Water Care
“It’s nice to walk into a store and feel like you are talking to an associate who knows the technology of water care. DesRochers have never let me down. My water is tested and I am able to keep my pool and spa in great condition. Thanks.” - Dave T.
Pool School
Need your water tested?
We can do that too, with a well-trained, knowledgeable and ready-to-help staff. We offer exclusive Pinpoint, BioGuard® and ALEX computer water testing. DesRochers Backyard Pools & Spas carries a complete line of BioGuard pool & spa care products, specialty chemicals, Baquacil, Baquaspa, Brillance, Nature2, The Frog Mineral System, maintenance equipment, solar blankets, winter covers, parts, chlorinators, pool pumps, pool filters, spa parts and accessories.
Don't be fooled when competitors' use the claim "compared to." BioGuard Smart Sticks, Smart Shock ,and Back-Up Alagaecide are proprietary products that only Bioguard has developed. No other products come even close to the quality, value, or results you recieve from using BioGuard.
We want to help you use your leisure time to the fullest. Come in and take a look around.
Silk Tabs™ & Silk Smart Sticks™
Swim in silk! Introducing new, blue Silk Tabs and Silk Sticks, a revolutionary new product exclusive to BioGuard and the first sanitizer made with SilkGuard® Technology.
Unlike traditional chlorine, SilkGuard's special additives actually softens the water by attaching to hard water components and metal surfaces, which protects your pool equipment from scale, corrosion and staining, all while killing bacteria.
Silk Products are available in 3" tabs, 1" tabs and sticks.
The SilkGuard Advantage:
- Makes water feel velvety smooth
- Protects pool equipment for longer life
- Prevents metal staining and corrosion
- Reduces scale formation
New, blue Silk Tabs and Silk Smart Sticks:
- Kill bacteria
- Control algae
- Slow-dissolving sanitizers
- Contain SunShield® Technology so that chlorine is protected from sunlight for long-lasting sanitation of pool water
Applying Silk Tabs and Silk Smart Sticks is STEP 1 of the BioGuard 3-Step System.
BioGuard Silk Tabs with Silk Guard
Q: What is SilkGuard?
A: SilkGuard is a proprietary ingredient that enhances water. SilkGuard will make the pool water feel silky smooth by softening the water. SilkGuard also prevents metal staining and corrosion and reduces scale formation.
Q: How long will it take to realize the benefits of SilkGuard?
A: The benefits of SilkGuard will usually be realized after the third application, or approximately two weeks.
Q: Why does the initial dosage seem higher than the regular 3-inch tablets?
A: The initial dose is higher so that the SilkGuard benefits will be realized more quickly. After the initial application, the product should be applied so that a 1-3 ppm free chlorine residual is maintained at all times. In cases of higher bather load or warmer temperatures, more Silk product may be needed. In cases of lower bather load and cooler temperatures, less Silk product may be used. The number of Silk Stick or Tabs used to maintain a 1-3 ppm free chlorine residual will be approximately the same as traditional sticks or tabs.
Q: What is the free available chlorine content of Silk Tabs and Silk Smart Sticks?
A: Silk Tabs and Silk Sticks are 94.05% trichloro-s-triazinetrione with a free available chlorine content of 84.65%. You should not notice a significant change in the amount of product used by switching from Stingy Sticks or regular 3-inch Tablets to Silk Sticks or Silk Tabs.
Q: Will this product be available in other channels
A: This product is exclusive to BioGuard dealers.
Q: Will the blue in the tablet discolor filter media?
A: While it is possible that the cartridge filters may turn slightly blue, this will not affect the performance of the filter or equipment.
Q: The tablets in my chlorinator have turned white. Is this normal?
A: Yes. After beginning the dissolution process, it is normal for the blue to dissipate leaving behind the white tablet.
Q: Some of the tablets in the bucket have a white spot on them. Why?
A: It is possible for tablets that have come in contact with the desiccant pack inside the bucket to have a bleached spot. This is because some of the blue has come off of the tablet by coming into contact with this pack. It will not affect the performance of the tablet or stick.
