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Pool: General Questions
(1 Questions)
1.
How can I determine how many gallons of water is in my pool?
First determine the average depth of your pool by taking the depth of the deepest end of your pool and adding the depth of the shallowest end (in feet). Divide this number by 2. This number is the average depth. Continue below based on the shape of your pool. *circle* total galllons = diameter x diameter x average depth x 5.9 (in feet) *oval* total gallons = long diameter x short diameter x average depth x 5.9 *square or rectangular* total gallons = length x width x average depth x 7.5 (in feet)
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Pool: Chlorine Treatment
(12 Questions)
1.
What causes a green pool?
Your swimming pool is suffering from green algae growth. A common free-floating variety of algae imparts a cloudy green color to pool water. It's eassy to correct if treated early. Shock your pool, then use the proper dose of algaecide for the size of your pool. Your pool may also be experiencing low total alkalinity, which can contribute to green algae growth, so you may also need to add an alkalinity increaser.
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2.
What is algae?
Algae is tiny microscopic plants deposited in pool water by rain, wind, and fill water. One ounce of pool water can contain millions of algae cells before they are visible.
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3.
What is chlorine?
Chlorine is a very aggressive disinfectant that kills bacteria. It is very important in maintaining pool water for swimmers safety and health. Bacteria and algae enter the pool every day from sources ranging from athers to the weather. When we test for chlorine in the pool water, it is referred to as free chlorine, meaning the chlorine is free and available to kill bacteria.
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7.
What is ppm?
Parts per million is a unit of measuring chemical application. It indicates that amount by weight of a chemical in relation to one million parts by weight of water.
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8.
Why is the water in my pool cloudy, smoky, or hazy?
There are several possible causes of cloudy, smoky, or hazy pool water. Here are some possible causes and solutions below. Poor circulation or filtration: Backwash and clean the pool filter. Clean the skimmer baskets and pump strainer basket. The filter may need to be chemically cleaned. Improper water balance: Test the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, and make the necesssary adjustments. High total dissolved solids (TDS) and/or calcium hardness: If one or both are high, drain off 1/3 to 1/2 of your pool water and replace it with fresh water that is low in hardness. Adjust the chemical balance. Excess organic waste: Shock with one pound of shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. High total alkalinity: Add a pH reducer. Low sanitizer level: Add chlorine to ring sanitizer into it proper range.
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9.
What are the stains in my swimming pool caused from?
Staining appears as discoloration on pool surfaces. These stains may be green, blue, purple, gray, reddish-brown or beige to brown. "Permanent" stains (ones not easily brushed off) are typically the result of some chemical imbalance or metals present in the water. Gray, green to bluish purple stains: Most likely copper, possibly iron. Reddish to yellow-brown: Iron is the most likely cause. Medium to dark brown stains: Uncommon, but the presence of manganese is often the cause. Beige to tan stains on plastered or marcite finishes: This is a calcium or silicate scale build-up. Although scale is white, dirt is trapped in the crystals as they form.
All these conditions should be treated. The sooner you react to any stain, the greater the chance it can be elminated. See one of our chemical technicians for the most effective treatment for your pool.
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10.
What are the black spots on the floor an walls of my pool?
Black spots on the floor and walls of your pool indicate black algae, which unfortunately is very hard to kill. Blavk algae typically appears as small black dots or blotches that are pinhead to quarter-sized. It has a tough outer coating and is very resistant to treatment, especially if it gets into the crevices of the pool. To treat black algae, you'll need an algaecide specifically formulated to kill it. Even the most severe porblems can be eliminated faster if you use metal control product in conjunction with black algaecide. After you apply the chemicals, brush the areas of your pool with black algae growth to allow the chemicals to penetrate the outer coating of the spots.
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12.
My hair turns green when I swim, is this caused from chlorine?
No. Exposure to metals dissolved in the water, particularly copper, iron, and manganese causes your hair to turn green. When metals attach to the hair shaft and are oxidized by the chlorine, they can leave behind a green residue. To remove the metals from your hair use a swimmer's shampoo that can remove the metals from your hair.
