Successfully maintaining above-ground pools results in healthy, crystal clear, inviting pool water, and long equipment life. Doing it right is easy and involves just a few steps:
 

Pool Water Balancing

A properly balanced pool has water which is neither too acidic (low pH) nor too alkaline (high pH), and which has the correct calcium hardness and total alkalinity levels. Correct balance ensures optimal performance of your sanitizer system to keep bacteria in check. It also minimizes corrosion or scale buildup on pools or parts, and makes the water feel smooth and comfortable while helping to prevent eye and skin irritation.

By using Test Strips we can determine water chemistry levels:

Item Testing Frequency Desired Range* Alkalinity Twice a week 80 - 150 ppm pH Twice a week 7.4 to 7.8 Calcium Hardness Monthly 200 - 400 ppm

*above chemistry levels may vary slightly with different systems.

Adjustments:

Low Total Alkalinity (TA) is raised by adding Alkalinity Control, and conversely, high TA and/or high pH is reduced by adding pH Minus. Always adjust TA first, then pH, because TA adjustment often brings pH into line as well.

Low pH (which cannot be brought up into range with Alkalinity Control alone) can be raised by adding pH Plus.

Low TA and pH can cause corrosion. High TA and pH can cause staining and scale formation. TA & pH which is in proper balance also promotes sanitizer effectiveness.

Low hardness is raised by adding Calcium Hardness Treatment. High hardness can be decreased by draining a portion of the water and diluting with fresh source water. Treating with Metal Control will also help sequester calcium as well as other pool staining metallics such as iron and magnesium which are present in the water.

Water with the proper hardness level feels better to the skin and is better for equipment longevity. Low hardness levels can also result in foaming problems.

Pool Water Sanitizing

Healthy pools require the use of a sanitizer system to kill bacteria and prevent algae. Although the most common pool sanitizers are chlorine products (available in tablets, which are dispensed in a float, as well as in granular form) there are great alternatives.

Alternative sanitizers are becoming more popular, as people prefer to reduce their chlorine exposure. For in-ground and above-ground pools using a cartridge filtration system, we recommend the Nature2 CF Mineral Sanitizer because it greatly reduces the amount of chlorine residual required. It's simple to install, requires very little maintenance, is very economical, and is gentler to the pool's vinyl liner. If your above-ground or in-ground pool has a sand or DE filter, the Nature2 Express is an excellent choice for pools up to 25,000 gallons.

Alternative sanitizer systems such as Nature2 have less odor and are gentler to skin, eyes, hair, and swimsuits. They also require less maintenance effort.

By using AquaChek Select or AquaChek Yellow Test Strips we can determine chlorine levels:

Sanitizer System Testing Frequency Desired Free Chlorine Nature2 CF Twice a week 0.5 ppm* Conventional Chlorine Daily 1.0 - 3.0 ppm *Nature2 CF requires 1-2 ppm during startup period. Consult instructions.

Nature2 CF System

Nature2 CF drops right into your pool's pleated filter cartridge. No complicated installation or extra equipment to buy. Water flows through its mineral sanitizer, destroying microorganisms without high chlorine levels. Note: Refer to Nature2 CF manual for start-up, required filtration times, and installation information. Not compatible with biguanides, bromine or copper based algaecides. For cartridge filter systems only. Nature2 CF Manual

After installation, the pool water is superoxidized with chlorine according to the manufacturer's instructions. This burns off contaminants and activates the Nature 2 cartridge. We recommend using  Dichlor Granules, pre-dissolved in a clean plastic pail of water. After initial super-oxidation, the circulating pump is run for the time period specified in the instructions, maintaining 1-2 ppm free chlorine. Trichlor or other EPA registered pool chlorine products may also be used.

Upon completion of the initial startup period, let the chlorine level dissipate to 0.5 ppm, and maintain that level. (Do not enter the pool if chlorine level is above 3 ppm). Follow the pool manufacturer's instructions for keeping the pool pump in proper working order, and operate at least six hours per day. Nature 2 CF is designed to sanitize pools from 5,000 to 25,000 gallons, and lasts 4 months.

Nature2 Express System
For above ground pools with sand or DE filters, we recommend the inline Nature2 Express. It's quite easy to install, and features an economical replacement cartridge.  Another earth-friendly product from Zodiac Pool Care. Nature2 Express Manual

Conventional Chlorine Sanitizing Systems

If you prefer a traditional chlorine pool sanitizer, there are several options including Trichor Tablets in a Float or stabilized Sodium Dichlor Granules. These will require maintaining a higher residual free chlorine level than with Nature2 CF. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If using a typical non-stabilized chlorine sanitizer such as Trichlor, the use of cyanuric acid Pool Conditioner/Stabilizer is required to slow the breakdown of active chlorine caused by sunlight. Cyanuric acid is also measured with Chlorine Test Strips.

Water Clarification

Using a good pool water clarifier eliminates cloudy water caused by oils, sunscreens, lotions and cosmetics, as well as organic matter and dirt.

	We recommend SeaKlear Natural Clarifier for pools. Unlike synthetic petroleum-based clarifiers, Sea Klear actually removes oils from the water. It's earth-friendly and contains no harsh or toxic chemicals.
SeaKlear also reduces unwanted metals, but does not interfere with metal ions from ionizers or mineral-based purifiers... so it's the only clarifier that we recommend for use with Nature2 products. The hose-end PreFresh pool filling filter helps start your swimming pool with the cleanest possible water.

Algae

Almost every pool owner has had to deal with cloudy water caused by occasional algae blooms. Our Total Algaecide 60 is the best algaecide we have found and is very effective to eliminate all types of swimming pool algae. It is concentrated and very economical to use.
Unlike copper-based products, Total Algaecide 60 is poly-based and 100% compatible with Nature 2 and other mineral sanitizers, as well as chlorine or bromine.

Algae problems can be caused by sunlight, warm temperatures, water imbalance, and the presence of nitrates-- all of which can be part of the swimming pool environment.

Shocking Your Pool

When your pool is used, compounds called chloramines are formed when organic contaminants such as suntan oils, perspiration, cosmetics, and other foreign matter enter the water and then combine with the pool's chlorine residual. This combined chlorine has no sanitizing ability and produces a strong chlorine odor. It can cause red eyes, cloudy water, and promote the formation of bacteria and algae.

Periodic shock treatments break down these chloramines and oxidize organic contaminants.  We recommend  shocking with Dichlor if needed, per the label directions. (Do not enter the pool if the residual chlorine is above 3 ppm).  In addition, non-chlorine Oxy-Spa oxidizing shock is an odor free, monopersulfate (MPS) compound which also promotes cleaner, clearer water, while reducing chloramines. Safe for vinyl liner pools and may be applied several times per week to help maintain great water quality. Follow label directions for use.

Cleaning & Periodic Pool Maintenance

Keeping your pool free of dirt, scum and accumulated debris is essential for maintaining water quality. Remove floating leaves with a Skimmer Net attached to a Telescoping Pole.  Use a Wall Brush for the pool sides.

Maintain your filtration system, per the manufacturer's instructions. Cartridge filters should be cleaned periodically and replaced annually.  Use the filter rotation method by keeping a clean dry spare filter cartridge on hand. Our liquid Pool Filter Cleaner works on all types of pool filters: DE, Sand, as well as pleated filter cartridges.

Protect the exterior surfaces of vinyl pool sidewalls from fading, cracking and UV damage with 303 Aerospace Protectant. It will keep your pool looking like new.

303 Protectant is also great for winter pool covers. It blocks surface sun damage, greatly prolonging cover life. Nothing works better than 303!