PROBLEM

CHARACTERISTICS

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Green Algae

Most common type of algae

Has gelatinous sheath protecting it from most chemical attacks

Floats freely in water; does not attach itself to walls

Causes "pea soup" green water

Three products are available to provide effective treatment of a green algae infestation. The first step for any successful treatment is to adjust the pH of the water to 7.2 to 7.6. Each algaecide has specific application information on the label. Read and follow label directions.

Choose one of the following algaecides:

• SUN Algi-Crush or
• SUN Copper Algaecide or
• SUN Algaecide 60

Success will be improved with proper brushing of the pool. Run the filter for 24-48 hours following treatment or until the water clears. Repeat treatment as necessary. Add SUN Tru-Blue® to help clear the water of dead algae and debris. Thereafter, make sure that the pH is 7.2 — 7.6 and that the Free Chlorine residual between 1-3 ppm is maintained.

Black Algae

Dark black color; appear as sporadically scattered black splotches

Sometimes appears as tar-like deposits on bottom

Can be difficult to remove with scraping; attaches itself to pool walls (primarily plaster) and sends roots deep into the finish

Four products are available to provide effective treatment of black algae. The first step for any successful treatment is to adjust the pH of the water to 7.2 to 7.6. Each algaecide has specific application information on the label. Read and follow label directions.

Choose one of the following algaecides:

• Black Algae Treatment
• SUN Algi-Crush or
• SUN Copper Algaecide or
• SUN Algaecide 60

Be sure to brush with a brush compatible with your surface. Use a stainless steel brush for plaster (gunite) pools. Run the filter for 24-48 hours following treatment or until the water clears. Repeat treatment as necessary. Add SUN Tru-Blue® to help clear the water of dead algae and debris. Thereafter, make sure that the pH is 7.2 — 7.6 and that a Free Chlorine residual is maintained between 1-3 ppm.

Yellow-Mustard Algae

Yellow to yellowish-green to brown in color; appears light and buoyant; powder-like appearance (almost like pollen)

Appears on walls and in shaded areas of pool; can grow very quickly

Brushes very easily, however, use caution because it can flocculate and spread throughout the pool.

Two products are available to provide effective treatment of mustard algae. The first step for any successful treatment is to adjust the pH of the water to 7.2 to 7.6. Each algaecide has specific application information on the label. Read and follow label directions.

Choose one of the following algaecides:

• SUN Algi-Crush or
• SUN Copper Algaecide

Be sure to brush with a brush compatible with your surface. Run the filter for 24-48 hours following treatment or until the water clears. Repeat treatment as necessary. Add SUN Tru-Blue® to help clear the water of dead algae and debris. Thereafter, make sure that the pH is 7.2 — 7.6 and that the Free Chlorine residual is maintained between 1-3 ppm.

Red Algae/Pink Slime

Reddish or pinkish color in appearance

Slippery feel

Usually visible at waterline or around lights, ladders and other fixtures

Not a member of true "algae" family

Adjust pH to 7.2- 7.6. Check around lights, ladders, skimmers, etc., and brush all visible growth using a surface-compatible brush. Shock the pool using SUN Booster or SUN-Burn®. Apply product per label directions. Hold a Free Chlorine residual @ 8 ppm for 8 to 10 hours after product application. Run filter continuously during process and for 24 hours after last product addition or until water clears. Add SUN Tru Blue® to help clear the water. Thereafter, make sure to maintain the pH at 7.2 — 7.6 and that the Free Chlorine residual is maintained between 1-3 ppm.

Water Mold

Colorless to white in appearance

Adjust pH to 7.2- 7.6. Check around lights, ladders, skimmers, etc., and brush all visible growth using a surface-compatible brush. Shock the pool using SUN Booster or SUN-Burn. Apply product per label directions. Hold a Free Chlorine residual @ 8 ppm for 8 to 10 hours after product application. Run filter continuously during process and for 24 hours after last product addition or until water clears. Add SUN Tru Blue to help clear the water. Thereafter, make sure to maintain the pH at 7.2 — 7.6 and that the Free Chlorine residual is maintained between 1-3 ppm.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Maintain proper sanitizer and water balance levels, and make sure the filter is operating properly. During periods of high bather loads, high temperatures, after heavy rainfalls or at the first signs of deteriorating water quality, shock your pool in order to help keep the Free Chlorine residual in the 1-3 ppm range. Keep the pool bottom free of leaves and other debris. Regular use of SUN Algaecide and shocking the pool is recommended as a safeguard against algae getting started.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Bather Rashes & Irritations

