How to make your pool sparkle

How do you clear cloudy pool water and make it sparkle? There are a few things that all work together to keep your water crystal clear including your water chemistry & filtration times.

Here are our top tips to keep your pool water sparkling!

Check your Water level

If it’s dropped below the middle of your skimmer box, give it a top-up with the hose. Filling it halfway up your skimmer will allow for proper circulation, which helps your filter remove impurities from the water!

quick Filter checkup

Getting sparkling pool water all season can be as easy as making sure your filtration system is operating and continues to run at its peak. An average pool should run for 6-8 hours per day in the summer, the pool filter works continuously to remove debris, contaminants, and other impurities from the water.

Similar to a vacuum cleaner after a while the build-up of waste in your filter will affect the flow. Poor flow results in poor circulation, which can then lead to cloudy water and algae outbreaks!

In preparation for summer, give your filter a checkup. This involves removing any hidden debris build-up and then giving it a clean with the recommended method for your filtration system.

If you have a sand filter, you’ll need to backwash your filter to flush out contaminants. During the swimming season, we recommend backwashing a sand or Activated Filter Media® (AFM) filter when the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above the normal operating level. Sand should be replaced every five years. AFM®, however, is expected to last the lifetime of your filter!

If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridges and check every few weeks and hose them down when necessary... you'll need to replace the cartridges every two to three years.

After giving your filter a thorough clean, we suggest adding a dose of BioGuard Filter Brite®. It will remove any remaining scale or waste deposits while also sanitising the filter media or cartridge. This product is suitable for all filtration systems and can also be used when you give your filter its annual deep clean.

Every filtration system is slightly different. If you need any assistance with your filter maintenance, give us a call or use the button below to request a service!

Test your water

Now that you’ve rejuvenated your filter, the next thing to tick off your list is water balance! We can test your pool or spa water using state-of-the-art computerised equipment to make sure you get the right balance. Once we've tested the water we can advise you on you'll need to correct any chemical imbalances.

We then recommend testing your water every week at home and in-store with us once a month. Staying on top of your water balance is the secret to saving money and achieving sparkling water all Summer!

This way we'll be able to keep your water safe, prevent damage to your surfaces and equipment, and allows your pool products to work most efficiently!

3-Step Program Kit

Tailored just for you, the 3-Step Program Kit will contain the following:

1. A sanitiser for healthy water

2. An oxidiser for sparkling water

3. An algaecide for clean water

Getting the sparkle

Now let's get that extra sparkle!

An oxidiser is a product that works to remove and destroy swimmer wastes and organic contaminants in your water, keeping it crystal clear! We suggest BioGuard Lite® as an easy-to-use oxidiser that allows swimmers back in the water an hour after treatment.

If you're ready to take your pool water to the next level, you can also add a weekly dose of BioGuard Pool Complete™. It’s the final touch for any pool maintenance as its 3-in-1 formula keeps water super clear, prevents scum line build-up, and removes phosphates.

If you follow these simple steps, your pool water will sparkle all season!

Got questions?… Call us on (03) 9769 3252

Is your pool ready for Summer?

Make the most of your pool/spa this Summer with an easy 4-step program that will help put your water & equipment in good stead for the Summer and keep it looking great! Plus, combined with regular water testing, balancing and maintenance will ensure your pool it’s always ready to go during the hottest time of the year.

If you would like a personalised pool maintenance plan, head in-store and we can advise on the easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain your water this Summer.

Step 1: Remove your Pool Cover

If you haven’t already, the warmer weather means it’s time to take off your cover so you can jump in whenever you’re ready. You will need to drain off any water, dirt, and debris that has collected on the cover, and try to not let any go back into the water as these contaminants not only look unsightly, lots of debris can promote algae growth.

Once you’ve pulled the cover off, give it a good clean with the hose and store it away from the sun which will increase its life.

Step 2: Check the Water Level

If your water level is low, give it a top-up from the hose. Ensure the level is at least halfway up the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation.

Step 3: Get your Water Tested

Once you’ve topped up your water levels, allow your pump & filter to circulate the water for 24-48 hours for a pool, or 4-6 hours for a spa. Fill a water sample bottle (at elbow depth), then visit us for a state-of-the-art water test and grab the required chemicals to balance.

