Pool Care Instructions

WEEKLY CHECKLIST

• Check water level daily, add or remove water as necessary
• Check skimmer basket daily, clean as needed
• Observe lint pot in pump daily, clean as needed
• Brush pool walls and floor
• Vacuum pool
• Check pressure on filter
• Clean filter if necessary

Twice a Week

• Use test strips or a test kit to check and maintain your pool water balance. Keep your pH levels between 7.4-7.6.
• Test and maintain the free available chlorine level at 1.0-3.0parts per million (ppm).
• Empty the skimmer basket and skim leaves, insects, and other floating debris from the pool surface.

Once a Week

• Shock the pool by adding the amount of product recommended by your pool professional. Additional shock may be needed after a rainstorm, heavy bather load or exceptionally hot water.
• Add a maintenance dose of an algae preventer to prevent algae growth. Clarifiers and metal control products should be used on a regular basis. The addition of these products will cause your pool to run more efficiently.
• Brush walls and use a pool vacuum to clean floors. Clean tile at water line with tile cleaner. Or consider the purchase of an automatic pool cleaner for daily "hands-free" cleaning of your pool.

Monthly

• Take a water sample to your professional Water Testing Service for a complete Swimming Pool Chemical analysis.

Twice a Year

• Clean your filter with a filter cleaner to remove any oils and grease that may have accumulated on your filter.

After Rainy or Windy Days

• Always test your pool water.

Winterizing In-ground Pool Instructions

• Start the winterizing process when the temperature consistently drops to 18 degrees C or lower.
• Starting too early may lead to problems with algae, which thrives in warmer temperatures.
• Hire a professional:
  • If your pool is not winterized correctly, you could do more harm than good.
  • A professional will ensure no damage occurs to your pool during the winter.

1 Week Prior to Closing the Pool

Step 1 - Remove Pool Accessories:

• Remove skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, steps, and solar blankets from the pool.
• Hose the accessories clean of dirt and algae, let them dry, and then store them in a safe place for the winter

Step 2 - Deep Clean the Pool:
Ensure your pool is as clean as possible, which will make it easier to balance the water chemistry and prevent mold and algae growth.

• Use skim nets to clean the pool's surface removing leaves, silt, and other debris.
• Use a pool vacuum to remove debris from the bottom of the pool.
• Thoroughly brush the pool's floor and sides.

Step 3 - Balance the Water Chemistry:
Test the water chemistry and ensure:

• Alkalinity is at 80-150 parts per million (ppm).
• pH level is between 7.2-7.6.
• Calcium hardness level is between 175-225 ppm.
• Chlorine level is between 1 ppm and 3 ppm.

*Keep in mind if any adjustments need to be made to the water chemistry, this step could take a day or two to complete.

Step 4 - Lower the Water Level:
Ensure your pool is as clean as possible, which will make it easier to balance the water chemistry and prevent mold and algae growth.

• If you have a mesh pool cover - lower the water is 1 foot below the skimmer.
• f you have a solid skimmer - lower the water to 1.5 feet below the skimmer.

*Keep in mind depending how you are removing water from the pool, this step can take could take a day or two to complete.

Step 5 - Drain, Clean and Store Equipment:
Drain, all equipment so the water won't expand and cause damage when temperatures fall below freezing. This includes:

• Filters
• Pump
• Heater

Most equipment will have drain plugs. If possible after cleaning the pump and filter, store both indoors for the winter.
*Consider adding pool antifreeze to prevent pipes from bursting.

Step 6 - Add Shock and Algaecide:

• Add shock to kill bacteria.
• Add algaecide to kill algae.

*Keep in mind if you're using chlorine shock (vs. non-chlorine shock), do not add it at the same time as the algaecide.
*Depending on the products you use this step could take a day or two to complete. Always follow the package directions and distribute the chemicals around the pool evenly.

Step 7 - Cover the Pool:
There are two types of covers you can use; safety covers or winter covers:

• Safety covers:
  • Must be anchored down.
  • Provide the greatest protection from debris, and people or animals accidentally falling in.


• Winter covers:
  • Do not need to be anchored down.
  • Provide less protection but, are more user-friendly.

Pool Care Instructions

Different types of pools require different care to maintain their longevity and appearance. For detailed instructions tailored to the type of pool, check out our instruction pages:

1. Fiberglass Pool Care Instructions
2. Steel Vinyl Pool Care Instructions

Regardless of type of cover you use, make sure it is tight-fitting and doesn't have any holes or tears.