Solar Covers for your Pool - Blue or Clear?

The purpose of a solar blanket is to allow the MAXIMUM amount of sun's rays to penetrate to the greatest depths of your pool. In tests, the clear cover has been shown to be the most effective method for providing passive solar heating in your pool. Reduces Evaporation: Stopping evaporation is the way ALL solar covers keep heat in the pool. The thicker cover also provides maximum insulation value on cool days and at night.

Pool First Aid by Natural Chemistry

Combines powerful concentrated natural enzymes with a fast acting polymer clarifier for quick and easy clean-up of:

• Dead algae
• Pollen
• Oil leaks & hydraulic spills
• Antifreeze residue
• Vandalism
• High organic waste load

***Pool First Aid will quickly free clogged filters of oils and organic build-up. No other product will remove dead algae more quickly and efficiently...in most cases no back washing is required.

General Pool & Spa Chemical Levels

What are the proper chemical and mineral levels in a pool and hot tub?

Always maintain an adequate sanitizer level at all times to kill bacteria;
If Bromine is your selected sanitizer, then the ideal level is 5-10 ppm in a spa and 3-5ppm in a swimming pool;
when Chlorine is your selected sanitizer, then the ideal level is 3–5 ppm in a spa and 1.5-3ppm in a swimming pool.
Salt water pools should have a salt level of 2700ppm-3500ppm. Please refer to your owners manual for your specific salt unit.

Maintain pH level at 7.4–7.6;

Maintain Alkalinity at 125–150 ppm;

Maintain Calcium Hardness at 150–200 ppm.

The stabilizer level in pools should be 60-80 ppm

TDS should be below 1500ppm (except in salt water)

Your Pool water is precious and prevention is MUCH less work and $$ than the cure!

Solar Heat for Swimming Pools

Solar heaters are very economical and are environmentally friendly. As you know solar power is generated by the rays of the sun. The solar panels collect heat from the sun and the pool water is then warmed as it is pumped through the panels. Solar heaters can heat pool water up to the mid 80's. In areas where there is ample sunlight they can be used year round. The solar panels can also be used to cool the water by pumping the water through the panels at night.

The solar panels need to be as large as 50 -100 percent of the total pool surface area to work effectively. With the larger solar panels a larger pump may be needed to pump the water through the panels. The panels need to be attached on a deck, a roof, a rack, or on the ground. They must have direct, unobstructed sunlight from the south. Solar panels may not work for you if you don't have the right amount of space or the direct sunlight.

***Using a solar (summer) pool cover is the best way to retain the heat in your pool's water. Much of your pool's heat is lost at the surface of the water. At only seven miles per hour a breeze can allow heat to escape from the pool's water. By retaining the heat in your pool, your pool will cost much less to heat.***