Inadequate sanitation caused by insufficient Free Chlorine residual

Very low pH readings (below 7.2)

Very high chlorine levels

Test the Free and Total Chlorine Level keeping Free Chlorine level between 1-3 ppm and Total Chlorine level no more than 0.5 ppm higher than the Free Chlorine. If Free Chlorine level is low, shock with SUN-Burn® or SUN Booster in order to quickly raise the Free Chlorine level. Make sure the pH is maintained within the 7.2-7.6 range by adjusting with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus as necessary.

Odor Problems (Chloramines)

Poor sanitation leading to algae and bacterial growth

High levels of combined chlorine levels (chloramines) can cause strong chlorine-like odors.

Urinating in the pool

Test the water for Free Chlorine level and pH to make sure that these parameters are within the optimum ranges. Growth of algae and/or bacteria can lead to odors. See Algae Problems for remedy. This is usually accompanied by the appearance of cloudy water.

Shock the pool with SUN-Brite®, SUN-Burn, SUN Booster or SUN Shock 'N' Clear as directed. Combined chlorine levels are much more odorous than Free Chlorine levels — if you smell chlorine, it is probably combined chlorine. Free Chlorine is essentially odorless when used at proper levels in swimming pool water.

Dry Skin

Low pH

High Free Chlorine levels

Maintain the pH within the 7.2-7.6 range with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus. To help control the pH, maintain the Total Alkalinity in the recommended range of 125-150 ppm with SUN Alkalinity Plus or SUN pH Minus and test the water on a regular basis.

Maintain a Free Chlorine level between 1-3 ppm.

Swimmer’s Ear (inner ear infection)

Poor sanitation

Swimmer’s ear is a medical condition usually caused by the presence of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. Allowing water to remain in the ears after swimming can contribute to the problem. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Make sure that the sanitizer level and water chemistry parameters are maintained in the optimum ranges at all times by testing the water regularly.

Red Eyes

High combined chlorine levels (chloramines)

Improper pH: The pH of the eye is approximately 7.5

Poor sanitation

Irritation of the eye’s mucous membranes is usually due to the presence of high levels of chloramines. Shock the pool with SUN-Brite, SUN-Burn, or SUN Booster on a regular weekly basis. Addition of 10 times the combined chlorine reading is necessary in order to decompose all of the chloramines.

Test the pH frequently and add the appropriate pH control chemicals (SUN pH Plus or pH Minus), as required, to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6. Conjunctivitis is a medical condition that may result from the same bacterium that causes swimmer’s ear. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Green Hair

Presence of copper ions in the water due to:

1. Corrosion of copper pipes or heater components in acidic water (below 7.2)
2. Copper present from natural sources (i.e., well water can contain copper ions)
3. Copper present from applications of uncheleated products.

At the chemistry of the typical swimming pool, copper ions can precipitate and cause discoloration. If there is a heater, it is very important to avoid acidic conditions by properly controlling the pH (7.2-7.6) and Total Alkalinity (125-150 ppm). Add a dose of SUN Super-Quest per label directions when copper is present to chelate with the copper (prevent from precipitating out of solution) and avoid future recurrences. To remove the green discoloration from the hair, try shampooing in the usual manner, followed by a rinse with water containing lemon juice (1 tablespoon per 2 qt of water; follow by rinsing with clear water).

