Educational Resources

Q: I’m thinking about using ozone to sanitize my pool. What should I know? A: Good choice! Ozone is an excellent sanitizer that is economical, environmentally friendly, and pleasant for our clients. Let’s start with a basic understanding about how ozone works. You may be surprised to hear that ozone, chlorine, bromine, and peroxide all work essentially the same way – by oxidation. All these sanitizers are common chemical compounds that have an “extra” oxygen molecule. The formula for oxygen …

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Q: How big a pump do I need for my pool? A: Here is a case where bigger probably IS better. There are generally two uses for pumps in a pool. Jet pumps are used to create a current to swim against and/or to massage aching muscles. These are generally separate from the circulation pumps, which are used to move water through the filter, heater, and sanitizing systems. We’ll talk about the latter. The typical rule of thumb for circulation pumps …

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Q: I’ve heard that chlorinated pools can be dangerous. Is that true? A: The answer is “possibly”. Any substance, even pure water, can be dangerous or even deadly when used improperly. Chlorine is no exception. Chlorine is the most commonly used sanitizer for pools. When used properly it is safe, effective, and economical. Unfortunately, its popularity also means it is the most frequently misused chemical in the industry. This misuse can lead to unhealthful conditions. We’ve all walked into a health …

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Do you know what you are putting in your pool? Chemicals are a necessary part of pool maintenance. As much as we would like to eliminate them, it just isn’t practical (or safe) to go without. However, it is vitally important that you understand what is in the chemicals that you do use, and also when they should be used. Without that understanding, you may be adding many more things than you need to, or in some cases actually doing …

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Q: How often should I shock my pool? A: The simple answer is “Whenever it needs it”. The real question is “How do I know when my pool needs a shock treatment?” WHY SHOCK? First, it helps to understand what a shock treatment is and why we need to do it. When clients (both canine and human) enter the pool, they introduce organics into the water. These include sweat, saliva, skin cells, body lotions, deodorants, soil, urine, loam, and a host …

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Q: I want to build a pool. What do you think is the best size? A: There is probably no “best size”, but here are some things to think about that might help you make a decision. First, what type of clients do you hope to attract? A typical 800 gallon spa would be fine if your business is limited to providing massage therapy. There’s not much room for swimming, but there are many tubs to choose from and you …

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A properly maintained pool incorporates both filtration and sanitation. We sanitize to kill bacteria, viruses, and algae, and we filter to remove particles suspended in the water. While clear water is not a guarantee that the water is safe to swim in, cloudy water is definitely a sign that something needs attention. Your filter is a critical part of your pool system, and should be selected with care and properly maintained. In this issue, we’ll provide some information to help …

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