Got the Baquacil Blues?
by: Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth
The easy way to change back to chlorine in your pool.
Baquacil was a huge hit when introduced to the pool market in the late 1980's. While pricey, it gave pool owners the convenience and confidence of a "cook book" solution to the hit or miss job of pool care. If you followed the Baquacil recipe your time invested in keeping your pool water clean and ready was drastically reduced and water quality was rarely a problem. Sound too good to be true?
After a time word began to circulate that it was too good to be true. Too often after two or three years of using the product not only did water quality decline but some weird and unusual infestations took hold in pools on the Baquacil program. Don't misunderstand, Baquacil is safe and has all the proper approvals but as with other sanitizing systems things can go wrong. Unfortunately with the Baquacil system putting things right again usually involves draining the pool and starting fresh.
If this has happened to you and you've decided you want to switch back to good ole chlorine here's the simplest recipe I know to do it.
1. Shut off your pump and shock your pool with 2 lbs. of granular dichlor per 10,000 gallons. Prepare for a jolt because the pool will almost instantly develop a heavy and unsightly surface scum. This is supposed to happen.
2. Let the scum sit overnight. Next day the scum should be sitting on the bottom of the pool in a fine layer. At this point turn on your pump and set the filter to waste and vacuum the scum out of the pool. You will lose some water during this process.
3. Shut down the pump again and test your water with the Baquacil test kit. If it shows Baquacil still present shock the pool again as in step 1 but use 1 lb dichlor per 10,000 gallons. The scum may reappear but should be much lighter and easier to remove. Let the pool sit overnight, vacuum and retest.
4. If your test kit shows no Baquacil present you can refill the pool and restart on a chlorine program right away.
This program is virtually foolproof and is what the pool chemical manufacturers actually recommend. Instead of having your pool drained and out of service, not to mention the expense of refilling, you're up and swimming again in a couple of days.
VITALLY IMPORTANT-Never vacuum the scum into your filter or you will have to change your sand or replace your cartridge. Always vacuume to waste during this process. Baquacil is NOT compatible with chlorine products (that's why it scums up) and is extremely difficult to remove once introduced into a filter.
Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth
WebFoot Leisure
About The Author
Mr. Rob Coxworth is a swimming pool industry veteran having held positions as CEO, Sales Manager and Independent rep for various firms. He currently operates Webfoot Leisure.com, a retail site selling pools, supplies and accessories.
Showing posts with label pool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pool. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Three Must Have Chemicals for Your Pool
Three Must Have Chemicals for Your Pool
by: Alex Fir
All pool owners must deal with chemicals. When considering which chemicals to use, there are several things that pool owners must know.
Regardless of how many chemicals you have, you should never mix them together. Next, do not add water to dry chemicals. Finally, do not handle chemicals with your bare hands.
There are three chemicals that you need to have for your pool. These chemicals are extremely important, since you will be using them quite often.
1. Chlorine tablets come in dimensions of either one inch or three inch. You put chlorine tablets in your skimmer, usually 3 - 4 tablets at a time. During the summer months, when you use your pool every day, you should change your tablets every week.
If you intend to use two skimmers, you will need eight tablets every week. You can purchase chlorine tablets by the bucket, containing 30 - 50 tablets. They are not cheap, approximately $80 a bucket.
2. Alkaline powder. Although chlorine in your pool will kill off germs, it will also raise the level of acid in your water. If you do not use enough alkaline, metal parts will start to corrode, turning your water a misty green color.
Then again, if you use too much alkaline powder, the water will get awfully cloudy, raising the level of germs in the water. This can cause serious health issues. So as to get the right alkaline powder in your pool, you should use brand name alkaline powders in the amount suggested by the package.
3. Chlorine powder is important in killing germs such as algae and bacteria that live in your pool and multiply at extremely fast speeds. To eliminate these germs, you should use a large amount of chlorine powder in your pool.
Chlorine powder is expensive, so you should check how much you will need before you buy. This is a must have chemical, because it is impossible to keep your pool free of germs without it.
About The Author
Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Swimming Pool Covers. To read more about this popular pool accessory go to Swimming Pool Guide.
by: Alex Fir
All pool owners must deal with chemicals. When considering which chemicals to use, there are several things that pool owners must know.
Regardless of how many chemicals you have, you should never mix them together. Next, do not add water to dry chemicals. Finally, do not handle chemicals with your bare hands.
There are three chemicals that you need to have for your pool. These chemicals are extremely important, since you will be using them quite often.
1. Chlorine tablets come in dimensions of either one inch or three inch. You put chlorine tablets in your skimmer, usually 3 - 4 tablets at a time. During the summer months, when you use your pool every day, you should change your tablets every week.