If you’d prefer to undertake the water testing yourself, we recommend using the Biolab 6-in-1 Test Kit or Biolab Test Strips that we stock in-store. Healthy pool water has a free chlorine level of between 1-3ppm and a pH of 7.4-7.6 (*this will differ for fibreglass pools & spas).

Step 4: Check the Pump, Filter, and Skimmer Basket

Give all your pool equipment a once-over and make sure everything is in good working order. If you come across any damage or something that just doesn’t look right, take a photo of it and come in to see us for assistance, alternatively, you can book one of our service technicians to come to you.

We also recommend using BioGuard Filter Brite™ to clean and sanitise your filter. It restores the efficiency of your filter by removing scale and rust deposits, greases, oils, and organic wastes. It will also extend the life of your filter!

Following this simple maintenance program at the beginning of summer will ensure your pool water is healthy and sparkling over the warmer months.

If you’d like to know more, or just need some expert advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us in person, on the phone, or online.

Winter Water Balance

With the colder weather, shorter days, and limited use of the swimming pool, we tend to forget that the pool still requires correct chemical balance to remain clean and healthy. Excessive chlorine levels can cause unwanted degradation of pool covers, skimmer baskets, and pool cleaners.

Keeping your eye on the chemical balance each month will not only keep your water clear, but it will also prolong the life of your equipment!

Here are some tips to help maintain a safe and correct chemical throughout the Winter period:

1. Chlorine Levels

Ideal ranges - covered pool = 0.5 - 1ppm, uncovered pool 1 - 3ppm

If you have not reduced your running times, or have a pool cover over your pool, you will need to regularly check your chlorine levels to ensure it does not get too high. Excessive Chlorine levels can result in the deterioration of your expensive pool blankets and automatic pool cleaners. It can also have an effect on the pool surface!

It can affect your pH - the higher the chlorine level, the higher the potential for an unhealthy pool. This can cause a raft of other issues, making it more expensive to correct when the weather warms up and you want to use the pool.

2. pH

Ideal ranges - 7.4 - 7.6

It is important to maintain the correct balance of your pH. If your pH is either too high or too low, it can affect the other chemical readings in the water. A high pH makes your Chlorine ineffective and allows scaling to build up on the surface of your pool surface and salt cells. A very low pH can burn off the chlorine before it can sanitise the water.

3. Phosphates

Ideal range - below .1

In Winter, you'll probably be taking advantage of running shorter filtration times, saving the wear and tear on equipment and lowering your power consumption. If your pool is Winterised, you will be able to run the filtration system even less.

With the lower running times though, there is the potential for the amount of dust and debris in the pool to build as the cleaner and skimmer may not have enough time to remove it all. This can increase your phosphate levels. A High phosphate level can provide perfect conditions for algae to grow and that could end up costing you more in the long run.

Follow the BioGuard 3 Step Program for a healthy, low maintenance pool this winter 

Click to download the full .pdf

How to Winterise your pool

Now that autumn has arrived, and winter is fast approaching, your pool usage has probably declined. However, just because your pool has shut up shop for the season doesn’t mean you can forget about it… doing so might leave you with a green pool, costing you much more than preventative maintenance would.

SO, HOW DO YOU GET YOUR POOL READY FOR WINTER?

STEP 1. CLEAN IT

Remove all debris from the water, skimmer, pump basket and filters. If anything is left to sink to the bottom it can stain the surface and be a real pain to clean.

STEP 2. CHECK ALL EQUIPMENT

Ensure the pump is working and there is no calcium build-up on the chlorination cell. Try using BioGuard Salt Cell Cleaner to remove any calcification.

Throughout the cooler months, you’ll still need the pump, filter and chlorinator to run for at least 4 hours a day If needed, we can always service your pool equipment.

STEP 3. BACKWASH YOUR FILTER

To clean contaminants from the filter, you’ll need to backwash the filter. Follow these basic steps to backwash your filter properly:

• Turn the pump OFF

• Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘BACKWASH’ & open any valves on your waste line

• Turn the pump ON & run for 1-2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear.

• Turn the pump OFF

• Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘RINSE’

• Turn the pump ON & run for 1-2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear.

• Turn the pump OFF

• Move the Multiport Valve handle to ‘FILTER’

• Turn the pump ON and set the timer to automatic.

