Kolter Homeowner Guide

Filter system It’s recommended you run your pool filter eight hours per day. On rainy days, run it for at least 10 hours. Allowing the filter to do most of the work trapping organic and inorganic matter means you can add less chlorine and keeps the pool’s water balanced. You’ll need to run your filter longer under extreme conditions. Keep in mind it’s cheaper to run the filter system than it is to correct problems with chemicals. Maintenance of water balance Following are recommended levels for maintaining your pool’s water balance:

The following chemicals keep your pool water balanced: Liquid chlorine Muriatic acid (lowers pH and alkalinity) Sodium bicarbonate (raises pH and alkalinity) Stabilizers Calcium When using chlorine tablets that contain stabilizer, keep in mind they hamper chlorine’s effectiveness, requiring higher ppm levels. This results in chlorine over-feeding which can result in discoloration of the pool’s surface. The products you put in your pool also affect the water’s balance and can stain the pool. Problems that may arise May cause discoloration and staining: pH above 7.8; alkalinity above 140 ppm calcium levels above 450 ppm Low pH May etch the pool’s finish, damage equipment, and cause discoloration and staining. Low alkalinity Allows the pH to swing up and down which may cause aggressive or scaling water. It may result in heater damage or discoloration and staining. Low calcium hardness Creates aggressive water. It can etch the pool’s finish and strip metal out of heaters or other metallic components. Nitrates One of the most common signs of nitrate problems is algae in the pool. If you see it, call for service.

Weekly tests

Min.

Ideal

Max

Free chlorine (PPM)

1.5

3.0 3.0

pH values

7.2 7.4 – 7.6 7.8 80 100 120

Total alkalinity (PPM)

Monthly tests

Min.

Ideal

Max

Calcium hardness (PPM) 200 200 – 300 450 Cyanuric acid (PPM) (Stabilizer) 50 50 – 80 100

*Salt system pools reduce the need to add chlorine but you must maintain other recommended levels.

If you see hard water buildup on the tiles or calcification, adjust the pool’s chemical levels.

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