| Spring has finally arrived and it's time to think | | | | want to shock the pool right away under the |
| about opening your swimming pool for the season. | | | | mistaken notion that chlorine kills algae. Chlorine |
| What terrors lurk under the seemingly innocent | | | | alone will not kill algae (that's why algaecide is sole) |
| winter cover? What expensive and | | | | but will knock out the algaecide just added if used |
| time-consuming issues will face you this season | | | | right away. Give the algaecide time to kill the |
| before the pool can be fun? | | | | infestation and THEN shock the pool with chlorine |
| Here are a couple of proven tips that can help | | | | to break down the dead material so it can be |
| get your pool in shape and ready for summer fun | | | | filtered. Make sure to check the filter pressure |
| and relaxation. | | | | and backwash when indicated. The whole |
| THE POOL'S GREEN! | | | | procedure shouldn't take more than a few hours |
| Algae is often a problem when opening a pool | | | | during one day. Once the pool is clear add |
| after a long winter. A little light through some | | | | chemicals as you normally do and the water |
| pinholes in the winter cover, no chlorine in the | | | | should be ready for the season. |
| water and voila, algae blooms unrestrained. As | | | | I NEED TO REPLACE MY SAND |
| unsightly as it is, getting rid of a spring case of | | | | With proper maintenance pool filter sand will last |
| algae shouldn't be difficult, expensive or time | | | | from 5-7 years before needing to be replaced. |
| consuming. | | | | Pool sand filters get more efficient with time. The |
| If you discover algae when you open your pool | | | | sand traps fine particles during use, which in turn |
| the first thing to do is get your pump and filter | | | | act as filtering media and improve the efficiency |
| set up and functioning properly. Once the pump | | | | of the sand. New sand will not filter as well unless |
| and filter are up and running simply add algaecide | | | | you help it along. The easiest way to bring your |
| to the pool according the to dosage guide on the | | | | new sand up to speed is simple. Add a pound or |
| container. Use only concentrated algaecide with | | | | two of diatomaceous earth, DE, to your skimmer |
| active ingredients at least 50% of the contents. | | | | when the pump is running. The DE is much finer |
| Look for quaternary ammonia or polyquaternary | | | | than sand and will lodge in the filter sand and |
| ammonia as the main active component.. These | | | | improves filtering right away. Your new sand |
| two chemicals are extremely potent and leave | | | | should work just as well as the old. |
| little or no residue. | | | | These simple tips should help make opening your |
| Once added, LEAVE THE POOL ALONE for at | | | | pool simpler, easier and cheaper so you can enjoy |
| least 4 hours with the pump running.. Many people | | | | it as soon as weather permits. |