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Maintain proper water chemistry by testing your water on a regular basis with SUN Flash Test Strips and adjusting the important water analysis parameters whenever necessary. The right amount of the right chemical is always best. Too much can be as bad as too little. Read the labels and follow the directions provided.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Cloudy water

Early algae growth

Insufficient filtration or short filter cycles

Inadequate Free Chlorine levels

High bather loads

Unbalanced water:

1. High pH — which can cause minerals to precipitate out into very small solid particles
2. High Total Alkalinity
3. High Calcium Hardness

Test the water using SUN Flash Test Strips or have your water tested at your professional SUN dealer. If the Free Chlorine level is below 1 ppm or the Combined Chlorine level is more than 0.5 ppm above the Free Chlorine reading, shock using SUN-Burn® or SUN Booster. Make sure the filter is clean and functioning properly. If calcium hardness is above 400 ppm, use SUN Scale & Metal Control II and avoid the use of calcium products. Use SUN Tru-Blue® to increase filter efficiency. Inspect for algae and treat as necessary (see Algae Problems).

Colored water

Green, hazy — indicative of algae

Metals in the water:

1. Green, clear — indicative of copper
2. Amber, red, brown — indicative of iron
3. Purple, black — indicative of manganese

Colorless, hazy water is probably early algae. Treat as green algae.

Have your water tested at your professional SUN dealer for copper, iron and manganese. If present, add the recommended dose of SUN Super Quest for metals present per label directions. Very high levels of metals may require even higher doses to react with all of the metals present. If color persists, consult your SUN dealer.

Cloudy, green water

Trace metals

Organo-metallic colloids

Converting from biguanide to chlorine

Early algae growth

Test the water for metals such as iron and copper. If present, treat with SUN Super Quest as directed. Determine the source of the metals and eliminate if possible. Make sure that the pool is shocked with SUN-Burn® or SUN Booster in sufficient quantity that a Free Chlorine level of at least 3 ppm is maintained overnight. Retest and shock as necessary to achieve 3 ppm. Inspect filter and operate continuously until clear. Add SUN Tru-Blue to help remove fine particles, dead algae and organic debris. See Algae Problems for more detailed remedy.

Foaming

Reaction of body oils and cosmetic residues with the natural alkalinity of the water, which can form a soap

Excessive use of "quat" algaecides, which have a tendency to foam

Air leak in the return line

Use of foaming cleaning products

An air leak in the return line can lead to foaming; inspect and tighten all fittings. Agitation of the water can also lead to foaming. Add SUN Defoamer per label directions. Body oils and cosmetic residues can be controlled by the use of SUN Natural Enzyme Treatment.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Proper filtration is important in order to control the quality and clarity of the pool water. Make sure that the filter is cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Use SUN Filter Cleaner for excellent results. Do not backwash sand filters more often than needed — only when the pressure rises too high (10 psi over starting pressure with clean filter). Regular water testing can help avoid problems that are caused by the presence of dissolved minerals. If minerals such as iron, copper and manganese are present, an addition of SUN Super Quest should be made prior to adding fresh water.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Oil or scum line (bath tub ring)

Overuse of cosmetic products

Accumulation of body oils

Airborne contaminates

Use SUN Tile & Vinyl Cleaner on the affected areas. Try to reduce the amount of cosmetic residue being introduced into the water. Add SUN Natural Enzyme Treatment to control and remove the accumulations of oily deposits.

Scaling/Deposits/Rough surface

Unbalanced water:

1. High pH (above 7.6)
2. High Total Alkalinity (above 150)
3. High Calcium Hardness (over 400 ppm) — possibly from long-term use of products containing calcium

High levels of calcium hardness can result in the formation of scale deposits on the underwater surfaces. High pH and TA will worsen the problem so it’s important that these parameters are optimized. SUN Scale & Metal Controll II can be used to help deal with the scale formation. Avoid using chlorinating products containing calcium for daily use or shocking. SUN stabilized chlorinating products, lithium hypochlorite or SUN-Brite non-chlorine shock offer performance and convenience without any calcium.

Corrosion of Metal Parts/Pitting

Unbalanced water:

1. Low pH (below 7.2 ppm)
2. Low Total Alkalinity (below 125 ppm)
3. Low Calcium Hardness (below 150 ppm)

• Failure to test pH frequently and adjust accordingly
• Placement of chemicals on metal surfaces

Water testing is important to avoid the conditions that lead to corrosion. Maintaining proper levels for pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness will help minimize corrosion. Never place chemicals on metal surfaces.