Q: Will SilkGuard replace the need for Stain Remover and Pool Magnet Plus?
A: BioGuard Stain Remover and Pool Magnet Plus should still be used as troubleshooting products for treatment and removal of metals and metal stains.
Q: Will SilkGuard replace the need for Scale Inhibitor?
A: No. BioGuard Scale Inhibitor should continue to be used in pools with high calcium hardness levels to prevent scaling.
Q: When will Silk products be included in ALEX?
A: Silk Tabs and Silk Sticks will be included in the new updates of ALEX (3.1 and 4.0) under the sanitizer field. 1-inch and 3-inch tablets will continue to be sanitizer options for BioGuard customers through the next few updates to allow BioGuard dealers to move through existing inventory of BioGuard 1-inch and 3-inch Tablets and Stingy Sticks. Customers using ProGuard sanitizers will not be affected by this change.
Q: Why does the label list different total alkalinity balancing parameters than what the ALEX recommends?
A: Temporarily, there is a difference in the balancing parameters for total alkalinity in plaster pools on the Silk Tabs and Silk Sticks product labels. These labels currently state to "adjust total alkalinity to 80-125 ppm for plaster pools and 125-150 for vinyl or fiberglass pools." While plaster pool customers could balance to these parameters, following the recommendations provided by ALEX will provide the best results since ALEX calculates water balance using the Langelier Saturation Index. We are currently working with Regulatory Affairs to change these balancing parameters.
Q: How do Silk products fit into the BioGuard programs?
A: Silk Tabs and Silk Sticks are Step 1 of the Three Step Program. Best results will be achieved by using a weekly maintenance oxidizer such as Smart Shock as well as a weekly maintenance algaecide such as Back Up.
Q: What is the pump run time that is required for Silk Products?
A: Silk Sticks and Silk Tabs require the same pump run time as Stingy Sticks or traditional 3-inch tablets.
Q: Will the use of Silk products increase the filter pressure?
A: No. The use of Silk Sticks or Silk Tabs will not affect the filter pressure.
Q: Are Silk Sticks and Silk Tabs compatible with all BioGuard programs?
A: Silk Sticks and Silk Tabs are compatible with all chlorine programs. They should never be used with a SoftSwim program.
Q: Is it okay to put a Silk Tab in a skimmer, feeder, or floater with a regular 3-inch tablet, Stingy Sticks, or Smart Sticks?
A: In general, it is best not to mix products. However, because these are all trichloro-based tablets they are compatible in skimmers, feeders or floaters. Be very sure that the tablet is trichloro based and not calcium hypochlorite. NEVER mix trichloro products with calcium hypochlorite.
Q: What is the oxidizer rating for Silk Sticks and Silk Tabs?
A: NFPA guidelines: class 1
DOT guidelines: Not regulated as a US DOT hazardous material.
Chemicals
Frequently Asked Questions
We have found that many of our customers questions are often repeated.
Q: How do I clear a cloudy pool?
A: Cloudy or dull pool water is caused by improper chemical balance or fine debris suspended in the pool water. Use the following five easy steps to quickly diagnose and resolve this problem.
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Test the swimming pool water for Combined Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. The two areas that are most likely to cause cloudy pool water are the pH and the Calcium Hardness.
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If the pool chemical levels are not within the following suggested ranges, adjust the chemicals and run the pool filter system for 12-24 hours before re-testing. Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm, pH: 7.2 – 7.6, Alkalinity: 90 – 120 ppm and Calcium Hardness: 200 – 350 ppm.
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If all the pool chemical levels test in range, the cloudy pool water is caused by fine debris suspended in the pool water. You should backwash or clean your pool filter following the manufacturer’s instructions, and run the pool filter system continuously for 24 to 48 hours.
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If the water conditions have not significantly improved you should add Polysheen Blue to the pool water to help your pool filter remove the fine debris from the water. Continue filtering for 12 to 24 hours.
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If the water conditions have not significantly improved you should add a second dose of Polysheen Blue, or a stronger clarifier chemical and continue to run your filtration system.
