Table of Contents

Spring Start-Up  •   Before the Chemicals  •   Easy Pool Care Program  •   Winterizing Your Pool
Products  •   Troubleshooting  •   Glossary  •   My Pool Profile

As the owner of a swimming pool you want beautiful clear blue water without the hassles. Blue Haven chemicals are a complete line of high quality products that will simplify pool care and make your water sparkle. Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct is there to teach you about keeping your water clean from spring start-up to winter closing.

Blue Haven's Easy Pool Care 4-Step Program will give you simple step-by-step instructions that will insure crystal clear water. By using Blue Haven products, you will insure that your pool is only using high quality chemicals that are free of contaminants. Since all Blue Haven chemicals are formulated to work together, it is not a good idea to mix different brands of pool chemicals.

This guide is designed to educate you about Blue Haven programs and some of our products. In the event of pool water questions or problems, it is always best to turn to Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct for expert advice and simple solutions.

TIP - Download and complete the My Pool Profile PDF worksheet. It is a handy reference when pool problems come up or when you are trying to determine correct dosage amounts.

Spring Start-Up

Remove Your Pool Cover
If you use a solid cover, drain the water off the cover. (Be sure not to set an automatic pump on a cover seam, as this will drain water from inside the pool.) Clean the cover thoroughly and let in dry in the sun before storing it. Be sure to remove any debris (twigs, leaves, etc.) that may have gotten into your pool water.

Fill the Pool
Add enough water to bring the water level to the middle of the skimmers.

Check Your Pool's Equipment
Before starting up your pump and filter system, be sure the main drain and inlets are open. Make sure that the pump and skimmer baskets are in place and free of debris. Your pump and filter are a very important part of keeping your pool water clean and clear. If your filter was not cleaned before your pool was closed, clean it now. Blue Haven FILTER CLEAN removes the build-up of grease, oil, and scale in your filter allowing it operate for effectively, efficiently, and extending your filter's life.

Test Your Water
Start up your pool equipment and let it run for 24 hours before taking a water sample. Be sure that you take a sample from at least 1 foot below the surface. With your test kit or test strips, test the water for free chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. Use the test results to bring your pool up to the ideal range for those results using the chart below.

Test for pH and Sanitizer Levels
If you test the water yourself, check the pH and free chlorine or bromine levels. The chart below provides the proper levels to keep your water crystal clear.

Test Factor	Ideal Range
Free Chlorine	1.0 to 3.0 PPM
Total Bromine	1.0 to 3.0 PPM
pH	7.2 to 7.6 PPM
Total Alkalinity	80 to 150 PPM
Calcium Hardness
- Plaster Pools	200 to 275 PPM
- All Others	125 to 300 PPM

If any of these levels are not in their proper range, consult our Troubleshooting Guide to bring them into balance.

The Easy Pool Care Program
Now that the pool is up and running, we recommend following our 4-Step Easy Pool Care Program to ensure clear, brilliant water.

Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct also has complete, easy- to-use Spring Start-Up Kits. These kits are formulated with just the right amount of chemicals to get your pool ready for swimming.

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Before the Chemicals

Circulation & Filtration
The pump and filter form the heart of any pool maintenance program. Without a strong, efficient pump and filter, keeping your pool water clear will be much more difficult and expensive. The best time to run your pump is during the day for at least 10 hours.

Your filter removes both visible debris and microscopic particles. It should be backwashed when the filter's pressure gauge indicates levels 8 to 10 lbs. above normal (always follow manufacturer instructions).

It is also important that your pool water circulates around the perimeter of your pool. Water in motion makes it harder for bacteria and algae to take hold. More debris is also directed to your skimmers where it can be captured by your filter. Adjust the eyeball jets in your inlets to move your pool water in a circular motion.

Cleaning
All swimming pools have areas that have little or no circulation. These areas of minimal circulation are the breeding grounds for problems like algae growth. The walls and floor should be brushed and vacuumed once a week. Even if you use an automatic pool cleaner, brushing once a week is a must.

Testing
It is very important to test your water regularly for two (2) key factors: pH and Sanitizers.

By testing your water at least three times per week you will begin to understand how bather load, weather (rain and sun) and chemical application affect your pool's water. By regularly testing pH and sanitizer levels, you will ensure crystal clear water all season long.

