How To Convert Your Baqua Pool To Chlorine

This article if followed correctly will help you transform your swimming pool from using Biguanides (Softswim, Baquacil or any other biguanide products) to chlorine. There are a many advantages of keeping a chlorine pool instead of a Baqua pool.
First off, biguanides pools are expensive. Just the maintenance products alone will cost a lot more every month than using bleach or other chlorine products. 

Also, you may be able to run a Baqua pool successfully for a couple or even several seasons, but there will come a time when you will run into problems - the cloudy water, unpleasant pink slime, uncontrollable algae. To fix this, you would have you drain most of your pools water, change your filter media and start using stronger Baqua products. Compare this with the alternative:  With proper testing and application of chlorine, you will be able to maintain your sparkling clean water without EVER shocking or draining!

Now for the fun part...switching from baquacil to chlorine!

Prep
First, you will need a really good test kit like our Taylor K-2005, or Taylor K-2006 Found HERE.

In order to properly complete the entire conversion, you will need a lot of liquid chlorine.  The amount it will take depends on the size of your pool and how much Baqua residual you have in your pool.

You will also need replacement media for your filter handy (sand, cartridges, DE) found HERE as you will need to clean your filter and change out the media AFTER your conversion is complete.

Process

1. Test your pH. You will want to correct and make sure you are between 7.2 - 7.4 before you begin or the process will not work correctly. 
2. Go HERE to figure out exactly how much chlorine you will need to raise your FC (Free Chlorine) from 0 - 15ppm with the volume of your swimming pool. 
3. Add the recommended chlorine from the pool calculator's website.
4. Test your water quite frequently and add the required amount of chlorine to maintain your free chlorine level of 15ppm. This must be done as often as possible, hourly if possible, but minimally every day. Make sure you test and add chlorine before you go to sleep, and test again in the morning. Initially, the FC will be used up very quickly. The more often you can test and boost your FC to 15, the faster the conversion will go. Toward the middle of the conversion, it is more important to test and add your bleach in the evening, or at other times when the sun is not shining on the pool.
5. Check the pressure in your filter very frequently and backwash / clean cartridges as necessary. You will find a lot of gooey substance coming from the filter.
6. Brushing and/or vacuuming is extremely helpful.
7. When you lose 1 ppm of chlorine, or less, overnight it is time to clean out your filter and change the media. Once the filter is cleaned up, add CYA (Cyanuric Acid, stabilizer, conditioner) to 30 ppm. Continue to maintain FC at 15 ppm.
8. Your conversion is complete when CC (combined chlorine) is at 0.5ppm or less atleast two days in a row.
9. You are now finished!  Say goodbye to expensive pool chemicals, tough problems and hello to saving money & a sparkling, blue pool!!!.

Facts about algae and algaecide

Be sure to check out the new pool help forum which is monitored by our fully trained and nationally certified swimming pool technicians at www.poolhelpforum.com now!

What exactly is algae? Algae are actually microscopic plants. Like all plants, algae require nutrients. Algae obtain their food from leaves, plants and organic matter (including bathers). There are in excess of thirty thousand different species! In an effort to make identification easier, the swimming pool industry classifies algae as blue-green, mustard, pink and black algae (also known as black-spot algae). Blue-green algae tend to be of the floating variety, whereas mustard algae and black algae cling to the pool interior, particularly cracks and crevices. The clinging species of algae are the most difficult to control. I heard chlorine can clear up my pool which became infested with algae? It is true that chlorine can be used to treat algal outbreaks, however, chlorine resistant algae consume huge quantities of chlorine, reducing the free chlorine available to control bacteria and viruses.

Most common types of swimming pool finishes

Be sure to check out the new pool help forum which is monitored by our fully trained and nationally certified swimming pool technicians at www.poolhelpforum.com now!



Finding the best pool finish to satisfy your budget and needs can sometimes be tedious.  Below is a list of finish types most commonly used here in America.

