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Aquatic Pool & Spa Service, Inc.
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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

This page contains answers to the questions that we are most frequently asked as well as some tips for safety and pool care. Please remember that each pool is different from the other and for that reason we have included only general information that pertains to most swimming pool care applications.

If the information on this page does not answer your question, your problem most likely requires the attention of an experienced Service Technician.

Please contact us to book a service appointment.

Pool Care Basics

Get the most out of your pool by following the five essential steps to basic pool maintenance. With the help of your BioGuard® Dealer, you'll become the neighborhood expert in no time. So let's get started.

Circulation
The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. Maximize your sanitizer's efficiency by circulating your pool water—preferably during the day, for 10 hours or more. Debris will also be captured by your filter more easily.

Filtration
An essential piece of equipment, your filter removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. Check the manufacturer's guidelines on backwashing—a process that removes material trapped on or in the filter media. A regular chemical cleaning is necessary since backwashing will not remove oils and deeply embedded debris.

Cleaning
Algae and bacteria can begin to grow in areas that have little or no circulation. At least once a week, brush and vacuum the walls and floor of your swimming pool. Brushing is a must, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service.

Testing
Certain pool elements must be regularly measured and adjusted, including free available chlorine, TA and CH among others. Most important are pH and the level of active sanitizer—both should be tested weekly. See
page 12 for testing ranges. You should also take a sample to your BioGuard Dealer when you open and close your pool, and every four to six weeks during the season.

Proper water maintenance
Make sure you apply the right products to your pool water at the right time. Your BioGuard Dealer can give you precise instructions on what to do. It's just one of the many valuable benefits you'll receive as a BioGuard customer.


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Safety Tips

Always read labels and follow directions carefully. You'll learn important information about the proper application, handling and storage of the product you're using. Used correctly, pool water maintenance products safeguard the health of your entire family. If they're mishandled, they can be hazardous. Keep the following do's and don'ts in mind for a safer more enjoyable pool environment.

you should always...
Clean up spills as soon as they occur and safely dispose of the material. Small spills can be diluted by hosing off into the pool. Contact your BioGuard® Pool & Spa Care Center for advice on cleaning larger spills. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean spills. It's hazardous to throw chemicals into the trash or put spilled material back into the original container. Keep all spills away from lawns and landscaping to avoid damage. Dispose of all chemicals according to label directions.
Store chemical products safely and out of the reach of small children. Keep your pool maintenance products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum products.
Keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.
Brace liquids so they won't tip while transporting them in your car. Don't allow chemicals to stay in the car for a long period of time. Make the pool store your last stop. Unpack them as soon as you get home.
Wear protective equipment (safety glasses, rubber gloves, etc.) as directed on the label of the product.
Use care when broadcasting powdered products into the pool on windy days to prevent product from getting in eyes or mouth or onto skin.

you should never...
Mix chemicals of any kind together. An uncontrolled reaction such as fuming, fire or explosion could occur. Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and in different areas.
Overdose your pool. Be sure to use the exact amount specified on the label or by your BioGuard® Dealer. Knowing your pool's exact volume will help prevent over- or under-application.
Add water to chemicals. Always add the chemical to large amounts of water.
Inhale fumes or allow products to get in your eyes, nose or mouth. When opening a product, turn your face to one side or point the container away from you. In the event of accidental contact or if product is swallowed, follow emergency advice on the product label and call your doctor and/or your local Poison Control Center. The phone number of the Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center is (877) 800-5553. This is a toll-free number.
Smoke around chemicals. Some chemical fumes can be highly flammable, and sanitizers or oxidizers can be ignited by a lit cigarette or match.
Allow children to handle, measure or dispense chemicals.
Interchange measuring scoops or place wet scoops back into any chemical container.
Store liquids directly above sanitizers and oxidizers. They may accidentally leak and contaminate other products.
Store pool sanitizers and oxidizers near metal products like bicycles, lawn mowers, cars, etc., because they may cause rust.

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New Pool Owner

When is the best time to open my pool?

For most pool owners the pool is a major feature of the property, so why not open it early and enjoy the way it was intended to look? Obviously the interest of your family and the need to maintain the pool should be part of your decision. We have a number of customers who like to open their pools as soon as the ice is gone. Why? Some are eager to swim, but most just want to enjoy the enhanced appearance of their yards and gardens.

I have never owned a pool before. Can you tell me how to open it?
Each pool is unique but, generally, opening your pool involves:

  1. Removing the water and debris from the winter pool cover
  2. Removing the winter cover
  3. Removing the plumbing plugs that were installed during winterizing
  4. Reassembling your pump and filter system
  5. Refilling the pool
  6. Balancing the water chemistry
  7. Restarting your equipment.

You may wish to have your pool opened professionally the first time to see how it is done before you attempt to do it yourself.


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Pool Opening

Doing it the right way can mean the difference between a summer of fun and a summer of headaches! Follow these important (and easy) steps to ensure a smooth, carefree pool opening in the spring. And remember, your local BioGuard® Dealer is always ready to assist with information tailored to your specific pool care needs.

1. remove pool cover (skip this step for new pools)
Drain off any accumulated water on the cover away from your pool. Once removed, clean with BioGuard Stow-A-Way® to prevent sticking and odors. Store in a dry place, free of debris and protected from the sun and weather.