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Blue Haven's Easy Pool Care Program

Simple, Quick & Effective
With Blue Haven's Easy Pool Care Program, keeping your pool water crystal clear is a snap. Just four easy steps and you are done in no time. For best results, make sure to: Have good water flow through the skimmers (or chlorinator, if installed). Operate your pump and filter 10 or more hours per day.

STEP 1: Balance - The most important step. Use pH INCREASER and pH REDUCER to balance your pool water.

STEP 2: Sanitize - For clean, bacteria-free water that is safe for swimming. Use stabilized 3" SANITIZING TABLETS for long-lasting effectiveness.

STEP 3: Shock - Shock at least once a week for a trouble-free season. Use CHLOR-BURST or BLAST OUT.

STEP 4: Algae Control - Prevent and kill all kinds of algae with our super concentrated HALT 50 algaecide.

STEP 1: Balance the Water
It is vital that proper pH is maintained in you pool at all times. If the pH is outside 7.2 to 7.6 it will greatly reduce the effectiveness of pool chemicals. Test your pH level at least three (3) times a week and use either Blue Haven pH REDUCER or Blue Haven pH INCREASER to bring the pH into the proper range. If you are finding it difficult to maintain your pH, check your total alkalinity and be sure it is in the ideal range. Adjust total alkalinity levels accordingly.

STEP 2: Sanitize
Blue Haven's 3" SANITIZING TABLETS are the most efficient sanitizer to use in your pool. Our specially compressed 3" tablets are designed to dissolve slowly and steadily release free chlorine into your water to wipe out bacteria and keep your water clean. Plus, Blue Haven's 3" SANITIZING TABLETS are stabilized to protect them from the sun's damaging rays, making them last longer and work more effectively. Always keep 3" tablets in your skimmer, floater, or automatic feeder to continue sanitizing. Blue Haven also offers other stabilized chlorinated products in convenient sizes: Blue Haven 1" Sanitizing Tablets, Sanitizing Sticks, and Sanitizing Granules.

STEP 3: Shock
As debris builds up in the water (such as perspiration, urine, suntan oil, and hair spray) they can cause eye and skin irritation and dull water. These contaminants tie up chlorine, keeping it from effectively sanitizing the water. A treatment of Blue Haven CHLOR-BURST or BLAST OUT once a week will oxidize these contaminants, freeing up the chlorine, and keeping your water crystal clear. Regular Blue Haven shock treatments will also kill resistant algae in the water. Both CHLOR-BURST and BLAST OUT are easy to use and available in convenient 1 lb. bags. CHLOR-BURST does not affect the pH or the calcium hardness making it ideal for hard water areas. For pool owners that would prefer a non-chlorine shock after opening their pool, Blue Haven offers BLITZ chlorine-free shock in handy 1 lb. bags.

STEP 4: Algae Control
The best way to combat algae is to never let it get started. Blue Haven HALT 50 is a powerful algaecide that is very concentrated and low foaming. In fact, one quart treats up to 240,000 gallons! HALT 50 is specially formulated to work well with other Blue Haven chemicals. It is non-metallic and will not discolor hair. Use HALT 50 weekly to prevent all types of algae from getting a foothold in your pool.

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Winterizing Your Pool

Investing the time to properly close your pool in the fall will make start-up a snap next spring season.

The proper way to winterize depends on your climate and part of the country. Consult Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct prior to closing for the proper procedure in your location. Ask about easy-to-use Blue Haven closing kits, pre-formulated for your pool size, available in chlorine based or non-chlorine based.

Remember that the use of high quality Blue Haven chemicals will ensure good results next spring.

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Blue Haven Products for a Crystal Clear Pool

pH Balancers
Because maintaining pH in the desired range is so important, we have made this the first step of our Easy Pool Care Program. pH-balanced water makes routine chlorination, shocking and algae control chemicals work at their optimum levels. Blue Haven balancers include pH INCREASER, pH REDUCER, ALKALINITY INCREASER, and HARDNESS INCREASER. Always test and adjust pH balancers before proceeding to adjust chlorine, shock or algaecide levels. It is the foundation of good pool water chemistry.