Vinyl Lined:


The least costly of all pool finishes and found commonly in the northern region, This type of finish is layed out directly over the dirt foundation with (usually) a gunite shell no higher than half way up.  There is a fram around the top where the vinyl is folded over and finished off at the deck.  These finishes usually last about 5 years before deterioration and fading is present.


Fiberglass:

less costly compared to pebbletec or quartz, however, after about 5 years, you will start noticing a breakdown process of the resin. Also, Fiberglass is prone to a number of stains the other finishes will not have.

Marcite:

also, less costly compared to pebbletec or quarts, hoever, will show signs of wear after 5-10 years (chips, deterioration)

Quartz:

costly, however, lasts between 15-20 years before any noticeable wear on the surface. Also, there are many colors and styles to choose from!

Pebbletec:

The most costly, however it will also last between 15-20 years before any noticeable wear or missing stones. As with quartz, this also comes in many different colors.

What is the recommended pool pump run time?

Be sure to check out the new pool help forum which is monitored by our fully trained and nationally certified swimming pool technicians at www.poolhelpforum.com now!



The recommended run time is usually atleast 8 hours, straight! the water filtered through one whole "turnover" isn't 100% as you may think. It really goes as below:

1'st turnover: 42% filtered / 58% unfiltered

2'nd turnover: 84% filtered / 16% unfiltered

3'rd turnover: 95% filtered / 5% unfiltered

4'th turnover: 98% filtered / 2% unfiltered

In order to achieve the maximum filtration, you must run the pump for the ENTIRE 3 or more turnovers straight. If you turn your pump off, wait, then filter some more later, it starts back at 42% filtered again. This is why many pool owners may have algal outbreaks or dirty/cloudy water even though they run 8 or more hours a day, yet they break the run time into smaller increments. The whole cycle must be done in one non-stop run.

Fallen Heroes

Heartfelt sadness to our heroes fallen in duty; Tampa Police Officer's David Curtis & Jeffrey Kocab
for their strong dedication, courage and commitment to the safety of our community.
We mourn their heroic passing and our heart goes out to their families both at home & within the department.

Donations can be made to the officers' families at the Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union. Citizens can go to any TBFCU location to make a donation or mail it to:

Tampa Police Department
ATTN: The Fallen Officers' Memorial Fund
One Police Center
411 N. Franklin Street
Tampa, Fl  33602

Get Ready For Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend 2010 is drawing near, don't forget to place your orders for pool supplies with us to get your swimming pool and spa ready for Monday!  If you haven't done so already, check out our "specials" page to view our current promotions!  Complete salt systems from Hayward Goldline Controls starting at  an unbeatable  $644.95 after promotional discounts!  Also, in addition to our other sale offers, we are taking an additional 10% off all filters, pool pumps, heaters and heat pumps using our coupon code PCM10P.

This is in addition to our already lowest prices!

If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact our customer service department.

We are here to help you get your equipment up and running!

As a reminder, if you have a chemical analysis form from ANY of our competitors, trade it in upon your chemical  delivery for a free 1lb. bag of Pro Shock!

(limit 1 per customer per order, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco County, FL only)

New! Ipad Application exclusive from Pentair.

 
     New iPad™ App Gives IntelliTouch® Automation Users Ultimate Convenience and Control with Apple® iPad

     With Apple’s continued domination of consumer electronics/smart phone technology as evidenced by their just released iPad™, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. is first in line to apply this breakthrough technology to its line of IntelliTouch swimming pool control systems. All that’s needed is a ScreenLogic® interface for fast, easy downloading of the application software (available at Apple’s App Store® and directly accessible from any iPad™, iPhone® and/or iPod touch®.)


     Once the software is installed, you can control everything from pool and spa temperatures, jets, lighting, water features, remote video monitoring and more…right from the iPad.

