FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of Algae?
Pool water turns green because of algae in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly when it’s warm like summer, which is why it can surprise you overnight. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.
Chlorine is an effective sanitiser; however letting chlorine levels drop for even a day can start an algae outbreak. So, it’s important to check your chlorine levels frequently to save you any nasty surprises
The fastest and most effective way to clear algae in your pool is to boost your chlorine levels through a shock treatment and an algaecide supplement. For the best results, try using BioGuard Burn Out Extreme supplemented with BioGuard Algi Destroyer. Note: If your shock chlorine is unstabilised it’s important you wait until your pool is covered by shade and darkness. The sun burns unstabilised chlorine much faster than stabilised chlorine.
1) Follow the formula of: One 600g bag of BioGuard Burn Out Extreme treats a 50,000 litre pool. When you’re shocking your pool, make sure to keep the pool filter and pump running for at least 10 hours during and after the treatment.
2) To follow the above formula, you must also determine how much algae is in your pool. This is relatively easy and is dependent on three variations of colour.
Light green/teal water: This indicates a low level of algae in the water and will require the shock formula above. You will need to add one bag of BioGuard Burn Out Extreme to every 50,000L of pool water.
Green or dark green: This generally signifies a medium amount of algae in the water. Requiring double the shock treatment. To double the shock treatment, you will need to add two bags of BioGuard Burn Out Extreme to every 50,000L of pool water.
Black-green water: At this point, you may need to seek professional help.
IMPORTANT: All shock treatments need to be supplemented with an algaecide. BioGuard Algi Destroyer is more than likely your strongest and quickest defence. By combining two active ingredients into one formula, Algi Destroyer provides a double action attack, eradicating algae swiftly and successfully.
3) “But my water is still cloudy?!” Fear not – once the algae has been killed, it will turn a cloudy, near grey, blue colour. To get your pool back to the crystal clear waters you enjoy, you’ll need to run your pump and filter and introduce BioGuard Super Clear Clarifying Tabs or Polysheen.
Why is my water cloudy & how can I clear it?
There could be several things that could be causing your water to be cloudy. First, check the pool’s filtration and circulation system. Is the filter working properly, or does it need to be cleaned of sediment? BioGuard Filter Brite is ideal for cleaning the filter, which needs to run for a minimum of 8 hours a day during summer (or whenever the pool is in regular use) and should also be serviced regularly.
You should also check the chlorine and pH levels, and make sure the pH is between 7.2 to 7.6 and the chlorine level is between 1-3 ppm (parts per million). If not, you will need to adjust these levels. You can also use BioGuard Lite to boost the performance of your chlorine and help remove organic waste build-up.
Another possibility is the presence of a large amount of dead algae or other suspended organic matter, which can include sunscreen, body oils, pollen and dust. This can happen after heavy use or when it’s been raining. This unwanted material can be cleared by using BioGuard Power Floc, or clarified by using BioGuard Polysheen Plus or Super Clear Clarifying Tablets. These products bind the matter together so it can be removed by the filter or vacuum. When using a flocculent it is important to follow all the steps on the label, including a “blind vacuum” if needed. When using a clarifier you should plan on running the filter for longer, until the water clears, or the filter pressure indicates a backwash is required.
Identifying and treating the cause of cloudy water will help your pool water regain its sparkle sooner.
Do I need to do weekly maintenance?
Yes, caring for your pool is simple but there are a few things you should do weekly. Under typical conditions you should do these tasks at least once a week:
- Empty Skimmer basket, hair & lint pot and any other leaf or debris collection units
• Check filter pressure gauge and backwash if necessary
• Check salt chlorinator cell and clean if necessary
• Test pH
• Test Chlorine
• Add prescribed amount of Salt Pool Sparkle or Lite
• Add weekly dosage rate of Algaecide and Polysheen
Regular pool care habits will keep your pool clean, safe and enjoyable. It will also safeguard your pools surface and equipment and save you time and money!
Along with these weekly treatments you will need to make periodic adjustments to maintain your pools water balance. We recommend you bring a sample of your pool water into Poolside Cobram or Yarrawonga once a month so that we can run additional and more accurate tests.
How To’s
How do I get rid of Algae?
Run your filter on an average 4-6 hours per day. This ensures your pool water has been filtered and circulated to help prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Make sure that the eyeball return fitting on your pool are angled downward at a 45 degree angle for good circulation.
Maintain a PH level of 7.4-7.6 to prevent potential staining, corrosion and scaling.
Always maintain a chlorine residual of 1-2ppm to help to keep the water clean and bacteria free.
TO DO NOW:
Clean Filter. Filters should be chemically cleaned at least once a year using Bioguard Filter Brite. This removes the stubborn debris and oils that cannot be removed by just backwashing or hosing. Degreasing and de-scaling your filter with Filter Brite will bring your filter back to peak efficiency.
TO DO ONCE A MONTH:
STEP 1. Bioguard Burn out extreme – with the pump running in normal filtration mode, slowly pour into skimmer;
- 1 x 600g bag (for pools up to 50,000 litres)
- 2 x 600g bags (for pools over 50,000 litres)
Wait for 15minutes. Continue to Step 2.
NOTE: Remove any pool blankets or covers before adding Burn Out Extreme. Ensure it remains off for at least six (6) hours. This allows unwanted nitrogen to leave the water and greatly prolongs the life of your pool blanket or cover.
STEP 2. Bioguard Algaecide – Apply your chosen Bioguard algaecide according to label instructions. Note that instruction and recommended dosages for maintenance and spot treatment normally vary.
If label instructions include diluting product, remember to add product to water and NEVER the other way around.
Winter wise tips
- Clean your exposed pool surfaces – scum lines that build up around the water line over summer are a food source for bacteria and algae. Remove them with Bioguard Spa Squeaky Clean.
- Clean the pool and any accessories – Remove debris from the pool and skimmer box regularly. Brush pool surfaces frequently and clean toys and accessories before using in the pool.
- Have you Water tested- To ensure pool water has the proper balance, it should be professionally tested at least monthly in the non-swimming season.
Having correctly balanced pool water also ensures that the pool products are working more efficiently. Poorly balanced water wastes your money as well as increases the risk of damaging your pools surface and equipment.
How to Backwash
To rotate backwash valve – press handle down and rotate to desired position. Make sure pump is off before you rotate the valve.
- Switch off pump and rotate valve to Backwash position
- Switch on pump and run for approx. 1-5 minutes or until backwash water runs clear
- Switch off pump and rotate valve to Rinse position
- Switch on pump and run for approx. 30 seconds
5. Switch off pump and rotate valve to Filter position
How to Vacuum Manually
- Sweep any dirt from steps and ledges and of necessary brush walls
- Make sure pump is off then install vacuum plate into skimmer box. If there are stones on your pool floor it is advisable to use a filter sock on your skimmer basket before starting.
- Fit Vacuum head to telescopic handle and one end of hose into vacuum head.
- Place vacuum head into pool then gradually feed in hose allowing it to fill with water.
- When the hose is full insert free end into vacuum plate.
- When the pump is turned on you are ready to vacuum your pool. A Little tip – take your time, slow, even movements will cause less disturbance of dirt making vacuuming much easier. Do not lift the vacuum head from the water.
7. When you have finished vacuuming make sure you remove vacuum plate from skimmer box.
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