A pool is a joy, but also a responsibility

Nowadays, many people buy pools for their gardens, but they don't realize how much care they require. It's simpler and cheaper to get an above-ground pool, because it's easier to maintain, but adults won't be able to swim much in it. However, if someone still insists on an in-ground pool, they must prepare a much larger budget and maintenance will take far more time.

• Principles when using pool chemicals
• Problems that may occur when using pool chemicals

1.) FILLING THE POOL

First, the bottom and walls of the pool should be thoroughly cleaned of all impurities with Laguna clear product, or use an algae treatment product. Then you can fill the pool. Before that, check and run the filtration system for about 6-8 hours to remove any mechanical impurities. If you're opening the pool after winter, the water should be topped up to full level, then check and run the filtration system, and if necessary, perform flocculation. Water stabilization and pH adjustment are important. Once everything is done, you can start dosing disinfection. Then turn on circulation so the product mixes properly with the water in the pool. The last step is measuring pH again.

2.) WATER HARDNESS

Water hardness should be around 7-12°N. If the hardness is higher (above 25°N) and pH is also high, cloudiness and deposits may form. For such hard water, it's recommended to use Hardness Masking Agent, which prevents precipitation of calcium and magnesium salts. This product should be used immediately after filling the pool. Initial dosage is 300 ml per 10 m³. Before adjusting pH in the water again, let the water circulate for a few hours.

3.) CORRECT pH VALUE

The pH value should be 7.2-7.6 after using chlorine and chlorine-free disinfection, and 7.0-7.4 for oxygen-based products. If this is not the case, effectiveness decreases and disinfection requirements should be increased, as corrosion of metal parts or fading of plastic and liner colors may occur (pH minus or pH plus). pH measurement and adjustment is recommended once a week. Chlorine and pH test kit.

4.) FILTRATION

Every pool should have a filtration system and circulation that mixes the treated water in the pool. The entire pool volume should be circulated at least once every 24 hours. Good circulation helps distribute disinfection throughout the entire water volume and prevents the occurrence of so-called "dead zones" (areas where water is stagnant). Filtration should run for 6-8 hours daily depending on pool volume and filtration speed. Rinse the filter at least once a week.

5.) REGULAR POOL WATER TREATMENT (1-2 times per week)

Always use a pool vacuum to remove dirt and use a net to skim impurities from the surface. It is always important to measure and adjust the pH value of pool water to the optimum level. Check how much disinfectant is in the pool and top it up if necessary. During very hot weather, it is recommended to perform shock treatment once a week and backwash the filter once a week.

6.) WATER TREATMENT BEFORE EXTENDED ABSENCE

pH should be at the ideal value. If you are going away for a longer period, add a sufficient amount of disinfectant to the pool. As a preventive measure, you can also add an algaecide. Then cover the pool with a cover tarp and use a timer to ensure the filtration system runs.

7.) SHOCK TREATMENT FOR CLOUDY WATER

If your water is cloudy, you must react quickly to prevent unpleasant complications. Adjust pH to the ideal value and add a large amount of disinfectant to the pool. You can also add an algaecide. It is advisable to vacuum the pool, use a flocculant and backwash the filtration system.

8.) FLOCCULATION

Flocculation is important because it helps water regain its clarity. The recommended dosage of flocculant should be at the lower limit to avoid overdosing, which prevents floc formation. If overdosing occurs, it is necessary to add fresh water to the pool. The product works for approximately 12 hours with filtration turned off. Impurities clump together into flocs using this product and then settle at the bottom of the pool. Vacuuming flocs from the bottom must not be done through the filtration system. The filter cannot handle so many impurities at once. Don't forget to backwash. Clean water will flow first, approximately the first 20-50 litres, and only then will impurities start to flush out. Backwashing is stopped only after clean water flows again. Depending on the degree of contamination, it is possible to use mildly flocculant tablets preventively. The tablets are self-dissolving and clarify the water on their own.

9.) WINTERIZING THE POOL

Once the season ends, it's important to winterize your pool properly. When winterizing the pool, you should be guided by the water temperature (ideal 12°C) and not by the weather. The filter should be thoroughly cleaned by backwashing and then drain the water to a level of 10–20 cm below the return jets and skimmer. Clean the pool from deposits that remain on the walls. Add a large amount of winterizing product to the remaining water. Special floats arranged diagonally on the surface will prevent the expanding ice from damaging the pool walls. If you want to opt for a cheaper solution, use plastic bottles that you have previously filled about halfway with antifreeze solution.

10.) IMPORTANT WARNINGS

Everything except flocculation is carried out while the filtration system is running. Between individual steps, there is a time delay of at least one full filtration cycle. Don't forget that pH products must not be mixed with chlorine products! Each product must be diluted separately and then added to the water, but never add water to the product! Tablets should only be placed in a dispenser, never directly into the pool! Always follow the dosage and safety precautions stated on the labels.

Rules for Using Pool Chemicals

• Pool chemicals must not be used when someone is bathing in the pool.
  
• The filtration performance should filter the pool water once every 6 hours.
  
• The pool should be covered with a tarp or film to prevent chlorine loss.
• For winter, the pool must be winterized and covered with a tarp.
  
• Water testing should be carried out once a week - pH and chlorine.
• The sand filter media should be backwashed once a week.
• If you want to clean the pool mechanically, use only surface nets and pool vacuums.
  

Problems That May Occur When Using Pool Chemicals and Their Solutions

Our Tip:

We recommend a starter kit that will get your pool up and running. It contains Laguna pH minus for water adjustment, Laguna shock chlorine for initial shock disinfection, Laguna Triplex tablets for all-season ongoing water maintenance, and Laguna 4-in-1 tester for determining free and total chlorine content, pH value and water alkalinity.

You can purchase the set here: Laguna Starter Set 4-in-1