     For new IntelliTouch purchasers, the easiest and most cost-effective way to provide control access via the iPad is to purchase a ScreenLogic PC interface kit (Part # 520500).

     No other pool or spa control device offers such convenience. You will be delighted once you discover:
how you can easily turn on your spa and adjust the desired temperature at home or from remote locations.
     You can control all circuits (waterfalls, pool lights, fountains, and more) and review history of temperature, pool/spa, heater and light operation.
     You can remotely view live video on up to four video cameras around their property (requires optional Video & Lighting protocol adapter – PN 520854Z).

Security Upgrades

Swim 'N Save USA Is Currently Down For Maintenance Upgrades.

We are making our shopping experience easier & more secure.  For everyone!

This is a temporary page.  Currently, we are in the process of "upgrading" our security measures to a state of the art system for both your personal information & credit card security to stay up-to-date with today's fraud, theft & vandalism detection.  We appreciate your patience in this matter.  We have an estimated completion date of 4/21/2010.  The new system we are implementing will give all our customers the peace of mind that your information is extremely secure and insured to $100,000.  If you need a product, you can still place your order by contacting our friendly customer service department.  During this procedure, we have increased our hours of operation and will be available for phone orders 24 hours a day until Tuesday, 4/22/2010.  Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to fulfilling your needs!

Beginning 4/24/2010, Swim 'N Save USA will be located at booth's G23 & G24 At the Oldsmar Flea Market.  Be sure to stop in and meet the owner of the company.  Pool Supplies and Free Water Tests will be available!

727-686-9219
813-639-8890
sales@swimnsaveusa.com

Spring Inspection and Shape Up Issue

Large body of water? Shape it up for spring!

Believe it or not, pools and spas get out of shape, too.  Older equipment, even though it works, can lead to fat energy bills, unhealthy water and environmental discomfort. Read on - we'll tell you how to shape-up not only your equipment, but the enjoyment you get from the same old pool and spa. Work it, baby!

Start lifting old pool equipment... into the trash

We know what you're thinking... Why toss pool equipment that's working? Answer: Because Hayward products are so efficient they actually pay for themselves in a very short period of time.

14 exercises you should do during Spring pool inspection

The first step toward getting a pool back in great shape is spring inspection. If you're doing it yourself, our handy check list can make it routine.

Maximize hydration for you and your pool

Humans and pools both lose too much water too easily. When you're working out, losing as little as 1% in hydration begins to diminish your performance. Many pools lose an astounding 2,500 gallons of water every year — unnecessarily!

Yes, salt can lower your blood pressure!

A weekend by the pool without having to deal with chlorine any more...ahhh how wonderful. No chlorine odor, red eyes or itchy skin. You don't even need to manually clean your pool anymore. No kidding!

Discover the health benefits of sleeping by the pool

Studies show Americans work more and sleep less. But together, Hayward and pool owners can fight this menacing trend.

Did you know?

Protecting Your Chlorine From Sunlight:  At the start of each season it may be necessary to add Stabilizer. Sunlight will rapidly destroy chlorine residual in outdoor pools unless the pool water is "stabilized". Stabilizer, which is sometimes referred to as "conditioner", will shield your chlorine from rapid destruction by sunlight. Stabilizer, in effect it will make the chlorine you buy last longer, saving you lots of money in the long run!  Swim 'N Save USA sells liquid and solid form stabilizer at lower prices than anyone!  Visit our store now at:  www.swimnsaveusa.com

Phosphates and nitrates; How they relate to Algae problems!

We've all had it, they're sometimes unavoidable and despite how much we love plants, they just don't look very pretty in our pool!

Algal outbreaks whether green, yellow, black, pink or whatever other form they come, are very harmful to your pools surface.  In this topic, we are going to touch up on some tips that, if followed, will keep your pool looking sparkling blue and the pool's surface lasting much, much longer.

