Did You Know?

Tips for maintaining a crystal-clear pool:

  1. Chemically clean your filter every 4 to 6 weeks with Softswim Filter Cleaner.
  2. Change the sand in the filter each year. A sand filter is the preferred filter for this non-chlorine system.
  3. Add “A” (Algaecide) weekly (very important).
    Add “B” (Sanitizer) level to its proper range
    Add “C” (Oxidizer) level to its proper range.
  4. Keep metal concentration at zero. Un-sequestered metals will consume the “C” levels. Use Stain Control and Sparkle Up.
  5. Bring in a water sample to Budget Pools at least once a month. 

If you have a pool with a chronic cloudy condition, have white water mold or pink algae, bring in a water sample and our technicians can get your pool water clear again.

  1. The cell output is at a constant rate of 1.5 pounds of free chlorine in 24 hours.
  2. The boost setting does not increase the amount of chlorine added to the pool water.
  3. If the salt concentration is increased above the recommended range (for example: 3200 ppm), the cell will not increase output.
  4. Running the cell on the boost setting for extended times, decreases the life of the cell.
  5. When generating chlorine, the cell also produces Sodium Hydroxide which increases pH.

It is recommended that the customer shock the pool with liquid shock instead of using the boost setting to save the life of the cell. Replacement of a cell can be costly. 

  1. Shock pool as prescribed by a Budget Pools Technician.
  2. Wait one hour then brush pool.
  3. Add Curative Algaecide – BANISH (broad spectrum algaecide) – Run pump 24 hours per day for 2 days (48 hours).
  4. Test frequently to assure free chlorine is high for 48 hours. Re-shocking may be required.
  5. Chemically clean filter after 48 hours with Spray n Rinse or Strip Kwik.

It’s a good idea to put the pool brush and skimmer in the pool during the treatment process, to avoid re-contaminating the pool. After Algae bloom is cured use LifeLine Algaecide #8 or #9, Algae All 60 or Backup Algaecide once a week. Bring in a water sample and our technicians can give you the proper dosages needed to cure your algae problem.

With August upon us, your pool water gets warmer and pools are used more often. Here are some tips to keep your pool algae free and crystal clear!

  1. Operate pump 12-15 hours per day. This will insure adequate chemical circulation.
  2. Use an Algaecide weekly. i.e. LifeLine #8 or #9, Algae All 60, Backup 2, Banish
  3. Add stabilizer (CYA) to keep the chlorine in the pool and protect it from the sun.
  4. Shock your pool (as needed) at least once per week. Test pH with AquaChek test strips 2-3 times per week.
  5. Remember…you MUST maintain proper water balance to be safe, comfortable and to keep your equipment like new. It is recommended to bring a water sample to Budget Pools at least once a month or after a large rainstorm or heavy use.
  6. Check your free chlorine after heavy rain or after heavy usage.
  7. Chemically clean your D.E. or cartridge filter at least twice a year. Use Spray n Rinse or Strip Kwik, not Muriactic Acid.
  8. If you have a Cartridge Filter, the Skim Mor skimmer socks are a must. Socks remove copious quantities of solids which do not enter into your filter. This will save you time from taking apart your filter and cleaning it. (At least one cleaning per season is saved.)
  9. For D.E. and Cartridge Filters, we recommend using #7 Ultra Clear or Polysheen Blue to clear cloudy water, improve filtration and achieve brilliant water. Overdosing leads to the opposite effect, cloudy pool!

pH is a numerical scale that ranges from 0 to 14. It indicates whether or not your pool water is acidic or alkaline. The proper pH range for your pool should be 7.2-7.6. 

Low pH will cause your eyes to sting and high pH will remove oil from your skin and make you feel itchy. Proper pH also allows the free chlorine to work efficiently. High pH is controlled (reduced) by adding our Life-Line product Red #2. Low pH is controlled by adding our Life-Line product Yellow #2 or Blue #4.

The best way to ensure your pool is comfortable with the proper pH range is to bring a water sample into Budget Pools on a monthly basis.