CONVERTING YOUR POOL TO A BAQUACIL POOL
OPENING FOR THE SEASON
WATER BALANCE
WEEKLY ROUTINE POOL CARE
MONTHLY ROUTINE POOL CARE
GENERAL POOL CARE
FILTER CLEANING
WINTERIZING YOUR POOL

1. Converting your pool to a BAQUACIL Pool

Whether you have a new pool, a freshly filled pool, or an established chlorinated pool, making your pool a BAQUACIL pool is easy.

Starting a New or Freshly Filled Pool

1. Fill your pool with water. Get your filter started, then brush and vacuum your pool. Let your filter run for 24 hours, to catch all the debris.

2. After 24 hours, clean or backwash your filter. Use BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER according to label directions.

3. Calculate the volume of your pool so you can determine the right amount of chemicals. Your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer will be able to calculate the volume for you if you measure the length and width of your pool.

4. Take a pool water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer for a complete analysis. (See General Pool Care for water sampling tips.) Follow your dealer’s recommendations to balance your pool water.

5. If you dealer finds that your pool water contains metals, add BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL as follows: for every 2 ppm of metals present, use 1 bottle (1 1/4 pounds) of BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. Allow the water to circulate for 8 - 12 hours.

6. Add the BAQUACIL products your dealer has recommended, following the label instructions carefully.

• Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT (see the Start-Up Dosage table below)

• Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE. Or if you have a pool with an attached spa or water feature, add an initial dose (11-17 oz. per 10,000 gallons) of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE instead of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE.

• Allow the pool filter to run continuously for 24-48 hours.

• Use the BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS to check the BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT and pH levels, making adjustments as necessary.

Converting Your Pool From Chlorine to the BAQUACIL Pool Care System

1. Take a water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer for directions on balancing your water in preparation of converting to BAQUACIL. After your pool water has been properly balanced, remove the source of chlorine or bromine (pill, sticks, tablets, etc..) and make no further additions of these products.

2. Neutralize the chlorine or bromine.
   

   a. If the pool water is clear, add 1 bottle (5 ounces) of BAQUACIL CHLORINE NEUTRALIZER for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. Allow the water to circulate for 8-12 continuous hours. Verify that the free chlorine level is 0, by using a “DPD” type testing kit with a #1 Tablet.

   Or

   b. If the pool water is cloudy (algae or haze), add 1 bottle (1 gallon) of BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER for every 10,000 gallons of pool water instead of BAQUACIL CHLORINE NEUTRALIZER. Allow the water to circulate for 8-12 continuous hours. Verify that the free chlorine level is 0, by using a “DPD” type testing kit with a #1 Tablet.

3. If your dealer finds that your pool water contains metals, add BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL as follows: for every 2 ppm of metals present, use 1 bottle (1 1/4 pounds) for every 10,000 gallons of water. Allow the water to circulate for 8-12 continuous hours.

4. Add the BAQUACIL products your dealer has recommended, following the label instructions carefully.

• Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT (see the Start-Up Dosage table below)

• Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE. Or if you have a pool with an attached spa or water feature, add an initial dose (11-17 oz. per 10,000 gallons) of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE instead of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE.

• Allow the pool filter to run continuously for 24-48 hours.

• Use the BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS to check the BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT levels and pH levels, making adjustments as necessary.

When Starting A Plaster Pool On BAQUACIL Pool Care System

All plaster pools must be treated with BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL regardless of metal analysis results. Plaster pools are particularly susceptible to scale buildup and metal staining on the surface as a result of continued exposure to improperly balanced water. The scale may appear as rough patches on the plaster surface and may vary in color. If you see existing metal stain discoloration, do not convert to BAQUACIL Pool Care System unless the pool surface is properly treated (acid washing, sand blasting, etc.) to remove the accumulated deposits. For further assistance, see your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer.

For all plaster pools, after water has been balanced and before BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT is added, add BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL as follows: For every 2 ppm of metals present, use 1 bottle (1 ¼ pounds) of BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. Allow the water to circulate for 8-12 continuous hours.

Note: Since trace metals are commonly found in water sources, add BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL at the rate of 1 bottle (1 1/4 pounds) for every 10,000 gallons whenever significant amounts of makeup water are added to the pool.

1. Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT. (See the Start-Up Dosage Table below.)

2. Add the start-up dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE or an initial dose (11-17 oz. per 10,000 gallons) of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE if you have an attached spa or water feature. (See the Start-Up Dosage Table below.)

3. Allow the pool filter to run continuously for 24-48 hours.

4. Use the BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS to check the BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT and pH levels, making adjustments as necessary.

Important:

• BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT is a unique swimming pool sanitizer which may not be compatible with some of the chemicals you have been using (see Pool Safety). Consult your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer before adding supplemental chemicals.