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Sometimes a pool can be too cloudy for a clarifier. If this is the case you will have to move up to Power Floc. This will drop any suspended particles to the floor so you can vacuum it to waste.
Tips
It is important that you continuously filter the pool water until the water is clear, and closely monitor your pool filter pressure. Backwash or clean the pool filter as needed, following the pool filter manufacturer’s instructions.
Warnings
It is common for pool water to become
cloudy immediately after adding products to adjust the pool pH & alkalinity.
If your pool water became cloudy within 6-8 hours of adjusting the pH or Alkalinity, continue circulating your water and it should clear within 24 hours as the water adjusts to the CHANGES YOU'VE MADE
Q: If I have algae in my pool, what should I do?
A: Depending on the type of algae (there are several types) the treatment will vary. You should take a water sample into your local dealer for testing.
Algae and Its Causes
Algae are the microscopic aquatic plants that are constantly being introduced into the pool water from the atmosphere. If not kept under control, algae can discolor your pool water, clog your filter, cause unpleasant odors and produce slimy, slippery walls and floor. Algae growth is common when the disinfectant level or algaecide content in the water is low or neglected. There are several different types of algae, each with a different treatment.
Pink Algae: Frequently called red algae, is actually a bacteria that originates from salt water. The best prevention is to thoroughly wash with bleach all items that have come in contact with salt water before allowing them into your pool area.
Treatment: Shock pool at rate of 1 pound per 10,000 gallons until bacteria disappears.
Prevention: The best way to prevent algae from growing in your pool is by shocking and adding algaecide once every week under normal conditions and twice a week during prolonged periods of warm weather, heavy rainfall and heavy bather loads. The best time to shock your pool is at night because during the day, the sun's rays quickly reduce the effectiveness of the shock.
Q: Why is balancing my pool so important?
A: If your pool water is not balanced properly, it can lead to skin and eye irritation as well as harm the equipment and surface of the pool.
Q: My pool alkalinity is very low barely readable what should I do and is it safe to swim?
A: Low alkalinity IS an issue and you ought to deal with it quickly. It's not so much an issue with swimmers (although some people will feel "itchy" and develop sore eyes) but for your pool and equipment, it's not good. A low TA is an aggressive water situation. It can easily and VERY quickly strip copper from expensive heat exchangers in pool heaters, damage even stainless steel fittings like ladders, strip copper from light niches, discolor metal fixtures, stain the pool surfaces (the metals it dissolved), etch concrete pools surfaces and if this is a vinyl pool liner, permanently wrinkle the liner around the main drain in a nice neat circle. We've seen all of that from a low TA and we've also seen it happen in less than two days. Not to mention, with your TA being low, you are also experiencing what's called pH bounce. Your pH is going to go up and down like a yo yo and your sanitizers aren't going to work as well as they ought to either.
To bring your TA up, you can purchase any product that advertises it's function to raise TA. Products like Balance Pak 100, it only takes a moment to broadcast the powder and its effect takes place pretty quickly. There's no reason NOT to deal with this ASAP. Why take the chance?
More Informaton on Water Chemistry & Balance: Water Balance
Q: Why does my pool water turn my hair green?
A: When your pool water contains metals, they can turn your hair green. If you are having this problem, the best solution is to take a water sample to be tested for metals at your nearest dealer. If you have metals present, they can recommend a solution.
Q: What causes eye irritation?
A: If your pool is not balanced properly, this could lead to eye and skin irritations. That is why it is essential to balance your pool water properly.
Q: Why is my pool cloudy?
A: It can be a variety of things. Check to make sure your running your filter system enough each day, also make sure your water is balanced out properly.
Q: My pool has a white substance floating in the pool. What is it?
A: Water mold is a whitish, mucous-like substance that looks like shredded tissue paper when floating in the water. It is not harmful to humans, but is unsightly and can clog equipment. It also depletes oxidizer levels, which can other undesirable conditions to occur. Water mold usually begins growing in the lines, and by the time it becomes visible, the growth is often quite heavy.
Q: If I have water mold, what should I do?
