Fresh and Clean

Why You Should Clean Your Pool Filter Regularly

By filter cleaning we are not referring to your regular backwashing and rinse routine, but rather the process of chemically cleaning your filter. Regular attention to your filter will result in better circulation in your pool, effective distribution of chemicals, less opportunity for corrosion and scaling. All in all, the result will be improved water clarity and that's what pool and spa owners strive for all season long. So remember to give your filter a little TLC this season.

Not sure if your filter needs cleaning? A few surefire signs, including a cloudy appearance and a rise in pressure, will alert you to the fact that your filter needs some attention. You can see a pressure rise just from debris collecting on the filter, and it becomes more and more difficult for the pump to push the water through the filter."

What ever sanitization system you use for your pool, it's important to maintain regular filter cleaning to keep all systems and products performing at their optimum. The point of the filter is to get rid of the particles in the water, so you're not going to do as good of a job if your filter is all gunked up. Backwash when the pressure increases 8-10 psi above the starting pressure. For sand filters be aware that backwashing too frequently will reduce the sand filter's performance, since a sand filter will trap smaller and smaller particles over time.

So how do you best clean your filter? Every sand filter needs the addition of chemicals to "break down all the oils and greases. A cartridge filter needs to be hosed off, then soaked." To optimize filter operation, chemically clean the filter twice a season. A clean filter ensures better circulation, which means clearer, cleaner water. And who doesn't want that?

And while it is true that backwashing and rinsing will eliminate grime that becomes stuck in the filter element, it just isn't enough (You can backwash on a regular basis, but you also need to chemically clean the filter). Using a filter cleaner such as BAQUACIL D.E. & Cartridge Filter Cleaner or BAQUACIL Sand Filter Cleaner dissolves and unplugs D.E. filter grids and cartridge elements.

Though often overlooked, filter cleaning is a simple pool care procedure that, when performed, yields many benefits. An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, so give the filter the care it deserves, and then get ready to make a splash.
**A degreaser/TSP (trisodium phosphate) should not be used for filter cleaning with BaquaSpa or other biguanides.

USING OTHER CHEMICALS WITH BAQUACIL

BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT is different from ordinary chlorine- and bromine-based pool sanitizers. For that reason, many chemicals that work with one system won't work with the other. Always check with your Authorized Baquacil Dealer before adding chemicals to your pool.

Is the BAQUACIL CDX Pool Care System compatible with all chemicals?
The BAQUACIL Pool Care System is different from chlorine and bromine-based pool sanitizers. For that reason, many chemicals that work with one system won't work with the other. The BAQUACIL CDX Pool Care System is not compatible with chlorine, bromine, any copper based chemical or non-chlorine shock. Always check with your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer before adding supplemental chemicals to your pool.

NOTE:

Never put anything with chlorine in your Baquacil pool. It will destroy your Baquacil Sanitizer and make a mess of your pool water......... and besides, you use Baquacil so you don't have to be exposed to chlorine!

Quite a few of Baquacil's accessory products are compatible with chlorine and other sanitizers (check the labels), but PLEASE!, no chlorine in a Baquacil pool!

BAQUACIL SOLUTIONS

The BAQUACIL® Pool Care System was developed to give you a clear, sparkling pool with far less work than ordinary chlorine-based systems. Even so, problems can occur on occasion, and the treatment required may not be the same as for a chlorine-treated pool.

I. Algae
BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat, in addition to its effectiveness against bacteria, generally will give good algae control.

II. Foam
Sometimes foam will be caused by a simple mechanical defect, such as a leak in the plumbing/filter pump. So it's a good idea to check for leaks first. You should also check the calcium hardness level, to be sure your water is in balance. If there are no leaks, and the calcium hardness level is acceptable, test your water for the BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat. If it is too high (above 50 ppm), or if your water has an almond-like taste (which would indicate too much BAQUACIL Algicide), you'll need to reduce those levels.

To do this, partially empty your pool, then refill it with fresh source water. If the tests show your water is within all the proper ranges, you can use an antifoaming agent, such as BAQUACIL Foam Disperser.

III. Waterline Ring
Organic debris tends to accumulate around the waterline of all swimming pools. Due to the chemical nature of BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat, you may have slightly heavier deposits, especially during the first few weeks after converting to the BAQUACIL CDX System. You can clean the ring easily by using BAQUACIL Surface Cleaner.

IV. Cloudy Water (Haze)
One of the major causes of hazy pool water is lack of adequate filtration. If your filter is dirty or clogged, it can't operate at peak efficiency. And sometimes, backwashing alone won't get it really clean. In fact, backwashing a sand filter too often may actually reduce its effectiveness. That's why you should deep-clean your filter chemically twice during the swimming season with BAQUACIL® Universal Filter Cleaner.

V. Water Mold/Slime
If your pool is experiencing water clarity problems due to water mold or slime, download our Water Mold Reference Sheet for detailed instructions.

VI. Eye Irritation
BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is much less likely to cause irritation than chlorinating chemicals. But eye irritation, like an allergy, is a very personal thing. If you get complaints from several swimmers, you should check the BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat level and have your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer do a complete water analysis. If the water is in balance, but the BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat level exceeds 50 ppm, you should reduce that level. To do this, partially empty your pool, then refill it with fresh source water.

VII. Taste
Too much BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat will make swimming pool water taste dry and bitter. Too much BAQUACIL Algicide will give an almond-like taste and smell. If either of these tastes should occur, you'll have to reduce the chemical's level. To do this, partially empty your pool; then refill it with fresh source water.

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Handling Chemicals

Tips for Safe, Healthy Pool Chemical Use

Pool chemicals are necessary to control bacteria and to maximize the life of your pool and its equipment. In concentrated form these chemicals, like other household chemicals, can be hazardous. Always handle and use them with care. Refer to the product's label for safety and handling information or see an Authorized Baquacil® Dealer

Never mix chemicals together. The result could be fire, explosion, or release of dangerous gas.
Most spa chemicals are harmful if swallowed — many can injure skin and eyes.
Keep out of reach of children.
Always store chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Chemicals must be kept in their original containers. They must never be stored next to a heat source or open flame. Do not store in car trunk, or next to other chemicals — especially fertilizers and insecticides.
Always add the chemical to the water, never the water to the chemical. Keep containers closed to seal out water or contamination.
Always use clean, dry equipment when handling, transferring or measuring chemicals.
Always follow label instructions for any chemical spills.
Know the first aid instructions for all the chemicals you use. Keep emergency medical and poison control numbers handy.
In case of emergency, call the poison control center nearest you
or call 1-800-654-6911.
Don’t smoke and handle chemicals. Some of the fumes are explosive.
Keep concentrated chemicals away from lawn and plantings.
Always make sure containers are tightly resealed immediately after use.
Always wear the proper protective equipment (rubber gloves, safety goggles, etc.) when handling chemicals.