5 Key points for Pool Happiness

KEEP IN MIND ...Each pool maintenance key is very important. Consider each key as a simple, preventive maintenance step.

CIRCULATION
Pool water must be circulated for maximum sanitizer effectiveness. The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. Debris is captured by your filter, too. The best time to circulate the water is during the day, for 10 hours or more.
(E & L recommends you run your pump and filter as a rule.)

FILTRATION
The filter is one of your most important pieces of equipment. It removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. Generally, a filter should be backwashed (the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media) when the water pressure in the filter reaches 8 to 10 psi above normal. (Check manufacturer's guidelines.) Because backwashing does not remove oils and deeply embedded debris, every filter needs to be chemically cleaned regularly. Your BioGuard Dealer can help you establish a filter maintenance program.

CLEANING
Some swimming pools have areas with little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week, the walls and floor should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Brushing is a must, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service.

TESTING
Every pool has characteristics that must be regularly measured and adjusted. Most important are the pH and the level of active sanitizer. By testing these two factors at regular intervals, you'll understand how bather load, weather and product application affect the water. Test your pool water at home two or three times per week. Also, take a sample to your BioGuard Dealer when you open and close your pool, and at least every four weeks during the season. This will help you maintain proper water balance and greatly reduce the potential for problems.

CHEMISTRY
The last step in a total pool maintenance program is applying the right products to your pool water at the right time. This will help you:
Provide a sanitary swimming environment. Balance the water to protect the equipment and pool surfaces. Unbalanced water can permanently damage both. Provide brilliant, sparkling water that's inviting.

Phosphates in Swimming Pools

Stuborn Algae problems could be due to high levels of phosphates in your pool or spa, here's some good info from Ask Alan.

Phosphates can increase the likelihood growth of algae in swimming pool water and can enter the water from such sources as: decaying plant matter, fertilizers, mineral treatment chemicals, contaminated well water, acid rain, contamination with soil, ground water runoff, bird droppings, bather wastes, urine and sweat. Phosphate is a vital plant nutrient and the presence in swimming pool water, even at low concentrations, can cause accelerated algae growth in poorly maintained pools. Pools, that are properly maintained, usually do not have unexpected difficulty controlling algae, even in the presence of phosphates. Higher levels of phosphates can make algae control more difficult and increase the amount of sanitizer required to maintain satisfactory control of algae. It is possible to remove modest levels of phosphates, by treating the pool water with a phosphate precipitating lanthanum product. Very high levels may require so much of the lanthanum compound, as to render this approach impractical, unless there is no option of water replacement. In order for phosphate reducing products to work the concentration of phosphates must be reduced to extremely low levels: parts per billion. The benefits of such product use is adding another layer of protection against algae growth. Proper pool water maintenance is always the first line of defense. Testing for phosphates is not universal, but in those cases where algae control is proving difficult, despite apparently ideal pool water conditions, testing for phosphates and nitrates might be advantageous.

Hayward Sand Filter

1. Flange Clamp Design allows 360° rotation of valve to simplify plumbing.
   
   
2. Integral Top Diffuser ensures even distribution of water over the top of the sand media bed. Full-size internal piping gives a smooth, free-flowing performance.
   
   
3. Unitized, Corrosion-Proof Filter Tank molded of tough, durable colorfast reinforced thermoplastic for dependable, all-weather performance with only minimal care.
   
   
4. Efficient, Multi-Lateral Underdrain Assembly with precision engineered, self-cleaning 360° slotted laterals gives totally balanced flow.
   
   
5. Integral Molded Drain Plug for easy draining of tank, without the loss of sand.
   
   
6. Totally Corrosion-Proof Base is rugged and attractively styled to provide strong, stable support.

For other Pool FAQs check out Hayward, one of the brands English and Lepage recommends, carries and stands behind. Got a specific question? Just ask!

Tahoe Vinyl Lounger

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English & Lepage

English and Lepage also supply and install residential hot water tanks and furnaces, with fully licensed installers. We offer competive rates and quick service. English and Lepage also supply water pumps etc. for farm and industry. E&L So much more than just pool supplies. Call us for a quote at 604-533-1251. We are located at 20535B Douglas Cres. right across from Douglas park in Langley BC.