Minerals

Minerals in the water can lead to discoloration and staining. They are always present in the source water used to fill the pool or replace lost water, however, not all minerals are problematic. If your source water is known to contain metals, add a maintenance dose of SUN Super Quest several hours prior to filling or replacing water. Always try adding makeup water by placing the garden hose in the skimmer in order to give the filter an opportunity to remove any suspended minerals. Water discoloration or staining that occurs immediately upon addition of either SUN pH Plus or Alkalinity Plus may be the result of an under-treated or undetected iron, copper or manganese problem. Water testing is important for detection and treatment of mineral and mineral-associated problems so bring a water sample to your professional SUN® dealer for complete analysis.

Copper:

• Acidic conditions can lead to corrosion of copper pipes or heaters
• "Green hair" can be caused by copper from natural sources or corrosion of copper pipes and heaters
• Copper imparts an undesirable blue-green color to pool water

Iron:

• Can cause amber to rusty-brown discolorations of the water and/or underwater surfaces
• Even iron levels as low as 0.1 ppm can cause problems
• Iron is readily oxidized by chlorine, bromine and oxygen in water and may settle to the bottom as an insoluble form

Manganese:

• Can cause purple to brown-black discolorations of the water and/or underwater surfaces
• Rarely present, except at very low levels, in municipally supplied water

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:,

Pool surfaces can be affected by the water conditions that are maintained during the season, as well as the quality of the water used to fill the pool. Improper control of pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness can cause scale formation, pitting, corrosion and staining of the underwater surfaces. Regular water testing should be practiced by using SUN Flash Test Strips. Always follow label directions carefully.

POOL SURFACE PROBLEMS: Staining

There are four common causes of staining:

1. Minerals in the water
2. Algae
3. Microorganisms growing on the reverse side of the liner
4. Organic debris left on pool surface for extended period of time.

You will need to determine what is causing the stain in order to treat it accordingly. First, determine if it is a mineral stain by placing 1/2 - 1 lb. of SUN pH Minus in a white sock. Shut off the filter and drop sock onto the stain. If, within 5 minutes, you notice a change in the stained area, most likely the stain is due to minerals in the water. However, you should bring a water sample to your professional SUN dealer for complete analysis. If the stain does not respond to the "sock test," it is likely to be caused by algae, growth on the reverse side of the liner, or unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for growth on the reverse side. See Algae Problems for info on algae treatment.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Brown stains

Presence of iron and other minerals

Presence of black algae

For the removal of metallic stains, use SUN Stain Remover according to label directions. Be sure to follow up with a full dose of SUN Scale & Metal Control II according to label directions to prevent the return of stains.

For gunite pools (DO NOT DO THIS ON VINYL OR FIBERGLASS SURFACES):

For vinyl or fiberglass pools, follow treatment as indicated in Algae Treatment section for Black Algae.

Once your stains have cleared up, vacuum and backwash the filter to remove any remaining waste. Don’t forget to resume normal pH and Free Chlorine levels.

Purple stains

Presence of manganese

For the removal of metallic stains, use SUN Stain Remover according to label directions. Be sure to follow up with a ful dose of SUN Scale & Metal Control II according to label directions to prevent the return of stains.

Pink stains

Usually due to the presence of a type of bacterial slime

Follow the instructions provided in the algae section.

Yellow stains

Presence of iron

For the removal of metallic stains, use SUN Stain Remover according to label directions. Be sure to follow up with a ful dose of SUN Scale & Metal Control II according to label directions to prevent the return of stains.

WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS

The proper maintenance of the water chemistry will go a long way to avoid problems. Once the chemistry has been optimized, the chemistry will vary depending upon the nature of the chemicals being added on a regular basis. Daily water testing with SUN Flash Test Strips is important as changes can occur quickly and should be corrected to avoid potentially undesirable water conditions.

ph & Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Sanitizers
Shock
Chlorine Stabilizer

WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: pH & Alkalinity

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Recurring high pH (above 7.6)

Frequent additions of high pH chlorinating products as: calcium, lithium or sodium hypochlorite

Failure to test pH frequently and adjust, as needed

Addition of too much pH Plus (sodium carbonate)

Because the pH can be affected by several factors, test the pH at least 3-4 times per week by using SUN Flash Test Strips and add the appropriate pH control chemicals — SUN pH Plus or pH Minus — as required to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6.

