ANSWERS FOR POOL AND SPA OWNERS IN THE LOWER MAINLAND

Can I drain my pool?

While many pools can be drained, the safest answer is No. At the very least, not without the advice of a professional. You can cause yourself some very big and expensive repairs if not done properly. There are many factors depending on how your pool is constructed and what the ground water in your area is like. Also your local Municipality draining guidelines need to be considered. Ultimately, it is best to have a professional do it for you.

Why is water chemistry so important in my pool or spa?

The biggest part of water chemistry is Sanitation. This is about health and safety and should be closely monitored. Secondary is the pH which is essential for bather comfort and the longevity of your equipment. Beyond that is some basic balancing that is needed to keep the water working in your favour. Water is referred to as the “universal solvent.” Over time, if not properly balanced, water will strip minerals from your plumbing, the heater, liner or plaster finish of your pool or spa. You must satisfy that demand for minerals or face expensive repairs or shortened product life.

How much chlorine do I need to add to keep the pool or spa safe?

This is not an amount we can give you without a full diagnosis of your pool. You need to add enough chlorine to maintain a 1-3 ppm reading. To achieve this, many factors come into play including:

• How big is the pool or spa?
• How hot is the water?
• How many people are using the pool or spa?
• Do you shower before getting in or go for a work out and get in straight away?
• What is the full current chemical balance of the water?

Every pool or spa is different. You must use your test kit to determine what’s right for you. Local pool stores offer thorough water chemistry readings, so it is always a good idea to take a sample of your water to a service like that on a regular basis.

Are there alternatives to adding chlorine pucks to my pool?

Yes! There are several other ways to keep the pool safe and sparkling without having to handle chlorine or bromine. Salt water, UV and ozone are all potential solutions to lessening your interactions with chlorine. Ultimately a sanitizer should always be in use, but these solutions can lessen how much you’ll need.