Shock Treatments
Shocking your pool is the third step in Blue Haven's Easy Pool Care Program. Shock treatments such as BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST, and BLITZ superchlorinate the water and destroy organic compounds introduced to the pool water by bathers or air particles (such as lawn fertilizer). All Blue Haven shock treatments are available in easy-to-use 1 lb. bags.

TIP - Make a habit of shocking at least once a week for a trouble-free season.

TIP - Remember to pre-mix BLAST OUT before adding it to the pool water to prevent bleaching of vinyl liners or other pool surfaces.

Algaecides
Green water is unattractive and it will make your pool unpleasant to swim in. Preventing algae is the fourth step of our Easy Pool Care Program. HALT 50 algaecide is powerful, non-staining, and very effective at preventing most types of algae. We also carry specialty algaecides that can be helpful in special situations where algae are a problem.

Stain Preventers
Many water sources, especially wells, contain metals, such as iron, copper, and manganese. If these metals are left untreated they can stain your pool. Blue Haven's SUPER RUST & SCALE prevents staining in metal laden water. If you live in an area with high concentrations of iron or metals, test the water for metal content before filling your pool each spring.

Clarifiers
Concentrated SUPER SHIMMER clarifier adds that extra sparkle to pool water. Plus, weekly use of SUPER SHIMMER makes your filter operate more efficiently.

We also make strong cleaners to rid your pool of that water line ring and clean your filter. Two great products are TILE & VINYL CLEANER and FILTER CLEAN.

Water Testing
Testing your water frequently is the best way to insure crystal clear water and head off problems before they begin. We suggest that you test your water for free chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity at least 3 time per week.

Spa Products
Spa owners can enjoy the same high quality chemicals that pool owners enjoy with Blue Haven spa products. This concentrated, high quality line of chemicals is specially formulated for hot water applications. Blue Haven spa products are compatible with each other to ensure a clean, safe soaking experience.

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Cloudy Water

Possible Cause: High pH
Solution: Use pH REDUCER to lower pH to 7.2 – 7.6 ppm.

Possible Cause: Dirty Filter
Solution: Check filtration system. Backwash if needed. Use FILTER CLEAN (formerly called Cartridge Cleaner) regularly. Use SUPER SHIMMER to improve filter efficiency and add sparkle to the water.

Possible Cause: Low Free Chlorine
Solution: Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST, or BLITZ to bring free chlorine level to ideal range of 1 – 3 ppm.

Possible Cause: High Total Alkalinity
Solution: Use pH REDUCER to reduce total alkalinity to 80 - 150 ppm.

Problem: Green Water

Possible Cause: Green Algae (hazy water)
Solution: Use pH REDUCER or pH INCREASER to adjust pH to ideal range of 7.2 – 7.6 ppm. Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST, or BLITZ. Wait 6 – 12 hours and treat pool with HALT 50 Algaecide weekly to prevent reoccurrences.

Possible Cause: Copper in fill water (clear with green tint)
Solution: Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed. Wait overnight. Test and adjust chlorine and pH levels as needed.

Problem: Reddish Brown Water

Possible Cause: Dissolved iron or manganese in water
Solution: Use pH INCREASER or pH REDUCER to adjust pH to 7.2 – 7.6 ppm.
Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed. Run filter until clear.

Problem: Eye and Skin Irritation

Possible Cause: Combined chlorine (chloramines) level too high
Solution: Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST, or BLITZ. Circulate overnight. Test and adjust free chlorine residual to ideal range of 1-3 ppm. (May require another shock treatment.)

Possible Cause: pH level too high or too low
Solution: Use pH REDUCER or pH INCREASER adjust pH level to 7.2 – 7.6 ppm.

Problem: Chlorine Odor

Possible Cause: Combined chlorine (chloramines) level too high
Solution: Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST, or BLITZ. Circulate overnight. Test and adjust free chlorine residual to ideal range of 1-3 ppm. (May require another shock treatment.)

Problem: Calcium Scale Formation

Possible Cause: pH too high
Solution: Use pH REDUCER to bring pH level to 7.2 – 7.6 ppm.

Possible Cause: Total alkalinity too high
Solution: Use pH REDUCER to bring pH level to 100 – 150 ppm.

Possible Cause: Calcium content too high
Solution: Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed.

Problem: Corrosion of Metal Parts

Possible Cause: pH too low
Solution: Add pH INCREASER to bring pH to 7.2 – 7.6 ppm.