Recurring low pH (below 7.2)

Low total alkalinity (below 125 ppm) makes it difficult to control pH

Use of low pH products as: trichlor chlorinating tablets or brominating tablets

Addition of too much pH Minus

Failure to test pH frequently and adjust, as needed

Natural effects of bathers in water, acid rain and atmospheric carbon dioxide

Test the water for total alkalinity and, if less than 125 ppm, adjust by adding SUN Alkalinity Plus as directed. The use of trichlor chlorinating products or brominating tablets will require regular additions of SUN pH Plus to offset their acidic nature. Test the pH at least 3-4 times per week with SUN Flash Test Strips and add the appropriate amounts— SUN pH Plus — as required to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6

pH bounce (fluctuates frequently)

Total alkalinity is too low (below 125 ppm) to buffer the pH

Adjust the total alkalinity to 125-150 ppm by adding the appropriate amount of SUN Alkalinity Plus.

High Total Alkalinity (TA) (above 150 ppm)

Nature of the source water used to fill the pool

Failure to regularly test and adjust the pH and Total Alkalinity, as needed.

NOTE: Long term use of high pH chlorinating products such as: calcium, lithium or sodium hypochlorite will result in frequent adjustment of the Total Alkalinity.

Low Total Alkalinity (TA) (below 125 ppm)

Nature of the source water used to fill the pool

Low pH conditions (below 7.2)

Long term use of acidic products such as: Trichlor or brominating tablets

Failure to regularly test and adjust the pH and Total Alkalinity, as needed.

Add SUN Alkalinity Plus according to label directions to raise the total alkalinity to the proper range of 125-150 ppm. Once the TA is optimized, maintaining a proper pH will help keep it within the ideal range. Test water regularly using SUN Flash Test Strips

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Controlling the pH is important to help keep chlorine products efficient, reduce the possibility of corrosion and help keep the water comfortable for the bathers. Total alkalinity helps to stabilize the pH within the optimum range. Test the water with SUN Flash Test Strips for pH on a daily basis, if possible. If the pH is found to be out of range, add the appropriate product, as directed. See your SUN dealer for additional balance tips.

WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: Calcium Hardness

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

High calcium hardness (above 400 ppm)

Naturally hard water

Corrosion of plaster surfaces

Use of products containing calcium hypochlorite

Addition of too much calcium hardness increaser

High levels of calcium hardness can lead to cloudy water and scale formation, especially in the presence of high pH and total alkalinity. Levels up to 400 ppm are usually not a problem, if normal chemistry is maintained. Levels over 400 ppm can be controlled by the addition of SUN Stain & Scale Control or the replacement of some of the water with softer water. To prevent further increases in the calcium hardness levels, do not use products containing calcium hypochlorite for sanitizing or shocking purposes.

Low calcium hardness (below 200 ppm)

Naturally soft water

Failure to add calcium hardness increaser

Low levels of calcium hardness can lead to the corrosion of plaster surfaces, especially in the presence of low pH and total alkalinity. Plaster pools should be increased to 200-225 ppm and vinyl and fiberglass pools raised to 175-225 ppm. SUN Hardness Treatment can be used to boost the calcium hardness to the proper level.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Test the water for calcium hardness at the start of the season or at the first signs of cloudy water, scaling or deposits on underwater surfaces. Scaling can be controlled by keeping the pH and alkalinity in their proper ranges.

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WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: TDS

High total dissolved solids (TDS) (above 2500 ppm or 1500 above source)

Use of water that is naturally high in dissolved salts

Long term use of pool without replacing any water

Long term buildup due to chemical additions — every chemical added to pool water contributes to TDS

Replace some of the water with fresh water that is low in TDS. If there are no signs of a clarity problem, TDS is usually not a problem. Replacement of water lost due to pump out, backwashing and splash out will help keep the TDS in check. If there is a persistent water quality problem that defies explanation, TDS should be looked into as a possible contributing factor by bringing a water sample to your professional SUN dealer.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Very high levels of TDS can lead to loss of chlorine efficiency and cloudy water. Yearly testing of TDS can pinpoint the possible need to replace some or all of the water.