• DO NOT USE BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT in unpainted/ unsurfaced plaster pools with preexisting metal stains without taking proper remedial actions first. (See When Starting a Plaster Pool on BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT above.)

• Do not use BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT in freestanding spas or hot tubs.

• After the addition of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, the water may become hazy. This haze should clear within 24-48 hours with continuous filtration.

Start-Up Dosages

2. Opening for the Season

If your pool has already been converted to BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, it’s easy to open it for the season. Just follow these simple steps.

1. If you use a solid pool cover, first drain off any standing water so that it doesn’t spill back into the pool. Carefully remove the cover, sweep it and lay it out to dry. Use BAQUACIL COVER CLEANER to clean cover. Once it is thoroughly dry, fold and store the cover in a clean, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Inspect the entire pool carefully for damage that may have taken place during the off-season — especially leaks, tears in the vinyl liner, or breaks and cracks in the plaster or tiles. After inspection, add water until the level reaches about halfway up the skimmer opening. Remove any debris with a leaf net.

2. Make sure your pump, skimmer and filter are working properly. If the filter was not cleaned at the end of last season, clean it using BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER to remove hardened deposits which can hamper filter performance. Run the pump while you vacuum. Brush the pool thoroughly.

3. After running the pump for at least five hours, take a quart of pool water in a clean plastic container to your pool professional for a comprehensive laboratory analysis. Your dealer will provide easy instructions to make any necessary adjustments to your pool’s water balance.

4. It’s never been easier to get your pool ready for swimming:

Note: For unpainted plaster pools, add a full dose of BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL.

a. Top-up BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT to 50 ppm.

b. Add a maintenance dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE. Or add a maintenance dose (2-4 oz. per 10,000 gallons) of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE if you have an attached spa or water feature.

c. Add a maintenance dose of BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER.

d. Follow your dealer’s recommendations for water balance.

3. Water Balance

Keeping your water balance in balance

Maintaining your pool water in the proper balance pays big rewards. First, water that has its key chemical factors in the appropriate balance range makes for very comfortable swimming. Second, balanced water makes pools easier to maintain. Properly balanced swimming pool water meets the following criteria

• pH: 7.2-7.8.
• Metals: none
• Total Alkalinity: 80-150 ppm.
• Calcium Hardness: 180-250 ppm (vinyl pools). 200-275 ppm (plaster pools).
• Total Dissolved Solids: less than 1,500 ppm.

Your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer carries the full range of BAQUACIL BALANCE CHEMICALS, specially designed to make water balance adjustments quick and easy.

As with all pool chemicals, make sure to follow the instructions and precautions on the labels of all BAQUACIL BALANCE CHEMICALS products.

Use your BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS to check your water’s pH and alkalinity once a week, or after any major change (such as when you add a large amount of new water, or after a long, heavy rain). Take a water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer each month for a full water analysis.

Total Alkalinity Control

The amount of alkalinity in your water can affect swimmers’ comfort. High alkalinity will push the pH reading upward, while low alkalinity can promote pool corrosion and cause "pH bounce," which is a large change in the pH reading after you add adjustment chemicals. The ideal total alkalinity range is 80-150 ppm. Always test and adjust the total alkalinity level before adjusting the pH.

pH Control

pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of the water and is measured on a scale ranging from 0-14. Swimming pool water should have just a little basicity with a pH reading between 7.2 and 7.8.

If pool water is too basic, scale can develop — particularly in hard water areas. If it is too acidic, the water can become corrosive.

Calcium Hardness Control

Calcium Hardness also affects the balance of your pool water. Low Calcium Hardness will promote corrosion. High Calcium Hardness can cause cloudiness and scaling. The ideal Calcium Hardness content is 200-275 ppm for plaster pools, and 180-250 ppm for all other types.

Take a water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer if you have a Calcium Hardness problem.

Metals

It is not uncommon to find metals, often called free metals, dissolved in pool water. Usually they come from source water, sometimes they come as a result of the erosion of metal pool fixtures, such as heater cores.

Free metals in pool water can cause staining of pool surfaces and inhibit the performance of water sanitizers. Ideally, there should be no metals in the water: 0 ppm.

Your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer can determine the presence of free metals in your water. If metals are detected, BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL can be used to “sequester” them, rendering them harmless.

4. Weekly Routine Pool Care

The BAQUACIL Pool Care System includes three principal components that work together to save you time and maintenance: BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER, and BAQUACIL ALGICIDE or BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE (if you have an attached spa or water features). Here’s how easy it is to use them:

Once a week, test your pool water with BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS to make sure the levels of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, pH, and total alkalinity are within acceptable ranges. The BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT level should be between 30 and 50 ppm. When the level is 30 ppm or less, add BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT to bring the level up to 50 ppm. (See the Top-up Dosage Rates For BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT” table below.) Never let the level fall below 30 ppm, since algae and bacteria may not be controlled adequately.

