With BioGuard Water, we can provide a complimentary, highly accurate computerised analysis for your pool or spa water. Bring in a ½ litre sample and let us do the rest of the work. After the results are in, we will talk you through each step discussing what products you may already have in the pool shed or what you may require. If you are unsure of any of the products, we can explain to you what each and every product is used for. We have seen plenty of pool water samples over the near 50 years of experience and there is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to the quality of your pool or spa water. Our Aim is to provide safe, healthy, clean, crystal clear and sparkling water for you and your family’s enjoyment.
Getting the balance of your pool or spa water is critical, making sure your water is safe to use. There are plenty of people out there who believe 2 products – Chlorine and acid are “all you need”. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Water can look deceiving at times, looking clear and smelling of chlorine is not enough information for you to think about getting in. You could be jumping into water that has a pH of 3.0 and you would not know.
Taking steps to ensure safe water is easy. Test your water and add products to the water to keep the balance in check. You can do this poolside with your own test strips or reagents tests, or you can bring in a sample and have us run it through the BioGuard Water program. Having a stocked inventory of water care products is also good practice ensuring that you have what your pool requires on hand.
Some of the time, it can be a bit confusing or even daunting to see a long list of needed products on our recommended results. But if you follow a routine of maintenance you can easily avoid these long lists of products.
Each BioGuard Water Care Product has a purpose. If you are unsure of what a product is used for, then, simply ask us and we will explain each one. But here’s a quick rundown.
Alkalinity is used to ensure the pH doesn’t increase or decrease quickly. It is important to keep an eye on alkalinity levels after a lot of water use, after the pool/spa water level has been topped up or after heavy rain.
pH is maintained to a level where it is very comfortable for the users of the pool or spa. If it is too high or too low, adverse reactions on the skin can ensue, irritation or rashes etc. Red or stinging eyes are very prone to incorrect pH.
Stabiliser is used to stop chlorine molecules from being broken down by the sun’s ultraviolet light. It allows chlorine molecules to bond to another molecule, extending the lifespan of the chlorine against UV light. Most pools will require a Stabiliser, but there are a few instances where a stabiliser isn’t required, such as indoor pools and pools/spas that have covers on them.
Chlorine. The only job chlorine has in a body of water is to kill bacteria. It is a sanitising method but not the only type of sanitiser available. Chlorine is the most popular method for sanitising pool and spa water but there are a lot of different types of chlorine for different applications. Choosing the correct type of chlorine is extremely important. Check out the FAQ page for more info.
Calcium Levels. Water is a mineral that depends on balance to ensure that it does not become too aggressive on the surfaces comes into contact with. Calcium levels need to be maintained in all types of pools to protect the pool’s interior surface.
Optimiser is a patented water enhancer which retards the growth of algae. It also bonds to other molecules in the water such as chlorine, calcium, carbonates etc. which increases the longevity of the bonded molecules and products. In the long run, it reduces the frequency and amount of products required in the water. In the short run, it helps create a cleaner environment and softens the feel of the water for all to enjoy.
Clarifiers are another water enhancer which will aid in the filtration system by bonding small particles together making them large enough for your filter to pick them up.
Algaecide. It’s a word that people usually don’t like to hear or they believe they don’t need it because they do not have any algae in the pool. We have different products for different applications much like the chlorine. The addition of an Algae Preventative on a regular basis is a fantastic way to decrease the onset of algae blooms.
Oxidisers are known around the world as shock products. They are important and need to be used on a regular basis just like the algaecide preventers and having both creates a very difficult barrier for algae to become established in your pool. Oxidising the water breaks apart any organic waste material that may be present. It is the waste material that bacteria and algae feast on (just like fertiliser). So if we remove this food, we then have a much safer body of water. Make sure you choose the right oxidiser
Other things to consider are:
- Salt levels for saltwater pools. It can dictate your chlorine output control.
- Total Dissolved Solids for freshwater pools and spas.
- Phosphates a supercharged form of fertiliser that algae love to feed on.
- Iron, copper, and other metals can create staining issues in pool interiors.
- Spa sanitising methods, Chlorine, Bromine, Hydrogen Peroxide etc. Which one is right for you?
Balanced water levels
Parameters | Minimum | Ideal | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
Free chlorine (ppm) | 1 | 2-4 | 10 |
Combined chlorine (ppm) | 0 | 0 | 0.2 |
Total bromine (ppm) | 2 | 4-6 | 10 |
pH | 7.2 | 7.4-7.6 | 7.8 |
Total alkalinity (ppm) | 60 | 80-100 | 180 |
Calcium hardness (ppm) | 150 | 200-400 | 500-1000 |
Cyanuric Acid (ppm) | 10 | 30-50 | 150 |
Total dissolved solids (ppm) | n/a | n/a | Initial TDS +1500 |