Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Avoid Damaging Your Swimming Pool Surface

Any pool surface type can be easily stained to any product containing acid, like a battery-operated toy (when the batteries explode from being on the pool bottom) or a 3” trichlor tablet, which includes a type of acid in cyanuric acid and has a pH under 3. Roof nails, staples holding up Christmas lights, and fertilizer pellets can also cause rust stains in your pool. 



Fiberglass and vinyl pool surface chemicals can sometimes burn or bleach the surface. Don’t use granular Trichlor and cal hypo should not be added directly to the vinyl pool; I prefer adding cal hypo through the skimmer to avoid bleaching out the vinyl liner; in some cases, manufacturers will void your warranty on your fiberglass or vinyl pool if you use trichlor tablets in these pools. The pH is relatively low in a fiberglass and vinyl pool since it is plastic, and using any pool chemical with a low pH, like Trichlor, can lead to metal staining from the equipment as the low pH reacts with metal components. Dichlor has a pH of about seven, so it is safe to use in a fiberglass or vinyl pool. Liquid chlorine is also safe to use directly in these pool surface types. 

Plaster is a standard surface type made with cement and white marble aggregate. The problem with white plaster is that any stain becomes very evident, and in many cases, the pool chemistry affects the color. You can also go with a color plaster, making your pool stand out and look great. The problem with the colored plaster is that the mottling or pattern discoloration is very apparent and visible over time. But it is still the most affordable pool surface type on the market.

Quartz is a surface type that combines a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified cement making, which is more durable than standard plaster and gives it a longer lifespan. You can also get Quartz in various colors; the finish holds up well against chemicals and is more stain-resistant. It is a hard surface type that is very smooth and swimmer-friendly—an excellent choice and a step up from standard plaster.

Pebble Tec is a well-established brand that combines cement and small pebbles and stones. Pebble Tec is highly durable and long-lasting. There is a great variety of surface types and colors to choose from. The drawback is that the surface can be rough on the feet, but it resists stains, looks uniform throughout, and lasts over 15-20 years. It is a more expensive choice, but you can't beat the durability and look of Pebble Tec.

Wet Edge is much like Pebble Tec but at the same time different. Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder in Texas recommends and uses the Wet Edge surface. Wet Edge aggregate finishes are durable and beautiful. All Wet Edge finishes are handcrafted and custom-made for each swimming pool. The finish is white cement-based but with blended polymers to make them denser and more durable. There are several different Wet Edge Surface types, and you can learn more directly from their 

Of the different surface types, the Wet Edge is the premium choice. But your budget might not make it the choice for your pool build, so I recommend going with a Quartz finish versus standard white plaster if you have to go down.

Fiberglass pool surfaces are famous for swimming pools due to their durability, smooth finish, and low maintenance. Here are some critical points about fiberglass pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Fiberglass pools are made of reinforced plastic with fiberglass strands. The pool shell is created by layering fiberglass and resin in a mold.

Smooth Finish: One of the main advantages of fiberglass pools is their soft and non-porous surface. This smooth finish is comfortable for swimmers, inhibits algae growth, and makes cleaning easier.

Durability: Fiberglass is known for its strength and durability. Fiberglass pools are less likely to crack over time than concrete pools, and they are more flexible, making them resistant to ground movements.

Low Maintenance: Fiberglass pools generally require less maintenance than other types. The smooth surface helps prevent the buildup of algae and other contaminants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and chemical treatments.

Installation Time: Fiberglass pools are often quicker to install than concrete pools. The pool shell is pre-manufactured and delivered to the site, making the installation more efficient.

Cost: While the initial cost of a fiberglass pool may be higher than that of a vinyl liner pool, it is often comparable to or lower than that of a concrete pool. Additionally, the lower maintenance requirements can lead to cost savings over time.

Design Options: Fiberglass pools come in various shapes and sizes, and some manufacturers offer customization options. However, the design choices may be more limited compared to concrete pools.

Resistant to Stains: Fiberglass surfaces are less prone to staining than other pool surfaces. This is beneficial in maintaining the pool's aesthetic appeal.