Possible Cause: Total alkalinity too low
Solution: Add ALKALINITY INCREASER to raise total alkalinity to 80 – 150 ppm.

Problem: High Chlorine Consumption

Possible Cause: High temperatures and heavy chlorine throughout the season
Solution: Use STABILIZER at the start of each season. Always use stabilized Blue Haven chlorine, (i.e.: 3" SANITIZING TABLETS).

Problem: Ugly "Ring" at the Waterline

Possible Cause: Grease and oil from swimmers
Solution: Clean walls and surfaces regularly using TILE & VINYL CLEANER.

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Glossary

Algae – Various forms of microscopic plant life that can rapidly grow and multiply in the presence of light. There are many varieties, some are free floating, and others grow on surfaces. Some are more resistant to chlorine than others.

Algaecides – Chemicals that prevent and control algae. Some are designed to kill specific types of visible algae.

Bacteria – Germs that can get into your pool or spa by way of users and from the environment.

Balanced water – The correct ratio of mineral content and pH that prevents water from becoming corrosive or scale forming.

Bromine – An alternative sanitizer sometimes used in place of chlorine. Excellent for spas and indoor pools because it lasts longer in high heat and has no chlorine odor.

Calcium Hardness – The amount of dissolved calcium in pool water. Should be approximately 150 – 175 ppm for vinyl-lined pools, 240 – 300 ppm for concrete or plaster pools. High hardness can cause cloudy water and scale. Lower levels can damage pool surfaces and equipment.

Chloramines – Compounds formed when chlorine combines with nitrogen from urine, perspiration, suntan oil, hair spray, etc. Chloramines cause eye and skin irritation and unpleasant odors.

Chlorine – The most efficient and widely used sanitizer for pools. There are two types: nonstabilized inorganic chlorines (i.e. calcium hypochlorite, lithium, sodium hypochlorite) and stabilized organic chlorines. The latter are preferred because they are stable in the presence of sunlight.

Chlorine demand – The chlorine required to eliminate contaminants in your pool. Chlorine may need to be added in large quantities before chlorine demand is satisfied.

Chlorine residual – The amount of free chlorine in your pool.

Cyanuric acid – A chemical compound that protects chlorine from loss due to sunlight. Also referred to as Stabilizer.

Diatomaceous earth (D.E.) – A fine, powdery substance that comes from the calcified remains of prehistoric single-celled marine animals. This very porous substance is a great filtration media.

DPD – The test reagent used to measure and indicated chlorine levels. The presence of chlorine turns the indicator to pink.

Dry acid – Blue Haven's pH REDUCER. This granular product lowers pH and total alkalinity of pool water. Also referred to as Sodium Biosulfate.

Liquid Acid – A liquid chemical (muriatic or hydrochloric acid) used to reduce pH and total alkalinity. A dangerous, corrosive chemical that should be handled with care.

Muriatic Acid – (See Liquid Acid.)

OTO – A liquid test reagent used to determine total chlorine. (See also DPD).

pH – A measure of acidity or alkalinity of pool water. The ideal range is 7.2 to 7.6 ppm. Low pH results in corrosive water than can damage pool surfaces and equipment. High pH results in cloudy water and scale formation. Improper pH levels can also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and cause swimmer discomfort.

Phenol red – A reagent used in testing pH.

ppm – Parts Per Million, the accepted measurement of chemical concentration in pool water.

Scale – A hard, rough deposit found on pool surfaces or in pool plumbing. Results from hard water and high pH levels.

Soda ash – Sodium carbonate. Used to raise the pH of pool water.

Sodium bisulfate – (see Dry Acid).

Stabilizer – (see Cyanuric Acid)

Shock Treatment – (see Superchlorination)

Superchlorination – Also known as a Shock Treatment. Adding a significant amount of chlorine to a pool in order to oxidize un- wanted organic material and provide a quick free chlorine residual.

Total Alkalinity – (TA) Affects and controls pH. If total alkalinity is too high, pH will be hard to adjust. If it's too low, pH will be unstable and difficult to maintain. The ideal range is 80 – 150 ppm, depending on the interior pool finish.

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My Pool Profile

You may find it helpful to download and print the Pool Profile PDF worksheet. It is a handy reference when pool problems come up or when you are trying to determine correct dosage amounts.

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