Use and Care Guide

Odd Shaped Pools:
If possible, divide the pool's shape into combinations of the above configurations and add them together. If this
is impractical, calculate as close as possible the square footage of surface area of the pool, multiply this by the
average depth and multiply this total by 7.5. If the pool has sloping sides multiply the total capacity you
computed by the decimal 0.85.
Element of Water Chemistry and Sanitation
To keep pool and spa water free from algae and bacteria, you need to add a chemical sanitizer. By far the most
common sanitizer for pools and spas is chlorine. When chlorine is added to the water it immediately attacks
and destroys the algae, bacteria and organic solids. Ideally you should maintain a chlorine residual of 1 to 1.5
ppm (parts per million) which can be measured by using your test kit. There are four types of chlorine
commonly available. Sodium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Dichlor and Sodium Trichlor. Each
has its advantages and disadvantages.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Essentially the same as laundry bleach, this type of chlorine is sold in liquid form at a concentration of 12 - 15%.
The biggest advantage of using liquid chlorine is that it disperses into the water immediately and works fast.
While it may be used for regular chlorination, most people find it inconvenient because it can easily ruin the
interior of your car or clothing (like bleach) if dripped or spilled. Liquid chlorine is also un-stabilized so it
dissipates rapidly in sunlight.
Calcium Hypochlorite
This type of chlorine is a mixture of calcium and chlorine. It is available in granules or small tablets and like
liquid chlorine, calcium hypochlorite is un-stabilized. Because it contains calcium in its composition it will
temporarily cloud that water and it will also raise the hardness. If your calcium hardness is low then using this
type of chlorine will help, however if your calcium hardness is ideal or too high you should not use calcium
hypochlorite to sanitize the pool.
Sodium Dichlor
It is sold in granular form and is an ideal choice for daily chlorination because it does not affect the hardness or
pH of the water and is fairly strong with an available chlorine concentration of 56%.
Sodium Trichlor
This is extremely concentrated chlorine with an available chlorine concentration of 90%. The biggest advantage
of sodium trichlor is its ability to dissolve slowly over time. It is sold in large tablets (hockey pucks) and can last
for up to a week when dispensed in a chlorinator or floater. While this is very convenient, there are some
reasons not to use sodium trichlor exclusively. First, it's very acidic with a pH of around 3.0. To counteract this
extreme acidity you must add pH increaser to the pool regularly. Also, because of its high cyanuric acid content
it's possible to build up too much of this stabilizer in the water. Exercise caution opening the lid of an automatic
chlorinator filled with trichlor tablets because the fumes can be overwhelming.