Pool and Spa Maintenance

• ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS ON ALL PACKAGING CAREFULLY TO ENSURE SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CHEMICALS.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on all packaging carefully. Be familiar with emergency procedures, so that in the event of a chemical spill or accident, you will be able to act quickly.
• Storing chemicals:
• Keep chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Store in their original containers. Do not use contents of unlabeled containers.
• Containers should always be kept closed when not in use.
• Be sure storage area is well ventilated.
• Never store oxidizers and acid near each other. Oxidizers will release chlorine gas if they come in contact with acids.
• Do not store liquids above powders or solids. Do not stack containers.
• Do not store materials or chemicals above your head.
• Do not store pool chemicals near gasoline, fertilizers, herbicides, grease, paints, tile cleaners, turpentine, or flammable materials. This tip is especially important when pool chemicals are stored in sheds or small storage rooms.
• Do not reuse containers.
• Handling chemicals:
• Always read and follow the chemical’s instructions to ensure safe use of chemicals.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment and clothing including gloves, footwear, and eyewear.
• Handle chemicals in a well-ventilated area.
• Use separate, clean metal or plastic measuring cups for each chemical to transfer or measure chemicals. Never use wood scoops.
• Protect chemicals from moisture and water—such as a cup of water or coffee. Even putting the wet scoop back in the pail may cause a reaction.
• When applicable, always dilute chemicals by adding to water, never the other way around, unless the container’s label instructs you to do so.
• Do not mix different chemicals together.
• Do not put spilled chemicals back into their containers.
• Do not smoke when handling chemicals.
• Do not expose to heat or flames.
• IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
• Eyes: If you get any chemicals in your eyes, flush them immediately with water for 15 minutes, and get immediate medical attention. See instructions on the chemical packaging.
• Skin: If you get any chemicals on your skin, flush them immediately with water, and get immediate medical attention.
• Inhalation: If you have a burning sensation in your nose or throat, feel dizzy, nauseous or vomit, and/or have difficulty breathing while handling chemicals or after handling chemicals, get fresh air immediately, and get immediate medical attention.
• Ingestion: If any pool chemicals are swallowed, call the poison center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
• Fire: If a fire breaks out, do not use a "dry chemical" fire extinguisher. Only use large amounts of water. If you can’t extinguish the flame immediately, leave the area, and call the fire department.
• Chemical spills: Immediately clean up any chemical spills according to manufacturer’s directions. If a violent reaction has occurred, contact the fire department immediately, and they will instruct you on steps to take until their arrival, if any.

• Stay off the main drain!
• Your circulating pump creates a strong vacuum at the main drain at the bottom of your pool. In fact the suction is so strong, it can trap adults or children underwater.
• We recommend removal of the automatic pool cleaner when swimming.
• Read the cleaner or vacuum owner's manual for safe operating information.
• Make sure your pool or spa has the following:
• An emergency shut-off switch for the pool circulation pump and the spa jet pump in an easily accessible, obvious place near the pool or spa. Make sure bathers know where it is, and how to use it in case of emergency.
• At least two suction outlets from the pool to the main circulating pump.
• Either one of these outlets should be able to supply the pump by itself without exceeding the flow rating of its cover. (Many aboveground pools use the skimmer as the suction outlet, and have no main drain; these pools don’t require a second suction outlet.)
• Each outlet must have a cover fastened down with screws, be designed so that they won’t trap body parts or hair, and be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Plastic deck and drain covers may deteriorate, and crack or break from exposure to sunlight or weather. Routinely replace them every 3-4 years

Routine maintenance helps keep your pool and spa system operating safely and efficiently. Follow a regular check-off procedure for the safety related items, and have your pool professional perform the following tasks regularly:

• Make sure that each suction outlet has a cover that is installed correctly, screwed down, unbroken, and certified for that application.
• Make sure that all skimmer covers are in place, screw-fastened, and unbroken.
• Make sure that the filter pressure gauge is in good working condition, and that the filter pressure is within the operating range specified in your filter owner’s manual.
• Make sure that the pump and filter O-rings are sealing properly and in good condition.
• Bleed off accumulated air from the system, as described in your owner’s manual.
• Empty the skimmer baskets and the pump strainer basket of debris.
• Remove any debris or obstructions from the main drain cover.
• Remove obstructions and combustibles from around the pump motor air vents and heater top vents.
• Make sure all chemicals are properly stored (away from equipment).
• Make sure the heater is functioning properly.
• Make sure there is no gas smell around the heater.
• Make sure all grounding and bonding wires are connected and in good condition.
• Make sure all wiring connections are tight and clean, and all wiring and electrical equipment are in good condition.

• Always use a trained technician for installation, service, or repair of your gas heater. Have your installer verify these points at installation
• Make sure there is no leakage of exhaust gases into any building. Improper, damaged, or rusted-out venting can cause serious injuries, illness, or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure your installation meets all local and national codes.
• If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, immediately clear the area, and call the gas company from a telephone away from the area of the suspected leak.

The following tips will help make operating, maintaining, and enjoying your pool easier and less confusing.

• Chemical Tips
• Cleaning Tips
• Energy Conservation
• Equipment Tips
• Water Conservation
• Water Level
• FAQs

• Check for cracks and leaks around your pool, spa, and equipment.
• A leaky pool can waste over 100,000 gallons per year! Monitor your pool closely, and consult your pool professional if you suspect a leak. Some signs of leaking to look for are:
• If your pool water level is going down more than 1/4" per day, there could possibly be a leak.
• Loose tiles or cracks in the pool deck may be an indication of a leaking pool.
• Cracks and gaps in the bond beam may be an indication that your pool is leaking.
• If you notice water-saturated soils in the area around the pool, pool pumps, or plumbing, your pool may be leaking.
• If you see bubbles in the return water when the pool's pump is running, it's likely there's a leak in the suction side of the filtration system.
• Install and use a pool cover.
• The average uncovered pool loses one inch of water per week. Covering your pool can save up to 30-40% of water lost to evaporation.
• Lower the pool water temperature when not being used.
• Reducing the temperature also reduces water loss to evaporation.
• Plant a windbreak.
• Wind blowing across the surface of the pool causes additional evaporation. A windbreak can help you conserve water as well as energy costs.
• Lower the pool water level to reduce losses from splashing.
• Maintain your pool water level one inch above the bottom of the tile.
• Keep your filters clean to prevent backwashing.
• The average backwash uses between 250 to 1,000 gallons of water.
• Backwash only when necessary.
• Run filter backwash onto lawns and shrubs or collect for reuse
• Ensure that water is absorbed before it leaves your property and avoid allowing runoff to enter adjacent properties.

• Maintain your pool water level halfway up the skimmer box opening.
• A pool may typically lose a minimal amount of water each day (no more than ¼ inch) due to evaporation and/or splash out. If your pool is losing more water than that, there could possibly be a leak. Monitor closely and consult your pool professional if you suspect a leak.
• Loose tiles or cracks in the pool deck may be an indication of a leaking pool.
• Cracks and gaps in the bond beam may be an indication that your pool is leaking.
• If you notice water-saturated soil in the area around the pool, pool pumps, or plumbing, your pool may be leaking.
• If you see bubbles in the return water when the pool's pump is running, it's likely there's a leak in the suction side of the filtration system.

You'll notice chlorine residual loss, formation of chloramines, and skin and eye irritation. If too high, the water will be cloudy, there will be a tendency for scale to form and poor chlorine residual efficiency.