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Pool: Pool Frog System
(17 Questions)
1.
Why should I use the Pool Frog System?
Less work. Less chlorine. The POOL FROG system offers innovative mineral Technology for pool care. With POOL FROG, water will look and feel better without a lot of work or chlorine. This system controls bacteria using a combination of minerals and reduced chlorine levels. The end result is softer water that has an added sparkle.
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2.
What are the four parts to the Pool Frog System?
The POOL FROG System is 4 parts in one. First, the POOL FROG Cycler serves as a "Water Treatment Center" and controls the flow of water. Second, the POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir, the essential part of the system, is placed inside the Cycler and holds one season's worth of minerals. Third, a Chlorine Bac Pac is placed inside the POOL FROG Mineral Reservoir. Fourth, your pool can receive guaranteed algae protection for 90 days by using FROG BAM before inserting a Bac Pac.
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3.
How often will the Chlorine Pac need to be replaced?
The smaller Bac Pac will last 7-10 days on in ground pools and 2-3 weeks on above ground pools. The larger pacs will last 3-5 weeks. Actual times will vary depending on pool size, pump size and run time, number of swimmers, water and air temperatures.
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5.
Why won't the tablets in my Bac Pac dissolve?
The most common cause is that the chlorine tablets have not fallen down into the area where the water flows through. Shake the pac to make the tablets fall into place. Low back pressure may also be the reason. By reducing the size of the eyeball fitting in the return will correct this.
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8.
How long have minerals been used to keep water clean?
Minerals have been used for centuries. The Romans put silver coins in urns to help maintain water clarity longer. In more recent times, minerals are used every day in the medical industry with tremendous results. Some of these same minerals, like silver, are found in the FROG products.
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9.
How long will minerals last?
In our pool products the minerals will last six months or one pool season whichever is shorter. Once activated by water, the minerals are effective for only six months or one pool season. Once removed from the water, the minerals may not be reused the following season.
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10.
How do minerals enter the water?
The minerals enter the water at a low parts per billion level through a controlled release system that prevents over-dosing.
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14.
Why should I use FROG BAM?
Algae are a pool's worse nightmare. Even with a great water care system like the POOL FROG, those steaming summer days, poor circulation pockets or accidental drops in chlorine levels could cause what no pool owner ever asks for. How can you guarantee that algae won't ruin your summer this year? With the FROG BAM!
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15.
How does FROG BAM work?
It's so easy; just follow our 90/90 rule. Insert FROG BAM into the Mineral Reservoir, set your control dial to maximum and run your pump for 90 minutes, allowing BAM to circulate in your pool water. After 90 minutes, remove the BAM cartridge and discard. If using the Bac Pac, insert into the Mineral Reservoir. Your pool is now protected from algae for 90 days!
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Spa: General Questions
(4 Questions)
1.
How do I get started?
Spa Start-Up: Always drain and refill spa at least every 4 months. Clean and replace filter cartridges when dirty (Follow manufacturer's instructions.) Balance water. Click here for spa water balance guidelines. Heat water to recommended temperature before using cartridges. VERY IMPORTANT! - Before using cartridges, establish an initial residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm bromine or chlorine with a granular Brominating Concentrate or a chlorine shock. DO NOT USE a non-chlorine shock. Use the appropriate bromine or chlorine test strips or kit and follow manufacturer's instructions.
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Spa: Water Chemistry & Balance
(15 Questions)
1.
Should I have my spa water tested?
It's always a good idea to have Spa & Tub Manufacturer's fully test your water once you have completed your start-up process to make sure everything is in line. If you experience any difficulties with balancing or sanitizing, bring us a water sample and we will give you an analysis of what needs to be done to correct the situation.
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2.
Why is bromine recommended over chlorine?
Bromine is the leading spa sanitizer with a number of benefits over chlorine. It dissolves slower in hot water; it's less odorous and less corrosive and it regenerates itself every time you shock the spa.
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4.
How should I test my bromine levels?
We have test kits availale at our stores for spa water testing. If you are experiencing water chemistry issues, you may need to bring us a water sample for additional analyses.
