Pool Care - Seasonal Tips

Opening Your Pool
Opening your pool the right way is the first step to a season of carefree maintenance and swimming fun. The steps below are basic guidelines. See Goodall Pools, your BioGuard Authorized Insignia Dealer, for more specific information
MORE INFO...

"WE HAVE THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR ANY POOL." Large or small, indoor or outdoor, in-ground or above-ground, chlorine, bromine or biguanide - BioGuard® has a program for any pool type so you can enjoy brilliant, sparkling clear water with the greatest of ease. So visit our Showrooms for your Care Center and make your choice.

Opening Your Pool:

LeafOpening your pool the right way is the first step to a season of carefree maintenance and swimming fun. The steps below are basic guidelines. See Goodall Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Insignia Dealer, for more specific information.

1. Remove Your Pool Cover
(Skip this step for new pools.) If you use a solid cover, drain off the water - but not into the pool. Sweep the cover and clean it with BioGuard® Stow Away® to prevent sticking and unpleasant odors. Store it in a dry place that's free of debris and protected from the sun and weather.

2. Fill Your Pool
Your pool must be filled to the middle of the skimmer opening to properly circulate.

3. Check Your Pump, Skimmer Basket and Filter
Make sure all equipment is clean and in working order. Start the circulation system and remove debris from the pool. Your filter is a very important part of your pool's maintenance program. If it's not working properly, the products you add won't do their job either. If the filter (sand, D.E. or cartridge) is dirty or wasn't cleaned before your pool was closed, remove grease and oil with BioGuard® Strip Kwik®. For scale build-up (white or gray flaky mineral deposits), use BioGuard® Kleen It®.

4. Bring In A Water Sample For Free Testing
Circulate the water 24 to 48 hours before taking a water sample. Using a clean plastic container (or even better, one provided by your dealer), scoop about a quart of water at elbow-depth from the pool. Seal the container to avoid leaks and take it to Goodall Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Insignia Dealer, for testing and analysis.

BioGuard® pioneered the idea of computerized water analysis. Over the past 25 years, we have used our resources to research, develop and refine the science of water analysis. Today, our computerized water analysis system provides accurate results almost instantly. You receive personalized instructions for starting your pool. We recommend bringing a sample of water for analysis each month during the season to keep your water perfectly balanced.

5. Test Sanitizer And pH Levels
If you test the pool water yourself, use the BioGuard® 1200V Test Kit or BioGuard® test strips to check the free chlorine or total bromine residuals and pH levels. The chart below provides the proper levels you need to keep pool water in balance. There are many BioGuard® products available to help you make sure your water stays in proper balance and ready for your swimming enjoyment.

6. Routine Maintenance
Now that you're into the swim of things, we recommend routine maintenance with a BioGuard® 3-Step Program. If you prefer a non-chlorinating system, we have that too! It's the SoftSwim® Program, a complete line of non-chlorinating products that is very gentle on your skin, eyes and hair.

Proper Level Guide:

Free Chlorine Residual:
1.0 - 3.0 ppm

Total Bromine residual:
1.0 - 3.0 ppm

pH:
7.4 - 7.6 is ideal
7.2 - 7.6 is acceptable

Total Alkalinity:
125 to 150 ppm

Calcium Hardness:
200 to 275 ppm for Plaster & SoftSwim Pools

175 to 225 ppm for all other types

 
Closing Your Pool
Depending on where you live, you'll either completely close your pool for winter or just reduce the frequency of maintenance steps due to less use. The best way to prepare for off-season weather is to visit Goodall Pools and get a specific, customized plan suited to your pool and your surrounds.
MORE INFO...

"WE HAVE THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR ANY POOL." Large or small, indoor or outdoor, in-ground or above-ground, chlorine, bromine or biguanide - BioGuard® has a program for any pool type so you can enjoy brilliant, sparkling clear water with the greatest of ease. So visit our Showrooms for your Care Center and make your choice.

Closing Your Pool:

Winter KitDepending on where you live, you'll either completely close your pool for winter or just reduce the frequency of maintenance steps due to less use. The best way to prepare for off-season weather is to visit Goodall Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Insignia Dealer and get a specific, customized plan suited to your pool and your climate.