If you intend to use two skimmers, you will need eight tablets every week. You can purchase chlorine tablets by the bucket, containing 30 - 50 tablets. They are not cheap, approximately $80 a bucket.
2. Alkaline powder. Although chlorine in your pool will kill off germs, it will also raise the level of acid in your water. If you do not use enough alkaline, metal parts will start to corrode, turning your water a misty green color.
Then again, if you use too much alkaline powder, the water will get awfully cloudy, raising the level of germs in the water. This can cause serious health issues. So as to get the right alkaline powder in your pool, you should use brand name alkaline powders in the amount suggested by the package.
3. Chlorine powder is important in killing germs such as algae and bacteria that live in your pool and multiply at extremely fast speeds. To eliminate these germs, you should use a large amount of chlorine powder in your pool.
Chlorine powder is expensive, so you should check how much you will need before you buy. This is a must have chemical, because it is impossible to keep your pool free of germs without it.
About The Author
Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Swimming Pool Covers. To read more about this popular pool accessory go to Swimming Pool Guide.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thinking About a Swimming Pool?
Thinking About a Swimming Pool?
by: Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth
Thinking About a Swimming Pool?
Some things to consider.
Backyard swimming pools have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity as a great way to cool off and relax in a private setting. A swimming pool can be a great focus for family, friends and entertaining. As great as owning a swimming pool can be there are things to consider if you’re thinking of “taking the plunge” and getting one installed for your home.
Real estate values can also be an important consideration. Realty research shows that a pool is neutral factor in a home’s value. Potential buyers are about evenly divided on whether a pool is a good or bad thing in any given property. Research on the type of pool is sketchy but remember, an above ground pool is removable an in-ground is not.
Hopefully this will help in making a decision on the pool of your dreams. I can only hit the high points so make sure you do your homework and think carefully about your decision. Take your time, do it right and you’ll have a swimming pool that will pay big dividends in fun, relaxation and entertainment.
Rob “Dr. Duck” Coxworth
WebFoot Leisure
About The Author
Mr. Rob Coxworth is a swimming pool industry veteran having held positions as CEO, Sales Manager and Independent rep for various firms. He currently operates Webfoot Leisure.com, a retail site selling pools, supplies and accessories.
by: Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth
Thinking About a Swimming Pool?
Some things to consider.
Backyard swimming pools have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity as a great way to cool off and relax in a private setting. A swimming pool can be a great focus for family, friends and entertaining. As great as owning a swimming pool can be there are things to consider if you’re thinking of “taking the plunge” and getting one installed for your home.
What kind of pool do you want?
You will need to decide if you want an above ground or an in-ground pool. Both have advantages and special considerations. Usually the main factor in this decision is cost. A perfectly fine above ground pool can be installed for under $1500 while an in-ground pool will cost at least 8 times as much depending on size and location. Appearance can be another factor. Generally speaking an in-ground pool is more attractive to most people than an above ground pool. Conversely, above ground pools are far more attractive than in years past. The look of fake wood slats and such is pretty much a thing of the past. Liner choices too are much wider and more attractive for an above ground pool than they used to be. Generally speaking, an above ground pool will cost less to operate. Because they hold less water they use smaller pumps and are a little easier on chemicals. Just for yucks consider an in-ground pool has a lifetime of up to forty years. The average above ground pool is in operation for about five years.I want an in-ground pool, how about that?
In addition to the factors above an in-ground pool allows far more flexibility in design and options. Your budget is really the only limit on what you can do with an in-ground pool design. Negative edges, waterfalls, natural rock formations, swim in bars, attached spas, you name it and with enough coin of the realm you can have it. Even standard designs and forms can yield a very attractive backyard feature at a relatively reasonable price.I’ve decided an above ground pool is the way to go
. Above ground pools have come a long way. Much improved wall designs and liners make them much less the eyesore that kept prospective buyers away. Add on decking, whether prefab or custom built, can make the above ground pool a very attractive focus for summer fun and for considerably less money. Pool accessory manufacturers have gotten the message and offer many products for above ground pools that used to be available only to in-ground owners; basket ball and volley ball games, solar blanket reels and even pool slides!The nitty gritty
Installing a pool also has some serious considerations, safety and liability being paramount. Most non-rural areas will require a building permit and mandate safety fencing for the pool area as well as limited access to the pool. Local ordinances vary so make sure you know what’s in place in your town. Wherever you live securing a pool from unauthorized entry should be a no-brainer.Real estate values can also be an important consideration. Realty research shows that a pool is neutral factor in a home’s value. Potential buyers are about evenly divided on whether a pool is a good or bad thing in any given property. Research on the type of pool is sketchy but remember, an above ground pool is removable an in-ground is not.