Vinyl pool surfaces are another standard option for swimming pools, offering advantages and considerations. Here are some critical points about vinyl pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Vinyl pools have a flexible liner made of vinyl material that is installed over the pool's structure, which is typically made of metal, wood, or concrete.

Smooth and Non-Porous: Vinyl pool surfaces are smooth and non-porous, like fiberglass. This smooth surface is comfortable for swimmers and helps resist algae growth.

Affordability: Vinyl pools are often more affordable upfront than fiberglass and concrete pools. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

Versatility in Design: Vinyl pool liners come in various patterns, colors, and designs, providing flexibility for customization. This allows pool owners to achieve a specific aesthetic that suits their preferences.

Comfortable Surface: The vinyl liner provides a softer and more comfortable surface for swimmers than concrete. This can be particularly appealing for families with children.

Easy to Install and Repair: Vinyl pool liners are relatively easy to install and can be replaced or repaired more quickly than other pool surfaces. However, they are susceptible to punctures or tears, which may require patching or replacement.
Limited Lifespan: Vinyl pool liners have a limited lifespan compared to fiberglass or concrete surfaces. They typically last around 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

Maintenance Requirements: Vinyl pool surfaces require regular maintenance to ensure longevity. Proper water chemistry and balanced pool maintenance are essential to prevent liner fading or damage.

Susceptibility to Sharp Objects: While vinyl is durable, sharp objects can puncture or tear it. Care should be taken to avoid introducing sharp items into the pool.

Resilience to Freezing Conditions: Vinyl pools are less prone to cracking in freezing conditions than concrete pools. However, precautions should still be taken to winterize the pool properly.


Monday, April 22, 2024

Using Chlorine Enhancers

Chlorine Enhancers:
The high price of chlorine these pay for themselves.
Three categories that are in active use



Phosphate Remover and Enzyme Combo Product:
Natural Chemistry Perfect Weekly & Pool Perfect & Phosfree are two such products.
Allows chlorine to be more effective.
Removes one food source for algae.

Phosphate reducers are specialty chemicals used to remove phosphates from pool water. They are typically salts of aluminum or lanthanum, which, when added to water, produce insoluble phosphate compounds, which are removed through filtration, vacuuming, or both. It creates an ION exchange, causing the phosphates to drop, and they can be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Phosphates are food for algae, and by eliminating them from the water, you eliminate at least one major food source for algae. This will prevent algae growth, so chlorine levels drop rapidly in some pools. 

SMARTZyme™ technology breaks down suntan, cosmetics, body oils, and other non-living organic waste in pool water.

Increases filter efficiency.
Reducing Chlorine Demand: Enzymes reduce chlorine demand by breaking down these organic materials. This means chlorine doesn't get used up slowly because it's not as busy reacting with these contaminants. When chlorine is not excessively used, its concentration can remain more stable.

Resulting Chlorine Efficiency: When the pool's chlorine is freed up from dealing with organic contaminants (thanks to the action of the enzymes), it can more effectively focus on its primary job: sanitizing the pool by killing bacteria, viruses, and algae. This can make the chlorine appear to last longer because its effectiveness is maintained or even enhanced.
Easy to use – pour in a weekly dose.
It is inexpensive when compared to using more chlorine each week.
Pool with heavy bather loads – great choice.

Mineral Technologies
PoolRx+ NSF 50 approved EPA registered algaecide
Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate: 86.85%
Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate: 1.51%
Silver Nitrate: 0.40%
Chelated – suspended and won't drop out of solution
It prevents microalgae and algae of all types. 
Reduces chemical use by up to 70%

PoolRx minerals allow chlorine or other sanitizers to last longer in the water. This process reduces the amount of chlorine/sanitizer needed to eliminate and prevent algae and bacteria.
The Jacuzzi JMCS Mineral System with Nature 2 Express uses minerals such as silver and copper to filter out bacteria and control algae while reducing chlorine demand.
Minerals are slowly released into the water each day the pool is running.
For residential and commercial pool use to prevent algae – especially if your pool is algae-prone

Borates: 
It's not algaecide, but it is algae stat.
Algae Growth Inhibition: Borates act as a biostatic agent, meaning they don't kill algae directly but inhibit its growth. They achieve this by affecting the enzymes inside algae cells, disrupting their ability to perform photosynthesis effectively.

