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www.weeklypoolservice.com There are 5 main aspects of water chemistry to keep balances and to check for regularly. These 5 aspects are:

• Free and Available Chlorine (FAC) – maintained at 3 to 5 ppm (parts per million)
• pH Balance (Power of Hydrogen) – maintained at 7.4 to 7.6
• Total Alkalinity (T.A.) – maintained at 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million)
• Conditioner (Cyanuric Acid) – also called stabilizer, maintained at 30 to 50 ppm (parts per million)
• Calcium Hardness – maintained at 180 to 500 ppm (parts per million)

There are a few other conditions that can also be checked, depending on your equipment and factors around your pool:

• Salt, Salinity (Sodium Chloride) – Salt is used with Salt generated chlorination systems only and should be maintained at 3250 to 3500 ppm (parts per million) though different manufacturers will have some variance in their recommended salinity levels (with some up to 4000 ppm)
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – a measurement of all solids dissolved in a sample of water and a general indication of the waters age. Proper TDS levels and recommendations will be given on a TDS test kit.
• Phosphates – a measurement of microscopic dead plant material and food for algae. Measurements for recommended phosphate levels will be given on any phosphate test

www.weeklypoolservice.com Although acid washing your pool is something most pool owners will find themselves needing to do from time to time, it should be done fairly infrequently, as this procedure can be potentially damaging to your pool if done too often or done improperly.  It is always recommended that this process be completed by a certified pool maintenance professional (such as our seasoned technicians at No Green Pools Co) to ensure that acid washing is done the right way with the right chemicals.Why should acid washing be done infrequently?  Acid washing your pool is akin to removing a layer of skin from the body.  While doing so occasionally will reveal a fresh layer of skin, doing so excessively will irritate and damage the skin.  The same concept can be applied to the surfaces of your pool.  An acid wash will use chemicals to remove a “layer” of your pool surfaces, and in doing so remove algae, stains, and other unsightly discoloration.Who needs an acid wash?  One way of determining the need for an acid wash is whether the actual floor of your pool is visible- meaning not covered with algae or other growth.  If your pool floor is visible and there are not other factors present which require acid washing to rectify, then in most cases, chemicals, increased filtration and manual removal with other pool equipment will typically be less costly than an acid wash.  However, if the bottom of your pool is currently obscured by algae, an acid wash will in most cases be the most cost effective solution.How often should you acid wash your pool?  As a rule of thumb, acid washing should not be performed more than once a year.  If you have recently performed or contracted an acid wash and you find that a significant amount of algae growth has returned, it may be time to take a look at your other pool equipment, e.g. pumps and filters, as well as the chemical balance of your pool, for the source of your algae problem.  Sometimes it is as simple as replacing a filter or changing filtration settings.  Other times some owners have found that increasing or decreasing one or more chemical from their usual pool cocktail will do the trick.  It is wise to remember that your pool will require different chemical levels depending on the season and frequency of use of the pool facilities.

www.weeklypoolservice.com While spas and pools share some significant characteristics, they also differ in a number of ways, namely size and temperature.  They also differ in the way that they are used, the frequency of their use, and the seasons they are used.  Because of these major differences, it is important to be aware of the characteristics that make spas unique, and thus require extra attention and care. When comparing spas and pools, the first difference that comes to mind is size.   Your typical in ground pool is most likely ten times the size of your spa or hot tub.  While this means that your pool requires more water, a common misconception is that it also requires more chemicals to keep it clean when compared to a spa.  This, however, is incorrect.  Because of the high temperature of spa water, and typically more frequent usage, spas generally require nearly identical levels of chemicals in order to keep the water clean, clear and safe.  The simple reason for this is that hotter water increases the incidence of bacteria growth, which is no fun for anyone.  It is imperative that the correct chemical balance be attained and then maintained if you want to get the most out of your relaxing spa.  Fortunately, the professionals at No Green Pools Co. are certified spa professionals, and are ready to take the guesswork out of cleaning and maintaining your new or existing spa.We have already mentioned that high temperatures in spa water promote the growth of bacteria if not properly treated.  Following this logic, you will notice that your spa water requires more frequent draining and refilling than your traditional in ground pool.  It is highly unsanitary to fail to cycle your spa water at regular intervals.  Another practice unique to hot tubs and spas is the process of shock treating the water.  This is a practice involving a high dose of chemicals (there are both chlorine and chlorine alternatives available) which “shock” the contaminants out of your spa water.  The chemical reaction which occurs while shocking your spa water ensures that cloudy or smelly water can once again become soothing and clear. Shocking your spa water should occur both after heavy use (such as after a party, for example) and after longer than normal periods of disuse.  A spa cover should also be used daily to maintain water temperature and prevent environmental contaminants from collecting in your pool water. When dealing with the maintenance of your spa, trust your instincts.  If your spa water looks cloudy, smells funny, or causes abnormal skin irritation, it is time to shock treat your water, cycle your water, or for a low price with maximum results, contact No Green Pools Co for a free estimate.