean the pool by brushing, vacuuming, and emptying the skimmer baskets.
Chemically clean the filter using Filter Cleaner.
Apply shock following the dosing guidelines to protect against bacteria.
Run the circulation system for 4 to 6 hours to distribute the product evenly throughout the pool.
Add algaecide as directed on the label to prevent algae growth during the offseason.
Allow the pump to run for 24 hours to ensure complete circulation of the product.
Turn off pool equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions and partially drain the pool if necessary.
Cover and secure the pool.
For pools in warmer climates, consider a mid-winter shock treatment if needed.