Top-up doses can vary from pool to pool. But you’ll probably find you only have to add BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT once every 10-14 days, leaving you with a lot more time to enjoy your pool.

Algae can ruin your pool’s appearance and make pool walls slippery and unsafe, and clog your filter. A maintenance dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE (or a maintenance dose of 2-4 oz.. per 10,000 gallons of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE if you have an attached spa or water features), added every week, will help prevent the growth of algae. (See the “Maintenance Dosage Rates” table in Monthly Routine Pool Care below) Remember, solving algae problems is more costly and time-consuming than preventing them.

Weekly Summary

1. Test the level of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT and top-up to 50 ppm if the level is 30 ppm or below.
   
   
2. Test Total Alkalinity and adjust, if it is outside the 80-150 ppm range.
   
   
3. Test pH and adjust, if it is outside the 7.2-7.8 range.
   
   
4. Add a maintenance dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE. (See the Maintenance Dosage Rates table in Monthly Routine Pool Care below) or add a maintenance dose (2-4 oz. per 10,000 gallons) of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE if you have an attached spa or water feature.
   
   
5. Perform all necessary housekeeping. (See General Pool Care below.)
   
   
6. Check filter pressure. If high, backwash (according to the manufacturer’s recommendations) and chemically clean with BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER.
   
   
7. Clean out skimmer basket(s) and pump basket(s) as necessary.

Top-Up Dosage Rates for BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT

5. Monthly Routine Pool Care

Over the course of a few weeks, many kinds of pollutants can gather in a swimming pool. Swimmer wastes such as perspiration, cosmetic products and urine can cause eye and skin irritation, while giving microorganisms plenty of food. So, once a month, add BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER. (See “Maintenance Dosage Rates” table below.) BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER, along with adequate filtration, will take care of these undesirable waste materials and clarify the water to keep your pool beautifully clear and sparkling.

Allow BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER to disperse throughout the pool for several minutes before swimming. Remember to follow the important safety instructions on the container. Rinse and dispose of the container immediately after use.

Monthly Summary

1. Follow normal weekly care procedures.
   
   
2. Add the appropriate dose of BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER carefully.

Maintenance Dosage Rates

6. General Pool Care

The BAQUACIL Pool Care System makes pool care easy. Even so, there are certain basic things you should do regularly to avoid problems with your pool. These include housekeeping, checking water balance, and sanitization.

Housekeeping

1. Vacuum and brush your pool weekly.
   
   
2. Run the filter at least 8-12 continuous hours a day during the season; longer during periods of heavy use or after a heavy rain. Ideally, you should run the filter 24 hours a day.
   
   
3. In addition to routine backwashing, clean the filter twice during the season with BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER to keep it operating at maximum efficiency.

Water Balance

1. Check pH and alkalinity every week with BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS.
   
   
2. Take a pool water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer once a month during the season for a complete analysis, or after significant makeup water is added.

Water Testing by Your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer

There will be times when you take a water sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer for professional analysis. For example, after you add a significant amount of new water, or after a heavy rain. In fact, it’s a good idea to take a sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer about once a month during the season. Here are a few guidelines to help ensure a good water sample:

1. Your water sample should be at least one quart.
   
   
2. Take your sample about 18" below the surface, and away from the skimmer or filter returns.
   
   
3. Take the sample in a BAQUACIL WATER SAMPLE BOTTLE, or in a clean plastic container.
   
   
4. Take the sample to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer as soon as you remove it from the pool; don’t let the water sit.

NOTE: Never take a pool water sample immediately after adding chemicals or after adding significant amounts of makeup water. Always allow the water to circulate for 8-12 hours before taking a sample.

Important: When handling chemicals, always follow the label instructions. Remember, not all pool care products are compatible with BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT. Consult your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer before adding supplemental chemicals.

7. Filter Cleaning

How to Chemically Clean Your Filter

For best filter operation, it is important to clean your filter twice a season. As your filter circulates pool water, it collects all types of debris – organic matter, waste, scale, rust, grease and grime that, if left unchecked, will hinder filtration and lead to a cloudy, unattractive pool.

While backwashing or rinsing will remove larger particles, only chemical cleaning will remove the grease and grime that become embedded
in the filter element (D.E. filters), stick to the cartridge (cartridge filters), or adhere to the sand (sand filters).

To ensure optimal filtration and good water quality, you should chemically clean your filter twice a season with BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER to dissolve and remove collected debris from sand filters and free-up plugged DE filter grids and cartridge filter elements. Here’s how to use it to chemically clean each filter type.