The Borate in the water at 50 ppm helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range, the killing element in chlorine, the HOCI, is at the most balanced percentage, so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a significant factor in creating the safest swim environment, and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and, in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.

pH Buffering: Borates help stabilize the pH level of pool water. A stable pH is critical for the effectiveness of chlorine, which is the primary disinfectant used in pools to kill bacteria and algae. By maintaining a stable pH, borates ensure that chlorine remains effective over a more extended period, thus indirectly contributing to algae control.

Borates are added as a one-time thing and do not evaporate out, but you do need to add a maintenance dose when the season begins. Borate testing can be done with test strips and photometers like the Lamotte spin touch. Any of these chlorine enhancers can save you money on your chlorine use, and they are also compatible with each other if you wish to use any of them.

Any combination of these will save you money on your pool route by reducing the amount of chlorine you will use weekly. Using an enhancer to offset the cost makes sense with chlorine at such high prices. You can charge the customer for the product; even if you absorb some or all of the cost, you will save money on your chemical cost each week. 

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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Got a Green Swimming Pool?

Green Pool Clean-Up Step-by-Step:
Ensure the pool can be cleared up vs. draining and refilling it. A rule of thumb is that draining may be better if there are more than 4 inches of sediment on the bottom. There would be a lot of algae and dirt on the pool bottom, which would be more like a pool sitting unattended for over a year or more. Generally, a pool that has only been green for a few months can be cleared with chemicals and algaecide. Also, make sure the equipment is in good working order.



Step One: Scoop out all leaves and debris from the bottom and surface. Don't worry about stirring everything up; you will vacuum at the end of the treatment.

Step Two: Brush the pool as best as you can. Some of the algae might be tough to brush off. If you have a plaster or Pebble Tec Pool, a Steel Algae Brush will help. However, much of the algae will be loosened once the chemicals are added to the pool. 

Step Three: If you have a D.E. Or Cartridge filter, clean it apart. The filter type is usually on the label on the filter. 
If you have a Sand filter, you will just be Backwashing it during this process. For a D.E. Or Cartridge filter, you likely have to clean it again one more time or more. 

Step Four: Bomb the pool out. You want to bring the chlorine level up to 30-50 ppm to start to kill the algae. The algae and other organic material in the pool will destroy a lot of chlorine in the first 24 hours. A shorthand guide:

14,000-gallon pool: 14 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine or a combination of that and 1 lb. Bags of shock. 
20,000-gallon pool: 20 gallons of 12.5% chlorine.
30,000-gallon pool: 30 gallons of liquid chlorine. 

I suggest using Sodium Bromide to help kill the algae. Sodium Bromide is very effective. However, it does "use up" some of the chlorine, so don't overdo it. I suggest one Capful be added to one gallon of liquid chlorine. So, if you add 8 gallons of liquid chlorine, four capfuls of Sodium Bromide should be sufficient. If you want some of the chlorine to be active, you don't want to add eight capfuls of sodium bromide to the pool. Each Capful is about 4 oz. 

Step Five: Run the pool for 24-48 hours straight. You may have to add more chlorine after 24 hours and clean the filter again—no need to vacuum the pool yet. Let everything slowly settle to the bottom first. This may take a couple of days. 

Step 6: After the pool has cleared enough for you to see the bottom, you can manually vacuum out the pool. The stuff on the bottom will be dead algae and other organics like dead mosquito larvae and other bugs and plants. If you have a sand filter or a D.E. Filter with a "Waste Mode," vacuum the pool with the Multiport Valve to that setting. If you do not have a backwash valve with a "Waste Mode," you can vacuum directly into the filter. Note that you must clean the filter after vacuuming if you do not vacuum to Waste. 