A properly maintained pool, with the correct amount of sanitizer, whether chlorine, salt, bromine, mineral or bleach which is brushed religiously, vacuumed and checked daily can still be prone to an algal outbreak!  There are many factors that cause this problem and we will discuss this below.

1:  Nitrates:  Commonly found in fertilizers, these are ultimately going to end up in your pool, especially if you have plants, grass, or even jumping into your pool from another source where these are found.  A high enough content of nitrates can actually lead to your sanitizer level readings to falsely read "0" even though they may actually be at the normal levels (or higher if you keep adding).  There is only one way to actually get these nitrate levels out of your pool.  Dilution, you need to drain a portion of your pool water, and replace with fresh, then sanitize to the proper level.  This is extremely costly and would be less costly if you can catch it before too big of a problem.  You can purchase nitrate test strips at Swim 'N Save USA.  Call for details.

2.  Phosphates:  (algae food) Commonly found also in fertilizers, however, in the state of Florida, we actually mine over 95% of the WORLDS consumption of phosphates.  This means that they will always be a problem in our swimming pools.  These are brought into our pools by rain, swimmers, grass/greenery clippings and other sources.  The best way to clear phosphates (and only way) is to add a phosphate remover to your swimming pool which will require the system to be run overnight, and a clarifier added to it to make sure it all returns into the filter, which will be backwashed after the treatment.  Test strips and phosphate removers can also be purchased at Swim 'N Save USA.

Phosphates and Nitrates are the two biggest causes of algae.  With these two extremely simple tests done along with your regular testing, which by the way can be done as frequently as 6-8 weeks if maintained properly will keep your swimming pool and spa completely algae free assuming you also maintain free chlorine and circulation.  Should you have ANY questions, need any additional help or tips for your common pool problems that just dont seem to go away, please feel free to contact one of our highly knowledgeable swimming pool technicians.  As always, visit our store on the web 24/7 and browse through our extensive product listings as we carry over 27,000 Swimming pool supplies, parts, chemicals patio furniture, outdoor equipment and more!

www.swimnsaveusa.com

Algae Algae and more Algae!!!

We have received an enormous volume of customers requesting information on how to remove the algae that has been growing in their pool/spa over the winter.  The BEST way to treat algae breakouts is to prevent them all together.  It is always easier to prevent a problem than to fix it (less expensive too).  Hopefully we can answer most of your questions or problems regarding this issue as it appears many of you may be having this problem.

There are many different types of algae, yellow, black, mustard, green, pink just to name a few.  The most common we will see are yellow, mustard, green and black algae.  A product we carry that will help prevent an algal breakout is our "problem free".  This algaecide/clarifier combination is the best on the market.  Treats, prevents and clarifies the water all at the same time!

Mustard and yellow algae can be treated with "yellow eliminator", "problem free", or "algaecide 60" combined with a chlorine or cal-hypo shock, brushing & circulation of the pool pump.  Use a good algae preventative such as "maintenance algaecide" to keep the algae out of your pool.

Green Algae can be treated with "problem free" or "algaecide 60" also along with a chlorine or cal-hypo shock, brushing & circulation of the pool pump.  Use a good algae preventative such as "maintenance algaecide" to keep the algae out of your pool.

Black algae, one of the harder to treat as the chlorine kills the top layer only causing this "dead layer" to protect the layers actually clinging to the pool surface.  To treat this type of algae, you brush the algae spots FIRST rigorously with a metal bristle brush with the pool pump OFF.  After, the pool must be shocked with a chlorine or cal-hypo shock, then the spots directly treated with "blackout 90".  The pool pump must be left OFF overnight.  the next day, turn the pool pump on & brush the dead algae to the drains.  Use a good algae preventative such as "maintenance algaecide" to keep the algae out of your pool.

Finally, the record breaking Florida winter is letting up!