Bring in a water sample prior to closing, to Goodall Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Insignia Dealer, we can give you a printout with step-by-step instructions. No matter where you live, off-season care will make spring opening much easier. You'll also gain these other major benefits:

  • Protect your pool surfaces and equipment.
  • Keep water looking its best all winter long.
  • Protect equipment from freeze damage.
  • Avoid spending extra money and time on maintenance at spring opening.

Take a look at BioGuard® Off-Season Products for more information.

Off Season Pool Care:

Protect your pool during the off-season months. You may live in the middle of the snow belt or sunbelt. You might close and cover your pool or just swim occasionally. Whatever the case, Arctic Blue products — when applied properly will do the job. That also means an easy spring opening that requires a minimum of effort, time and money.

Arctic Blue Winter Kits come in two convenient sizes:

Arctic Blue Winter Kit 12 Arctic Blue Winter Kit 12

Treats up to 12,000 gallons. Contains:

  • One-pint bottle of NEW Arctic Blue Algae Protector™
  • Two-pound bottle of NEW Arctic Blue Shock™
  • Winterization Guide
  • $5 in coupons for other BioGuard® products
 
Arctic Blue Winter Kit 24 Arctic Blue Winter Kit 24

Treats up to 24,000 gallons. Contains:

  • One-quart bottle of NEW Arctic Blue Algae Protector
  • (2) Two-pound bottles of NEW Arctic Blue Shock
  • Winterization Guide
  • $5 in coupons for other BioGuard® products
 
Algae Protector NEW! Arctic Blue Algae Protector™

Part of the Arctic Blue Winter Kits.

  • Prevents the growth of all types of pool algae in the off-season.
  • Aids in maintaining pool water clarity when pool is not in use.
  • For use in pools of all surface and filter types.
  • Formulated for use in chlorinated or brominated pools
 
Winter Shock II Winter Shock II
  • Ideally suited for vinyl and above-ground pools.
  • Lithium-based winter shock treatment does not increase calcium hardness.
  • Packaged in convenient 1 lb. bags.
  • Dissolves quickly; won't cloud water.
  • Oxidizes organic undesirable compounds for clear water.
 
Arctic Blue Shock NEW! Arctic Blue Shock™

Part of the Arctic Blue Winter Kits.

  • Unique, patented dual-action formula.
  • Oxidizes and clarifies so pool water stays wonderfully clear.
  • Fast-dissolving formula can be applied directly into pool.
  • Provides long-lasting chlorinating protection.
  • Ideal for pools with bleachable surfaces.
 
Winter Floater WP Winter Floater WP
  • For white plaster pools only!
  • Provides long-lasting continuous chlorination during winter months.
  • Unique design keeps the two 1/2-pound chlorinating sticks well below the winter cover line for excellent pool water protection.
 
Winter Algicide Winter Algicide
  • Economical way to protect water from algae all winter long.
  • Non-staining and non-corrosive.
  • Works well in pools with ionizers and catalytic mineral devices.
 

NOTE: With all pool care products, avoid physical contact. Follow safety information on label instructions. Open in well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing fumes. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

 
Going On Vacation
There are several steps you should perform before being away from home for two weeks or more. While you're having a great time on vacation, your unattended pool collects debris and bacteria that can upset water balance
MORE INFO...

"WE HAVE THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR ANY POOL." Large or small, indoor or outdoor, in-ground or above-ground, chlorine, bromine or biguanide - BioGuard® has a program for any pool type so you can enjoy brilliant, sparkling clear water with the greatest of ease. So visit our Showrooms for your Care Center and make your choice.

Going on Vacation:

There are several steps you should perform before being away from home for two weeks or more. While you're having a great time on vacation, your unattended pool collects debris and bacteria that can upset water balance.

Before you pack your bags, contact Goodall Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Insignia Dealer, for a vacation maintenance plan. After you return, just bring in a water sample to make sure your pool is properly balanced and ready for swimming. Taking a few, easy precautions will make your return to the pool much more enjoyable. No long wait to get back to swimming! No big problems with water that is out of balance