Soak Method
(Cartridge and DE Filters):

1. Remove trip on timer (if system is so equipped).
   
   
2. For DE: Backwash thoroughly and then disassemble the filter and remove the DE supports (i.e., grids, fingers, etc.). Rinse off any loose debris before soaking.
   
   For Cartridge: Disassemble and remove the cartridge element(s). Rinse off any loose debris before soaking.
   
   
3. Fill a clean plastic container with water and add 1 bottle of BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER per five gallons of water. Completely immerse grids/cartridge.
   
   
4. After 10-12 hours, remove and rinse thoroughly with water and reassemble your filter according to manufacturer recommendations.
   
   
5. Resume normal operation.
   
   
6. It is extremely important that you neutralize the BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER solution prior to disposal. Very slowly, add baking soda (or BAQUACIL TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER) to the solution until foaming subsides. The disposal process should take a minimum of 15 minutes.

Backwash Method
(Sand Filters):

1. Backwash filter.
   
   
2. Shut off filter pump and open the air release valve. Remove trip on timer (if system is so equipped).
   
   
3. Shut off the pump, remove drain plug and drain water from filter tank; then replace plug.
   
   
4. Reinstall drain plug and place control valve in the backwash position.
   
   
5. With the pump motor off, remove the pump strainer lid and pour 1 bottle of BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER into the pump strainer basket.
   
   
6. Replace the pump strainer lid, put the control valve into the backwash mode and open the air release valve.
   
   
7. Turn on pump and allow it to run until water is seen in the backwash sight glass or comes out of the air release valve. Be sure air release is aimed away from you.
   
   Caution: Water containing BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER is acidic. Be careful not to get on skin or in eyes. If skin or eye contact occurs, flush affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
   
   
8. When water is seen in sight glass or the air relief valve, shut off the pump and close off all valves leading to and from the filter.
   
   
9. Allow BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER to remain in the filter for 10-12 hours with the pump off.
   
   
10. After 10-12 hours, distribute several pounds of baking soda (or BAQUACIL TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER) on the ground in the area of the backwash discharge.
    
    
11. Open all valves leading to and from the filter and backwash the filter until the water in the sight glass is clean; then shut off the pump.
    
    
12. Rinse, then put filter control valve back in the filtration position and resume normal filter operation.

8. Winterizing Your Pool

If you live in an area where you have to close your pool for the winter, you need to close it properly to protect it. Always follow your pool manufacturer’s instructions for winterization of your pool and equipment. To help protect the water, here are some simple steps you should follow

Housekeeping

1. Check your water balance. Take a sample of your water to your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer, who will analyze it and recommend any adjustments that may be needed.
   
   
2. Perform all necessary housekeeping. Brush and vacuum your pool thoroughly. Clean all around the tile and/or waterline, as well as the skimmer box, using BAQUACIL SURFACE CLEANER.
   

Close Your Pool

1. Sanitize and clarify the water. After making any adjustments your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer might have recommended, just follow this simple process:
   
   
• Top-up the BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT level to 50 ppm.
  
  
• Add a start-up/initial dose of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE or a maintenance dose of BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE if you have an attached spa or water feature.
  
  
• Add a maintenance dose of BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER.
  
  
• Run the pool filter 8-12 continuous hours to make sure the chemicals have circulated thoroughly.
  
  
2. Backwash and chemically clean your filter with BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER. Never store a dirty filter, because deposits may harden during the winter, leaving you with a much harder job in the spring. BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER will remove organic and mineral deposits, leaving your filter ready for the spring. Your dealer will give you all the details.
   
   
3. Follow your pool manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing. Additionally, clean the skimmer basket and the pump’s hair/lint strainer basket. Store the baskets in a safe place.
   
   
4. Cover your pool. Use a well-fitted, solid, undamaged cover designed specifically for your pool. This will keep leaves and other airborne debris out of the water. If your cover is dirty, clean it first with BAQUACIL COVER CLEANER.

Winterizing a pool without a cover or with a mesh cover

In some areas, pool owners leave pools running year round. As pool usage ends in the cooler weather, they will need to follow these instructions

Housekeeping

Follow the same directions as noted above.

Ending the season

1. Sanitize and clarify the water as noted above. Please note, for pools with attached spas or water features, use BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE instead of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE.
   
   
2. Backwash and clean your filter with BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER or BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER as directed above

Maintenance for non-swimming months

1. Check the level of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT and the pH level every two weeks and top-up as necessary.
   
   
2. Use BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER only as needed (heavy rain or other extreme environmental factors).
   
   
3. Run the filter system 4-6 continuous hours a day.
   
   
4. Remove leaves and debris from the pool as necessary.
   
   
5. Test water sample every two months