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Pool Care Instructions

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.

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

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