Hopefully this will help in making a decision on the pool of your dreams. I can only hit the high points so make sure you do your homework and think carefully about your decision. Take your time, do it right and you’ll have a swimming pool that will pay big dividends in fun, relaxation and entertainment.
Rob “Dr. Duck” Coxworth
WebFoot Leisure
About The Author
Mr. Rob Coxworth is a swimming pool industry veteran having held positions as CEO, Sales Manager and Independent rep for various firms. He currently operates Webfoot Leisure.com, a retail site selling pools, supplies and accessories.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Benefits of Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner
Benefits of Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner
by: Alex Fir
How do you clean your swimming pool? A great number of pool owners clean their pools by hand. However, there is a better way - the use of an automatic pool cleaner.
There are numerous benefits to owning an automatic pool cleaner. In order to understand those benefits, you should first learn about automatic pool cleaners and how they work.
As with many other pool accessories, you will find that automatic pool cleaners come in a wide variety of different makes and models. Regardless of different styles, all automatic pool cleaners achieve the same goal - keep your pool clean and free of debris.
There are two main types of automatic cleaners. These cleaners are frequently referred to as a vacuum cleaner and a pressure cleaner. They work in different ways. Before making a decision as to which type of cleaner you would like to buy, you should quickly familiarize yourself with each.
Automatic pressure cleaners operate in a way that is similar to a pressure washer. High pressure water is used to stir and bring dirt and debris up from the bottom of the pool. Once this debris has been brought up to the surface of the water, it then can be removed through the pool’s filter.
Automatic vacuum cleaners operate in a way that is similar to traditional vacuum cleaners. Special hoses create suction that is used to lift dirt and debris up from the bottom of the pool floor. These hoses can be connected to the pool’s filtration system or a special bag can be used to collect the debris.
The pool vacuums that include their own filter bags are frequently known as robotic cleaning systems. This is because they can work without the help of a pool’s filtration system.
No matter which type of automatic pool cleaner you buy, you will be satisfied with the results. As we said, there are many benefits to using an automatic pool cleaner versus doing it yourself. The most important benefit includes the amount of time you will save.
If you manually clean your own pool, you know that it is a long and hard process. In addition to saving yourself time, you will save yourself money by using an automatic pool cleaner.
Lots of pool owners hire outside help to clean their own pools. This is an excellent way to clean your pool, however, the cost can quickly add up. For a reasonable price, an automatic pool cleaner will do the same job. In actual fact, overtime, an automatic pool cleaner will pay for itself.
About The Author
Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Swimming Pool Covers. To read more about this popular pool accessory go to Swimming Pool Guide.
by: Alex Fir
How do you clean your swimming pool? A great number of pool owners clean their pools by hand. However, there is a better way - the use of an automatic pool cleaner.
There are numerous benefits to owning an automatic pool cleaner. In order to understand those benefits, you should first learn about automatic pool cleaners and how they work.
As with many other pool accessories, you will find that automatic pool cleaners come in a wide variety of different makes and models. Regardless of different styles, all automatic pool cleaners achieve the same goal - keep your pool clean and free of debris.
There are two main types of automatic cleaners. These cleaners are frequently referred to as a vacuum cleaner and a pressure cleaner. They work in different ways. Before making a decision as to which type of cleaner you would like to buy, you should quickly familiarize yourself with each.
Automatic pressure cleaners operate in a way that is similar to a pressure washer. High pressure water is used to stir and bring dirt and debris up from the bottom of the pool. Once this debris has been brought up to the surface of the water, it then can be removed through the pool’s filter.
Automatic vacuum cleaners operate in a way that is similar to traditional vacuum cleaners. Special hoses create suction that is used to lift dirt and debris up from the bottom of the pool floor. These hoses can be connected to the pool’s filtration system or a special bag can be used to collect the debris.
The pool vacuums that include their own filter bags are frequently known as robotic cleaning systems. This is because they can work without the help of a pool’s filtration system.
No matter which type of automatic pool cleaner you buy, you will be satisfied with the results. As we said, there are many benefits to using an automatic pool cleaner versus doing it yourself. The most important benefit includes the amount of time you will save.
If you manually clean your own pool, you know that it is a long and hard process. In addition to saving yourself time, you will save yourself money by using an automatic pool cleaner.
Lots of pool owners hire outside help to clean their own pools. This is an excellent way to clean your pool, however, the cost can quickly add up. For a reasonable price, an automatic pool cleaner will do the same job. In actual fact, overtime, an automatic pool cleaner will pay for itself.
About The Author
Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Swimming Pool Covers. To read more about this popular pool accessory go to Swimming Pool Guide.
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