2. fill your pool
Your pool should be filled to the middle of the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation.

3. check your pump, skimmer basket & filter

4. get your water tested
Be sure to circulate pool water 24 to 48 hours before taking a water sample. Using a clean plastic container (or better still, one that your dealer provides), scoop about one quart of water from elbow-depth. Seal the container and take it to your BioGuard Dealer for testing and analysis.
BioGuard pioneered the idea of computerized water analysis. Over the past 25 years, we have used our resources to research, develop and refine the science of water analysis. Today, our computerized water analysis system provides accurate results almost instantly. You receive personalized instructions for starting the pool. Help keep your water perfectly balanced by bringing in a water sample at least once every month during the pool season.

5. test sanitizer & pH levels
You can test sanitizer and pH levels yourself using the BioGuard 1200V Test Kit or BioGuard Test Strips to check free chlorine, total bromine residuals and pH levels and Total Alkalinity. Use the following chart to determine proper levels.


Free chlorine residual 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
Total Bromine residual 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
pH 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal range
(7.2 -7.6 is acceptable)
Total Alkalinity 125 to 150 ppm

Calcium Hardness:
Plaster pools

All other types


200 to 275 ppm

175 to 225 ppm


6. routine maintenance
Routine maintenance is the best way to maintain your pool. And with one of BioGuard’s easy-to-use 3-step pool care programs, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! We even have a non-chlorine system—our SoftSwim® Program—if you prefer pool care that doesn't’t use chlorine to sanitize!


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Vacation Preparation

While on vacation, debris and bacteria can collect in your pool and upset the water balance. Consider a "vacation plan" to prevent problems so you can come home to a clear pool and not a messy surprise.

  1. Contact your BioGuard Dealer for a vacation maintenance plan. (Your dealer can give you instructions based on your specific BioGuard Program.)
  2. Clean your pool thoroughly, brushing and vacuuming walls and floors.
  3. Test pool water and make sure it's properly balanced. Anything that’s out of balance—total alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness—will likely get worse when left unattended.
  4. Run your pump at least eight hours a day to help prevent algae and bacteria growth. (Either set your timer or ask a neighbor to turn it on and off.)
  5. Upon returning, have your BioGuard Dealer perform a water analysis to ensure that your pool is properly balanced and ready for swimming.

Closing for Winter

Winterizing is the most important thing you can do to make your spring pool opening as easy as possible. There are enormous benefits to correctly closing your pool, including:

  • Protecting your pool surfaces and equipment.
  • Keeping water looking its best all winter long.
  • Protecting equipment from freeze damage.
  • Saving money on extra maintenance when you open your pool.

Whether you completely cover your pool or just reduce maintenance, BioGuard® can make winterizing painless. Convenient Artic Blue® Winter Kits include the products you need for cold weather care.

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Chemical Safety

Always read the product label and follow directions carefully. It contains important information on the proper application, handling and storage of the compound you're using. Used correctly, pool water maintenance products safeguard the health of your entire family. If they're mishandled, they can be hazardous.

Never mix chemicals of any kind together. An uncontrolled reaction such as fuming, fire or explosion could occur. Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and in different areas.

Never overdose your pool. Use the exact amount specified on the label or by your BioGuard® Dealer. Knowing your pool's exact volume will help prevent over - or under - application.

Never add water to chemicals; always add the chemical to large amounts of water.

Never inhale fumes or allow products to get in your eyes, nose or mouth. When opening a product, turn your face to one side or point the container away from you. In the event of accidental contact or if product is swallowed, follow emergency advice on the product label and call your doctor and/or your local Poison Control Center. The phone number of the Connecticut Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.

Never smoke around chemicals. Some chemical fumes can be highly flammable, and sanitizers or oxidizers can be ignited by a lit cigarette or match.

Never allow children to handle, measure or dispense chemicals.

Never interchange measuring scoops or place wet scoops back into any chemical container.

Never store liquids directly above sanitizers and oxidizers; they may accidentally leak and contaminate other products.

Never store pool sanitizers and oxidizers near metal products like bicycles, lawn mowers, cars, etc., because they may cause rust.

Never leave large, open containers in areas where children play. Such containers often collect water and present a potential drowning hazard.

Always clean up any spills as soon as they occur and dispose of the material in a safe manner. Small spills can be diluted by hosing off into the pool. Contact your BioGuard® Pool & Spa Care Center for advice on cleaning larger spills. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean spills. It's hazardous to throw chemicals into the trash or put spilled material back into the original container. Keep all spills away from lawns and landscaping to avoid damage. Dispose of all chemicals according to label directions.

Always store chemical products safely and out of the reach of small children. Keep your pool maintenance products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum products.

Always keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.

Always brace liquids so they won't tip while transporting them in your car. Don't allow chemicals to stay in the car for a long period of time. Make the pool store your last stop. Unpack them as soon as you get home.

Always wear protective equipment (safety glasses, rubber gloves, etc.) as directed on the label of the product.

Always use care when broadcasting powdered products into the pool (especially on windy days) to prevent product from getting in eyes or mouth or onto skin.


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