A: If the pool uses chlorine or bromine, the first step is to brush the sides and bottom thoroughly. If you think you might have missed a few maintenance algaecide applications, add an initial dose of your algaecide (algae and fungal growths usually indicate inconsistent algaecide applications). Next, shock with three times the normal dose of Burn Out Extreme. Allow the filter to circulate overnight. Repeat as necessary. When the procedure is complete, chemically clean the filter with Kleen It.
Q: I keep adding chlorine, but when I test my water, there's no chlorine reading. Why?
A: The reason for the absence of a chlorine reading is that your chlorine is tied-up. It is combined with chloramine groups causing your chlorine to be inactive. This is commonly called chlorine demand. What you need to do is shock or superchlorinate your pool. Shocking your pool will cause the chlorine to free up. Double and triple levels of super-chlorination may be depleted within hours of application. Often the pool water will be sparkling and attractive while this problem is taking place. In some cases, the chlorine stabilizer disappears and cannot be measured. We offer exclusively new Chlorine Demand Test to determine the level of shock treatment needed.
Q: What causes chlorine demand?
A: There are many causes for chlorine demand and in most cases - there is no one cause for a particular chlorine demand but several combined: algae, fertilizer contamination, excessive chloramine accumulation, rain, pollution, excessive cover debris rinsed or dumped in pool, source water (sometimes municipal water supplies contain chloramines), organic and other contaminates in source water (ponds, lakes, well water, vandalism, etc.
Q: This is the second year I have had chlorine demand, what do I do?
A:We recommend that if you have had a continuous problem with chlorine demands that you shock your pool weekly.
Q: What level should I maintain my chlorine?
A: You need to maintain enough chlorine in the pool to control the amount of bacteria. We recommend you keep a free available chlorine residual between 1 ppm - 3 ppm.
Q: How often should I shock my pool?
A: You need to shock your pool at least every 2 weeks in the summer. Depending on the usage and weather.
Q: How long should I wait to go into a pool that is sanitized with chlorine after I shock?
A: Wait until the chlorine level drops below 3 ppm. Usually if you shock in the evening, the chlorine level will drop to 3 ppm.
Q: What is pH Increaser?
A: Raises the pH in pool water to guard against skin and eye irritation, corrosion of metal fixtures.
Q: What is pH Decreaser?
A: Lowers the pH in pool water to prevent scaling, cloudy water and reduced effectiveness of chlorine. It is safer to store and use.
Q: What is Balance Pak 100?
A: Raises Total Alkalinity to control pH bounce, staining of surfaces and corrosion of pool equipment.
Q: What is acid rain?
A: The term "acid rain" refers to any precipitation that has a pH of 5.5 or lower and can be in form of rain, sleet, snow, or fog. It is estimated that half of the acid rain formation is caused by man-made factors, such as vehicle and industry emissions. The other half is attributed to natural causes, such as forest fires and lightening. These emissions form sulfuric acid and nitric acid when exposed to moisture and sunlight and fall as acid rain.
Q: What effect does acid rain have on my pool?
A: Natural rain has a pH of 6.0, and acid rain has a pH of 5.5 or lower. As rain becomes more acidic, the total alkalinity of your pool decreases. Regular testing and adjusting of total alkalinity and pH will help protect against acid rain.
Q: What is Chlorine?
A: Chlorine is a very aggressive and efficient disinfectant that kills bacteria. It is very important in maintaining pool water for swimmers safety and health. Over 90% of all pools (commercial and residential) use some form of chlorinating products as a sanitizer. Bacteria and algae enter the pool every day from sources ranging from bathers to the weather. So every day you have to fight bacteria and algae with sanitizers and algaecides. When we test for chlorine in pool water, we refer to it as free available chlorine, meaning that it is free and available to kill bacteria.
Q: What is ppm?
A: Parts per million is a unit of measure used in measuring chemical application. It indicates that amount, by weight, of a chemical in relation to one million parts, by weight, of water.
Q: What is pool water testing?