STEP 4. BALANCE THE WATER

Everything in your pool becomes more efficient with properly balanced water. You’re primarily defending against algae outbreaks, but the surface and equipment will also last longer.

If you need to shock your pool, try using BioGuard’s Burn Out Extreme. It’s easy to use, is great for shocking or treating pools with chlorine demands and/or algae problems.

STEP 5. ADD A PHOSPHATE REMOVER

Although your pool might not contain algae, the addition of a phosphate remover like Pool Tonic eliminates its food source. No phosphates = no algae.

STEP 6. ADD A LONG TERM ALGAECIDE

A long-lasting algaecide like Bioguard MSA will kill algae & continue to remain active in the water for up to 3 months. This means that you won’t have to worry about any algal blooms while you’re not using the pool which could create a costly clean up when you’re ready to start swimming again.

STEP 7. USE YOUR POOL COVER

If you don’t have one, now is the time to invest. A cover protects your pool from debris, elements and evaporation. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be skimming and vacuuming when it’s freezing outside. Read our article about the benefits of pool covers here

STEP 8. CONTINUE BASIC MAINTENANCE

Continue to check the water chemistry and filter gauge every two weeks, adjusting where necessary.

Every so often, it’s a good idea to bring a water sample to us to give it the full once over.

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Pool Maintenance Tips

Maintenance of your pool & spa equipment is important all year round, and especially after a party or weather event like a storm. Here is a quick list of the main things to check, so your pool and equipment keep working at their best.

Cleaning Equipment

Check your leaf rake nets for splits and tears, these can be replaced separately either in-store or at home with just a screwdriver (and a lot of patience). Cracks in the frame of leaf rakes and brushes happen when the residual chlorinated water remains on them as well as damage from the sun’s UV rays.

Pumps

Check for any signs of leakage, most commonly found underneath. There is a mechanical seal that can begin to leak and become noisy with age. If you find a leak this means the seal needs to be replaced.

Also check the pump basket for cracks as this can allow fine debris through, clogging the inside of the pump, and restricting or even stopping the flow of water.

Filters

Media filters should be backwashed, they can also be cleaned and degreased as they benefit greatly from this because not everything is expelled with a backwash.

Cartridge and DE filters require a good hose out and should also be degreased to maintain their efficiency and make them last longer.

Those with glass media are the easiest filters to clean as they don't require any degreasing. Just a good backwash then rinse and you'll be good to go again.

Check the Multiport Valve for any leaks, the most common place to find them is water coming up through the handle area as well as from around the collar where it joins to the tank.

The tank of the filter can fatigue over time from being under constant high pressures, be sure to run your eye and hands over the whole tank for leaks and stress cracks. Check the pressure gauge for correct pressure readings e.g. When the pump is off, it should be at 0 and when on, it is operating in the normal range.

Salt Chlorinator

A good cleaning of the cell is important, even if it is 'self-cleaning'. This will remove the excess Calcium buildup that can attach itself to the plates that prevent proper chlorine production & the sensor which can give you false readings.

Simply mix a very dilute acid:water mix of 1 part acid to 10 parts water in a bucket and put the cell into the mix, ensure that the acid/water solution only touches the plates and not over the cap onto the leads.

*Always add acid to water, never water to acid as this can splash the acid onto you!!

Check the power connections on the cap to ensure there are no exposed wires and they aren't stripped or damaged.

Pool Cleaners

There are a lot of wearing parts on suction cleaners including skirts, soles, swivels, floats, and hoses on suction cleaners to rollers and baskets on robotic cleaners. Usually, a visual inspection of the cleaner will easily show parts in need of repair, though if they just aren’t working like they used to, you can bring the whole unit into us and we’ll give it the professional once over or you can have us come to you and make sure it’s covering the whole pool.

Water Balance

A home test kit will check your chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. Ensure they are in the ideal range and balance where required.

Alternatively, by bringing a water sample into our shop, we'll be able to test for all the balances that can affect your water quality and ensure that you have the perfect balance to keep your water clear!

*IMPORTANT - This is only a guide for what we suggest to check. If you are unfamiliar with your equipment and/or its operation, please contact us. We can either help you learn more or come and check your equipment for you. More damage can be done by removing or uninstalling any parts of the filtration system and voiding any warranties you may have.