Starting Your Pool On BioGuard Chlorine

Chlorine Start Up

    We have put together the following step-by-step guide to starting your pool on chlorine and how to maintain it.  This is not created to keep you from asking us questions.  Please stop in, call, or email us - we would love to help you in person.

START UP:

1. Add Stablizer 100 - This will help keep the chlorine in your pool longer.  It is usually a one time application and you don't have to add it again unless you drain the pool.  Add by slowly pouring the Stablilizer into the skimmer.  Then do not backwash for 48 hours.  This product dissolves very slowly and will stay in your filter until it dissolves, so if you backwash too soon the product backwashes out.  Add 1 lb./3,000 gallons.
2. Add Burn Out 35 - This is called "shocking" the pool.  It raises the chlorine and also "burns off" undesirables from the water.   Add 1 lb./6,000 gallons.
3. Add Chlorine 3" Pucks or Sticks - Place the chlorine sticks or pucks (they look like a hockey puck) in the basket that sets in the skimmer on the side of the pool.  As you run the filter, these tablets dissolve and help keep the chlorine level in a good range. Add 1 stick/puck per 5,000 gallons.
4. Add Back Up or Algae All 60 - These are algae preventers.  They cannot kill algae on their own but if you keep the chlorine level within a good range, the algae preventers will help the chlorine control algae growth.  Add 1 quart/25,000 gallons for an initial dose.

MAINTENANCE:

1. Chlorine Sticks/Pucks - Keep them in the skimmer continuously.  When they start to get small, add more.  They will probably need to be added at least 2 time a week.  Smart Sticks will last long.  Keep 1stick or puck / 5,000 gallons in the skimmer basket.
2. Burn Out 35 - "Shock" the pool with Burn Out 35 every two weeks.  Use 1 lb./6,000 gallons.  Also you will need to add it after swimming parties and rain.  Both are hard on the pool water and the Burn Out 35 helps keep the pool looking nice and clear.  If you should ever test the water and find the chlorine level is low, you can use Burn Out 35 to also raise the chlorine level.  Remember to apply it when no one is going to be swimming (over night is ideal).  You need to wait 6-8 before swimming.  Also, if you have any type of cover, leave the cover off for 6-8 hours after shocking.  We also have other shocks available:  Smart Shock, Lite, CLC - check with us to see which shock is best for you pool.
3. Back Up or Algae All 60 - Weekly add 1 oz./5,000 gallons.
4. Testing - Until you get used to pool mainenance it is a good idea to test your water every day.  With chlorine the one most important thing is keeping the chlorine up and within a good range.  It is recommended to keep the chlorine between 1-3 ppm.  We find that keeping it just a little bit higher helps: 3-5 ppm.  If the chlorine level drops to 0 the water first turns cloudy and then green .  This can happen within a matter of hours.
5. Water Samples - Bring a sample in as often as you like for a free computerized water analyisis.  A lot of our customers bring samples in weekly.  The computer prints you out a step-by-step instruction sheet detailing what needs to be added to keep your water looking and feeling great.