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.