We can all safely agree that this winter is one of the worst for Florida (and the U.S.).  Seeing snow in some parts of Florida and bringing the cold weather well into the month of March!  It appears next week we will finally start seeing the tropical 80 degree weather we all live in Florida for!  Swim 'N Save USA will be continuing our special offer into the spring season regarding salt chlorine systems which not only allow your swim seasons to continue virtually maintenance free, however, it also brings the water chemistry closer to a skin comfort level much better than traditional chlorine.  We have complete salt systems starting under $700 and if you purchase now, we will include 2 bags of salt, free!  That's enough salt to last through your whole swim season.  At less than $10 a 40lb. bag, you will also be saving money, year, after year!  If you have any questions regarding any pool patio or outdoor products, please, feel free to call our customer service department at any time as we are here to help & serve you!  Also, as always, if you take your water sample into ANY of our competitors stores, then purchase the same chemicals from us, saving you money (and not transporting the damaging chemicals yourself with our FREE delivery), we will give you a free bag of shock!

Saltwater vs. Chlorine, Pros and Cons

• Saltwater is an expense when it is installed, but after that you do not have to add chlorine as salt makes chlorine. This saves you $60 for every bucket you buy.

• Salt is softer on your skin.

• The new salt systems are great, as they monitor and clean themselves.

• You also do not have the obnoxious little floater in your pool all the time with salt.

• Both systems generate Disinfection By Products (DBP). Both systems are very climate dependent and also vary based on pool usage. 

Swim 'N Save USA currently carries 3 different types of salt generator systems, all starting under $700 (extremely low if you shopped around already).  There are a few new models that will be coming out for the 2010 swim season, we will post more information when these products become available on the market!

As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns regarding your pool or spa, feel free to contact us at either of our customer service numbers!

Subscribe to our updates by clicking the "Subscribe by e-mail" button below.

New Swim Season, New Products, New Low Prices!

If you haven't already visited our blog, Welcome!  We are proud to announce a few new products we're adding to our inventory for the 2010 year!  Hayward, Pentair & Jandy have come out with a new line of Salt Generators (chlorine generators), Pool Heaters, Automatic Cleaners & Control Interfaces!  These new products offer energy savings & maintenance savings keeping even more money in your pocket!  Stay tuned for more information (as we get it).  The updated products will be listed here for easy reference.

Also, we are currently offering $20 off all purchases of $100 or more AND $10 off all purchases of $50 or more to save you more!

$20 Off:  coupon code SDT20
$10 Off:  coupon code SDT10

Offers expire 2-30-2010

Do I need to brush my pool every week?

Brushing your pool is unfortunately a required part of routine maintenance in order to keep contaminants out of your pool that inhibit algal growth.  While it isn't necessarily needed weekly, it does need to be done regularly.  Vacuuming should also be completed to clear any large contaminants.  Upon brushing your pool, you may see a white powder like substance coming off your walls as the brush goes over that area, this may be dirt, oil residue from tanning lotion, algae or any number of micro contaminants.  Using an automatic pool cleaner may keep you from needing to brush your pool's surface as often.  As always, if you have any questions, doubts, or just simply need guidance with any pool maintenance, feel free to contact our customer service department.  Open daily 8am-6pm EST, 727-686-9219; 813-639-8890; sales@swimnsaveusa.com

Welcome to the Swim 'N Save USA Community!

Good Afternoon! With the weather starting to finally warm up & Spring right around the corner, it's time to put the decorations away and start thinking about getting your pool or spa ready for the swimming season! The good news, we are offering 20% off all of our (already low prices) and free in-home delivery on pool supplies, parts, chemicals & more! (coupon code sdny2010 upon checkout)

If you haven't already done so, you can subscribe to us via twitter (www.twitter.com/swimnsaveusa) to recieve up-to-date sales, offers & pool tips to help make your swimming season and maintenance a breeze!

Also, you can sign up for a new account to have sales & offers e-mailed directly to you! (don't worry, we hate spam & will NOT sell your information, nor will we flood your inbox with all kinds of useless garbage)