A: Pool water has chemical characteristics that must be measured regularly. Pool owners need to check two of these characteristics on a regular basis. pH. and Sanitizer. When these two factors are maintained within specified ranges, your pool water is probably not going to experience problems. By testing your pool water on regular basis, it will help you understand how bather load, weather conditions and chemical applications affect the water. We recommend you have your pool water professionally tested a minimum of once a month as they perform a more comprehensive set of tests. This will ensure that all the important parameters are in balance. Pools that are maintained in the proper test ranges will be protected from uncontrolled bacteria growth, be comfortable to the eyes and skin of swimmers, be less aggressive to pool surfaces and equipment, protected from growth of algae and most important be clear, sparkling and inviting to swimmers.
Q: What is chlorine stabilizer?
A: Pool owners using unstabilized chlorine products to sanitize their pool can extend the life expectancy and efficiency of their free available chlorine residual by adding BioGuard 100 Stabilizer to outdoor pools. Indoor pools are usually not exposed to UV rays of the sun and, consequently, do not require the use of stabilizer. Initially, you should add enough Chlorine Stabilizer to achieve 40 ppm. When Cyanuric Acid levels drop below 30 ppm, stabilizer should be added. However, a pool being maintained on stabilized chlorinating products will constantly have a replenishing source of stabilizer being fed to the pool as the stabilized product is dissolved into the water.
Q: When do I add chlorine stabilizer?
A: Pool owners using unstabilized chlorine products to sanitize their pool can extend the life expectancy and efficiency of their free available chlorine residual by adding BioGuard 100 Stabilizer to outdoor pools. Indoor pools are usually not exposed to UV rays of the sun and, consequently, do not require the use of stabilizer. Initially, you should add enough Chlorine Stabilizer to achieve 40 ppm. When Cyanuric Acid levels drop below 30 ppm, stabilizer should be added. However, a pool being maintained on stabilized chlorinating products will constantly have a replenishing source of stabilizer being fed to the pool as the stabilized product is dissolved into the water.
Q: What type of chlorine sanitizer do you recommend with the use of chlorine stabilizer?
A: Rather than continuously adding stabilizer, most pool owners prefer the convenience of a sanitizer that contains both a chlorinating product and a stabilizer. We recommend the use of BioGuard Silk Tabs or BioGuard Smart Sticks strong chlorine formula dissolves slowly and completely. BioGuard Burn Out-35 is not as strong and dissolves faster. Because it dissolves so fast, when it's used as a primary sanitizer, it is usually and fed into a pool. More often, Super Soluble is used to provide a quick stabilized chlorine residual to boost a pool with heavy bather load or to oxidize waste or kill algae.
Q: How do I add chlorine stabilizer to my pool?
A: To add 40 ppm of BioGuard Chlorine Stabilizer, add 1 pound of BioGuard 100 Stabilizer for every 3,000 gallons of pool water, for 30 ppm add 1 pound per 4,000 gallons. Slowly add the appropriate amount of Chlorine Stabilizer granules through the skimmer with the pump running. Allow the pump and filter to run at least 24 hours. DO NOT BACKWASH the filter for 48 hours after product application. Stabilizer dissolves very slowly (which is why the skimmer application method is preferred or let it dissolve in a sock if you do not have a sand filter) and if the filter is backwashed too soon after application, the Chlorine Stabilizer will be washed out of the filter before it has a chance to dissolve. We recommend a minimum level of 30 - 40 ppm. 30 - 200 ppm is an acceptable range. The maximum level of CYA in commercial pools is a established by local health departments.
Q: How much is too much stabilizer?
A: A common myth in the pool industry claims that too much Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid, CYA) in pool water "locks-up" the free available chlorine residual. Chemically, this is not accurate. The free available chlorine residual kills microorganisms with CYA levels up to 500 ppm. Minimum CYA level is 30 - 40 ppm, acceptable is 30 - 200 ppm for residential pools.
Q: How do I lower Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) in my pool?
A: The only way to lower Cyanuric acid level is to partially drain your pool, then refill it with fresh water. Please contact your nearest pool dealer before attempting to drain any pool. If this procedure is not done properly, you could damage your pool.