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5.
Why does my spa have a strong chlorine smell?
Strong, smelly chlorine odor means you have chloramines, organic by products of chlorine oxidizing sweat, urine and other contaminants. Ridding the spa of chloramines demands a shock treatment. (either chlorine or non-chlorine) Your pH may not be balanced correctly. If your spa is indoors and you store your chemicals in the same room, the room may not be getting the proper air ventilation. Store your chemicals in another dry location.
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6.
What causes cloudy/hazy water?
Your sanitizer level could be low. The pH could be high. Your filter might be dirty. You may need to increase your circulation time.
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7.
Why do I have foam?
The biggest culprit is detergent residue on swimming suits, but foaming can also be caused by cosmetics, sun tan lotion, body oils or other organic materials. Some tile and vinyl cleaners may also cause foaming. High pH is another cause. Use a defoamer.
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8.
Why is my water discolored?
When the water changes color it's usually due to the presence of metals from fill water. Iron with a rusty look or copper with a greenish, bluish appearance are common. Test for calcium hardness. Consult with your spa dealer regarding s sequestering agents or other options to resolve the problem.
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9.
My pH is hard to maintain, why?
Everything that enters your spa has a pH that can raise or lower the total pH of the spa. The following is a list of possible culprits that could be giving you a difficult time in maintaining pH between the desired range of 7.2 and 7.8. Tap water, depending on the area of the country, can either have a low or high pH Overestimating the amount of pH Decreaser or pH Increaser needed is often the problem Using bromine or chlorine tends to lower pH over time, while using shocks like Calcium Hypochlorite or Lithium Hypochlorite may raise the pH over time. High bather loads will tend to lower pH. Swimmer wastes, such as perspiration, urine, saliva and other body oils will also lower pH. A high alkalinity reading will raise the pH. Dirt, debris or leaves that blow into the pool as well as rain that is often acidic will lower pH. Salt chlorine generators will drive pH up.
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10.
What's the difference between pH and Alkalinity?
pH is the abbreviation for "potential hydrogen" and the reading indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. Basically, it is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the water is. Total alkalinity is the measure of how stable the pH is. It measures the water's buffering capacity to resist pH changes. Without control of the total alkalinity, the pH will rise and fall abruptly.
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11.
What is calcium hardness?
Calcium Hardness (or Total Hardness), as the name implies, refers to the hardness of the water, measuring the amount of mainly calcium and also other minerals. Swimming pools require hard water - defined as water with more than 100 ppm of hardness ions. Like pH and alkalinity, calcium hardness affects the tendency of water to be corrosive when it is low and scale forming when it is high. Generally, calcium hardness levels should be kept between 200 and 400 ppm.
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13.
Does it make a difference if my water is from a well, city, or soft water system?
Yes. Water supplies contain different levels of natural minerals like iron, copper or magnesium. These minerals must be removed from the water with a Metal Out to ensure easier balancing and proper sanitation. If using our FROG Mineral products, make sure you remove the natural water minerals at spa start up, wait 24 hours and clean filter before you use the special FROG minerals.
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15.
Will bather load impact my spa?
The number of people in a spa has a huge effect on spa sanitation. For example, four people in an average spa demand the same sanitation level of 200-300 people in an average home swimming pool.
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Spa: Spa Frog System
(10 Questions)
1.
What are the benefits of the SPA FROG Floating System?
Unlike all other floaters, SPA FROG... Includes minerals that control bacteria and reduce bromine use up to 50%. Easily adjusts for any size spa. Water is softer & crystal clear. Is long lasting for less work. Protects your surfaces and equipment. Is removed when the spa is in use (flip it over on flat surface with no mess.) Saves water by draining and refilling less often. Is prefilled for no mess and no measuring. Bromine cartridges are recyclable.
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5.
How long have minerals been used to keep water clean?
Minerals have been used for centuries. The Romans put silver coins in urns to help maintain water clarity longer. In more recent times, minerals are used every day in the medical industry with tremendous results. Some of these same minerals like silver are found in the SPA FROG products.
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