Plaster Pool Care
Complete Swimming Pool renovations since 1984
817-485-7525
hartsellpool@yahoo.com
Proper Water Maintenance
It is crucial that you take the time to understand the
key factors that constitute proper water balance. The
key factors are as follows:

1. Total Alkalinity
2. pH
3. Calcium Hardness
4. Free Chlorine

Testing of your pool's water should be done frequently and necessary chemical
adjustments made as soon as possible based on your tests. In addition it is suggested
that you take a sample of your water in at least once a month to have all of your levels
tested at a professional pool retail outlet with a water- testing laboratory, and keep a
record of these tests.

Basic Pool Water Chemistry Terminology
SANITIZER - These are the chemicals such as chlorine or bromine which are used
daily to kill bacteria and algae. The most common types are as follows:

1. 3" Pucks or Tabs - These are probably the most common form of chlorine. These
products are sometimes called tri-chloro chlorine. They should be placed in the
skimmer..

2. Sodium Di-Chloro - This granular form of chlorine dissolves rapidly so that the
chlorine is quickly dispersed in the water.

3. Chlorine Generators -These devices, such as the Nature Soft System, produce
chlorine from brine (saltwater) and subsequently introduce chlorine into the pool
during the filtration cycle of your pool's equipment. (You will still need to check
chlorine levels regularly and be prepared to add chlorine should the automatic
generator malfunction.)

4. Brominating Tablets - These small 1" compressed tablets are used predominately to
sanitize spas.

5. Ozonators -These devices produce ozone, which is introduced into the pool during
the pool's operating or filtration cycle. Ozone will kill most forms of bacteria and
remove swimmer wastes but a small residual of chlorine or bromine (for spas) must be
kept in the pool to prevent algae growth.


Oxidizers and Oxidation - These chemistry terns, which (for all practical purposes),
refer to the breaking down of organic contaminants in the water .Oxidizers remove
swimmer's waste such as perspiration, urine, body oils, and cosmetics from the water.
There are two primary types of product used to oxidize your water. This process is
sometimes referred to as "shocking" the pool.

Chlorine "shocks" or Oxidizers - These are usually granular type products such a
calcium hypochlorite which will remove swimmer's waste through a process known as
"break point chlorination or shocking". It is important to follow the instructions on the
container or package and these products should be used at least every two weeks
during the swimming season and every four weeks in the fall/winter when the pool is
no longer in use. (This can be accomplished with the Nature Soft System also.)

Non-Chlorine Oxidizers -Are granular products such as potassium monopersulfate,
which do not use chlorine to remove swimmer's waste but will allow a much quicker
return to swimming activities. Non-Chlorine Oxidizers will allow you t swim in 15- 20
minutes after its use.

pH - the measure or scale of whether the water is acidic or base. It should be tested 2
to 3 times weekly and the ideal range is 7.4 to 7.6. If the water tests above 7.8, muriatic
acid should be added to bring the pH back down and if the water tests lower than 7.2,
then granular pH increaser should be added. Your local retail test station pool
professionals can advise you how much to add.

Total Alkalinity - the key to your water's balance (test 2 to 3 times weekly). Total
Alkalinity is a measurement (in parts per million) of buffering minerals present in
your water that provide a buffering capacity to resist rapid pH change. The ideal range
varies based on the type of sanitizer that you use and the type of interior finish that
you have (see chart at conclusion of terns). Total Alkalinity may be lowered through
addition of acid if to high. If your Total Alkalinity is too low you will need to raise the
level with additions of sodium bicarbonate. Consult your test kit or pool professional
at a pool retail test station.

Calcium Level - Calcium Hardness is a measurement in parts per million of the
dissolved calcium in your pool's water. Ideal levels for pools and spas is 200-300 ppm.
If your calcium level is low then additions of calcium hardness increaser will be
required. If your calcium hardness levels are high you may have to partially or
completely drain you pool. Consult with a retail test facility pool professional for
either low or high levels of calcium hardness. Calcium Hardness should be tested 2
times a week for the first month and monthly there after at your nearest retail pool
water test station.

Stabilizer - A cyanuric acid (stabilizer) test is not included with the AquaChek Select
test kit. However, a separate cyanuric acid test strip is available under the name,
AquaChek Green for Stabilizer. The dichlor or trichlor, you will not need to add extra
cyanuric acid since it is already a part of either of these sanitizers. The National Spa &
Pool Institute standard for cyanuric acid concentration in pool water recommends a
minimum of 10 ppm, an ideal range of 30-50 ppm and a maximum of 150 ppm,
although health authorities often set a maximum of 100 ppm for public pools and spas.
(Note: Stabilizer must be in the recommended range for Nature Soft System to operate
properly.)

Sequestering or Chelating Agents - Are chemical compounds that tie up iron, copper
or calcium and thus minimize staining or scaling.

Algaecides - An Algaecide is a chemical added to the pool water to kill established
algae infestations and to prevent their recurrence. As there are many different types of
algae, you should bring in a sample of your water along with a description of the
suspected type of algae (green, yellow and black) to your pool retail test station and
they will advise you on the proper algaecide. Note - Most algaecides are not intended
to be used on a weekly basis.

General Information
The pH and chlorine instructions are only to be used as a guideline. They do not take
into consideration all the water conditions in the greater DFW area.

1. Always run pool filter and pool cleaner at least two hours before and after adding
chemicals.
2. Store acid and chlorine separately.
3. Store chemicals in a dry place with plenty of ventilation.
4. Never add chemicals to a dirty pool.
5. Have a sample of your pool water analyzed every month.

REMEMBER CHEMICAL BALANCE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!

Pool Maintenance Summary
Chemicals
TEST AND ADJUST EVERY OTHER DAY OR AS NEEDED.

MAINTAIN ALKALINITY BETWEEN 100& 140 PPM. .MAINTAIN pH AT 7.5.

MAINTAIN CHLORINE AT 1.5.

CALCIUM HARDNESS BETWEEN 200 & 400 PPM. (ABOVE 600 CONSIDERED
UNMANAGEABLE)

MAINTAIN STABILIZER BETWEEN 35 & 60 PPM.

SHOCK YOUR POOL ONCE A MONTH IN WINTER, TWICE A MONTH IN
SUMMER.

SHOCK YOUR POOL WHEN CHLORINE READING DROPS BELOW 0.5

HAVE A SAMPLE OF YOUR POOL OR SPA WATER ANALYZED EVERY MONTH.

Brushing
BRUSH POOL TWICE A WEEK OR AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY. PAY SPECIAL
ATTENTION TO PLACES WHERE THE POOL VAC CANNOT REACH.

Skimmer and Filter Baskets
CLEAN SKIMMER AND PUMP HAIR/LINT BASKETS ONCE A WEEK OR AS
NEEDED.

Backwashing
D.E. FILTERS: BACKWASH WHEN PRESSURE REACHES TEN POUNDS OVER
NORMAL OR ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS.

SAND FILTERS: BACKWASH ONCE A WEEK OR SOONER IF PRESSURE
REACHES TEN POUNDS OVER NORMAL PRESSURE
.