Mineral Springs Chlorine Generator
General Questions
Q: How does a Mineral Springs Chlorine Generator work?
A: The Mineral Springs electronic chlorinator generates chlorine by passing low voltage electrical current through the pool water and converting the chloride ions from salt into chlorine. Mineral Springs Generators provide 100% of chlorine requirement. Most pools require less than $200 of minerals per year.
Q: How do I add Minerals?
A: Most people simply dump the minerals into the shallow end of the pool and then brush it around to speed up the dissolving process. Do not allow the minerals to sit in a pile at the bottom of the pool. mineral water is heavier than fresh water so the mineral water will tend to accumulate at the deepest part of the pool. Run the filter system with the suction coming from the main drain for 24 hours to evenly distribute the minerals throughout the pool.
Q: How do I clean my Mineral Generator's Turbo Cell?
A:
- Turn filter pump off.
- Remove the Mineral Springs TurboCell by loosening the unions on both ends of the cell.
- You will need a small plastic bucket (6 - 8" opening), water, and muriatic acid.
- Fill the bucket with 3 - 4" of water.
- Set the Turbo Cell on end in the bucket of water.
- Add Mineral Springs Cell Cleaner to the water in the bucket. Let the cell sit in this solution for 5-10 minutes.
- Turn the cell over and let the other end sit in the solution for 5-10 minutes. You will be submersing the cord, which will not be affected by the mild acid solution.
- Look in both ends of the cell to confirm calcium deposits are removed. If not, repeat cleaning procedure.
- Rinse cell with fresh water and replace in plumbing line.
- Hand tighten unions before restoring power to filter pump. IMPORTANT: Dispose of water and Cell Cleaner mixture in a safe manner by pouring the contents of the bucket in your pool.
Q: Is chlorine "the only way"? I've always tried to do my bit for the environment, my health, and the health of my family by using the greenest and friendliest products I can afford. People are telling me that it is impossible to maintain a swimming pool naturally chlorine and other so called caustic chemicals are the only ones that really work. I don't want to experiment with my family's safety; what is the story here?
A: Like so many other things in life, moderation is a key here. Understanding how sanitation and oxidation and filtration technically work can give you more confidence. Too many times we respond to recommendations from experts with our own interpretations, like: "if he says that I need to add 2oz. of such and such to clear up some cloudy water, then, 4 oz. should take care of things twice as well?" Not good. You are dealing with chemicals and chemical reactions.
Chlorine, as an example, is in and of itself somewhat harmless. (A good immune system can handle car exhausts, second hand smoke, even viruses ) The subtle irritations caused by chlorine, for a healthy individual are most often easily taken care of with proper showering ( and, this shower ideally should be with water that is not too heavily chlorinated and with not too hot water?as the steam carries the chlorine gas! ) after a swim with an application of a skin moisturizer on your now clean but still moist skin. Chlorine is a naturally occurring element. It is a medicine as well as a poison.
Q: Baquacil: Is It Here To Stay?
A: If you're not familiar with Baquacil, let me take just a quick moment to bring you up to speed. Simply put, Baquacil is an alternative to traditional chlorine Baquacil is really nothing new. It's been around for over 20 years. Baquacil itself is made by a company called Arch Chemicals Inc and trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ARJ.
Bottom Line: There are too many benefits to ignore Baquacil as a long term sanitizing agent.
Here's 4 Good Reasons Why:
- It's consistent and long lasting.
- It's not impacted by pH or the sun in any way.
- There are no side effects compared to chlorine (no smell, itchy eyes, skin irritation, etc.).
- It's much more balanced-this leads to no discoloration of your pool and longer filter life.
The transition from a chlorine pool to Baquacil is also a very easy process as well!
“The service & staff were exceptional! Would recommend Backyard Pools/ DesRochers to everyone! Much Thanks!” - Jennifer P
“We are so glad we chose to go with DesRochers when we put in our pool. Everyone we work with have been very helpful and have always taken care of problems we may have had.” Terri R.