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WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: Sanitizers

High rate of chlorinating product usage

Low pH (below 7.2)

Lack of adequate level of chlorine stabilizer

Extreme heat

Introduction of large amounts of debris & waste:

1. High bather usage
2. Children urinating in the pool
3. Heavy rains

High combined chlorine level

Presence of algae

Make sure to maintain proper Free Chlorine levels, pH and stabilizer. If needed, adjust pH with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus and stabilizer with SUN Conditioner; filter continuously. Inspect for the presence of algae or bacterial slimes. If present, see Algae Problems. Make sure that children are not urinating in the pool, vacuum all debris from the bottom, and clean the skimmer. Combined chlorine levels (chloramines) are ineffective as a pool water sanitizer. Shock the pool with SUN-Brite®, SUN-Burn®, SUN Booster, or SUN Shock ‘N' Clear per label directions to destroy or eliminate these chloramines

High Free Chlorine levels

Adding too much chlorinating product (incorrect feeder setting)

Shocking too frequently or using too much shock

Low bather demand

The Free Chlorine level will lower over time. Thereafter, adjust the amount of chlorinating product being added to the pool based on how the pool is being used and the water temperature. Add more during times of heat and peak usage, and less during cooler and less active periods of usage. If chlorinating product is added at too high a rate, the Free Chlorine level can build up. Always follow label directions carefully. Proper free chlorine levels should be maintained between 1-3 ppm.

Low Free Chlorine levels

Insufficient dosage of chlorinating product

High bather usage, heavy rains or extreme heat

Lack of adequate level of chlorine stabilizer

Low pH (below 7.2)

Poor circulation or short filter cycle

Presence of algae and organic waste products

Shock the pool weekly with a quick-dissolving product such as: SUN Booster, SUN-Burn or SUN-Burn 35 (vinyl pools). Repeat shock treatment until a Free Chlorine level of 3 ppm can be maintained overnight. Check pH and stabilizer level, and adjust accordingly with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus or SUN Conditioner respectively; filter continuously. Resume normal chlorination and filtration.

High combined chlorine (chloramines — causes chlorine odors)

Presence of organic waste products (children urinating in the pool)

Insufficient shock treatment

Failure to adequately maintain Free Chlorine residual

Poor circulation and filtration

Combined chlorine (chloramines) can be odorous and irritating and is ineffective as a pool water sanitizer. Shock the pool with SUN-Brite® non-chlorine shock, which destroys the ineffective Combined Chlorine level. Add sufficient amounts of shock until the difference between the Combined Chlorine level and Free Chlorine level is less than 0.2 ppm. If needed, add SUN Booster or SUN-Burn® to raise the Free Chlorine level to 1-3 ppm. Follow label directions for proper dosage rates. For questions concerning proper amounts to add consult your professional SUN Dealer.

Chlorine/Sanitizer Appears Ineffective

Presence of organic waste products (children urinating in pool) or lawn fertilizer

High levels of combined chlorine (chloramines)

Insufficient shock treatment

Presence of algae and bacterial slimes

Failure to adequately maintain Free Chlorine residual

Poor circulation and filtration

High pH and/or stabilizer level and/or TDS

Superchlorinate the pool to raise the Free Chlorine level 10 times that of the combined chlorine level. A quick-dissolving product such as: SUN Booster or SUN-Burn should be used.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Test your water daily with SUN Flash Test Strips to maintain proper sanitizer and pH levels. Make sure your filter is in good working order and the filter cycles are long enough. Take a water sample into your professional SUN® Dealer at the first signs of poor water quality. If you use a chlorine feeder with trichlor tablets, be sure to add tablets weekly to replace the quantity dissolved. Trichlor tablets are acidic and may require regular additions of SUN pH Plus in order to maintain a proper pH. Shock the pool to destroy contamination and help the regular chlorine product additions work more effectively. Do not allow chlorinating products to come in direct contact with vinyl pool surfaces as it will cause bleaching.

High rate of brominating product usage

Introduction of large amounts of debris & waste:

1. High bather usage
2. Children urinating in the pool
3. Heavy rains

High water temperatures

Presence of algae and bacterial slimes

Make sure the bromine level is being maintained at 1-3 ppm. Check the pH by using SUN Flash Test Strips and adjust to 7.2-7.6 as necessary with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus. Inspect for the presence of algae or bacterial slimes. If present, see Algae Problems for detailed remedy. Vacuum all debris from the bottom and clean the skimmer.

High bromine levels

Adding too much brominating product (incorrect feeder setting)

Shocking too frequently or using too much shock

Low bather demand

The bromine level will lower over time. Thereafter, adjust the amount of brominating product being added to the pool based on how the pool is used, and the temperature of the water. Add more during times of heat and peak usage, and less during cooler and less active periods of usage. If brominating product is added at too high a rate, the level can build up. Always test the bromine level by using SUN Flash Test Strips and maintain a 1-3 ppm residual.

Low bromine levels

Insufficient dosage of brominated tablets (lack of proper brominating feeder)

Presence of algae and bacterial slimes

High bather usage, heavy rains or extreme heat

Poor circulation or short filter cycle

Shock the pool with a quick-dissolving product such as: SUN-Brite®, SUN Booster, SUN-Burn®, SUN Burn-35 (vinyl pools). Check pH and adjust as needed with SUN pH Plus or pH Minus. Resume normal bromination and filtration. Keep brominator filled with tablets for best results.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Test your water daily to maintain a bromine level of 1-3 ppm and a pH between 7.2-7.6. Make sure the filter is in good working order, and the filter cycles are at least 8 hours. Brominating tablets are acidic and may require regular additions of SUN pH Plus in order to maintain a proper pH. Shock the pool to destroy contamination and help the regular brominating product additions work more effectively.

WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: Shock

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

Not responding to shock treatment

Failure to add enough shock to effectively deal with the problem

Shock the water per product label directions and test the Free Chlorine level after a few hours by using SUN Flash Test Strips. Keep the filter running continuously until the water is clear. If the Free Chlorine level is below 3 ppm, add a repeat dose of shock. Continue testing and add additional shock until a Free Chlorine level of 3 ppm is maintained for an overnight period. Resume normal chlorination and filtration.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Shocking your pool on a weekly basis is important to destroy any buildup of contamination. For best results, shock weekly or after periods of high bather load, heavy rainfall or extreme heat; at first signs of algae; or whenever the Free Chlorine level drops below 1 ppm. It is best to shock at night.

WATER CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS: Chlorine Stabilizer

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

SUN SOLUTIONS CENTER

High stabilizer levels (above 200)

Long-term use of stabilized chlorinating products (including shock products)

Excessive additions of cyanuric acid stabilizer

Levels over 200 ppm may need to be lowered to 40 ppm. The only way to lower cyanuric acid is to replace some of the pool water with fresh water. Always remove an amount of water that avoids possible vinyl liner shrinkage or structural damage (1-2 feet at a time is usually a safe amount).

Low stabilizer levels

Insufficient dosage of cyanuric acid

Replacement of all or part of the water through draining or backwashing

Low levels of cyanuric acid can easily be increased by the addition of SUN Conditioner. Add the product according to the label directions. Cyanuric acid will have a slight lowering effect on the pH; test and adjust if necessary.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance:

Cyanuric acid should always be added to outdoor, freshly filled or new pools that are to be maintained with a chlorinated product. It is important to have the cyanuric acid level tested at least twice yearly by your professional SUN dealer and adjust as needed. The minimum cyanuric acid level is 40 ppm.

PROPER RANGES FOR POOL WATER

pH:

7.2 - 7.6

Total Alkalinity:

125-150 ppm

Free Chlorine Level:

1.0 - 3.0 ppm

Combined Chlorine Level:

less than 0.5 ppm above Free Chlorine

Bromine Level:

1-3 ppm

Calcium Hardness:

175-225 ppm (vinyl) 200-275 ppm (plaster)

Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer):
(Chlorinated pools/spas)

40 ppm (maximum 200 ppm)

Total Dissolved Solids:

maximum level 2,500 ppm

Iron:

0 ppm

Copper:

0 ppm