A portable clean-up pump comes in handy here, but it is an investment of about $200. If you plan on using it again, it would be a worthwhile investment; otherwise, vacuum and clean the filter.
It may take a week or two to clear up completely, but the pool will eventually become crystal clear blue. 

FLOC?:
Using a pool Floc has its benefits, and you should purchase a bottle or dry container of Aluminum Sulphate (Floc) to help accelerate your pool's recovery. The Floc will help clump up all dead algae and organic particles and sink them to the pool bottom. Generally, you will leave your pool off for 24-48 hours for the Floc to be more effective. Once everything drops to the bottom, the pool will be much more transparent, and everything will be easier to vacuum. In most cases, you must have a filter with a multiport valve to vacuum it to "Waste." You can also use a portable clean-up pump if you have one. Floc is optional but can help to clear the pool up faster, especially if you have an inefficient filter type like a Sand Filter.


Monday, April 15, 2024

Swimming Pool Chlorine Byproducts

Everything we use has a byproduct. A gasoline engine puts out Carbon dioxide & Carbon monoxide as the fuel is consumed. We all like our steaks and hamburgers, and cows produce byproducts like methane and manure. Did you know that every chlorine product also produces a byproduct? Liquid chlorine's byproduct is salt. Cal Hypo's is calcium, and Trichlor and Dichlor are cyanuric acid.



One way to offset these byproducts is to use a combination approach to your chlorine usage. Doing this ensures that one single byproduct does not dominate your pool water. A partial drain and refill each month also helps reduce these byproducts as you add fresh water and drain the different byproducts - salt, calcium, and cyanuric acid. A partial drain is needed because these byproducts naturally leave the pool water through evaporation but stay behind in the water as the pure water evaporates. 

How to Effectively Use Chlorine to Sanitize a Pool Outline:
Most pool pros use a combination of chlorine products since we visit a pool once weekly, excluding Commercial service accounts.
Liquid chlorine with 3" Trichlor tablets
Cal Hypo with 3" Trichlor tablets
Sometimes, Dichlor with Cal Hypo or Liquid Chlorine
We use 12.5% liquid chlorine
70-73% Cal Hypo
99% Trichlor
Each chlorine has a byproduct based on 10,000 gallons of water:
Liquid chlorine is salt
For every ten ppm of free chlorine in liquid chlorine, there is also around 8-9 ppm of salt.
Trichlor is a Cyunaric Acid
Add seven ppm of CYA for every 1 lb of Trichlor added to the pool.
Cal Hypo is Calcium
Every ten ppm of Free Chlorine adds 7-8 ppm of calcium.
Dichlor for every 1 lb 6-7 ppm f CYA
You don't want to use Trichlor with Dichlor since they have the same byproduct, CYA.
You can use Dichlor with Cal Hypo Tablets or Cal Hypo shock/liquid chlorine.
Trichlor tablets are great because they slowly dissolve during the week and stabilize the free chlorine level at 3-5 ppm. Chlorine is protected from burning off quickly because it contains CYA.
Liquid chlorine and cal hypo do not contain any CYA. They can be used weekly alone but must be added every 3-4 days in the Summer months.
 
To offset each of these byproducts, a combination approach is best
Eventually, a partial drain is needed to help reduce these byproducts in the pool water. CYA, salt, and calcium do not evaporate out of the pool and can only be lowered by a partial drain and refilled or diluted during a heavy rainy season.
Using the combination approach makes balancing the water easier
This leads to fewer drains and refills
We check the calcium levels
CYS levels
50-100 ppm
Salt (salinity) levels regularly
And the overall 
TDS levels regularly – Total Dissolved Solids
1,500 and 2,500 parts per million (ppm)
Saltwater pool TDS (3000-6000) ppm
Since every chlorine product has a byproduct, the best way to offset each is to use a combination of different chlorine products.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The Big Three Dominate the Pool Industry

 If you are getting into the pool service industry, you may notice that the pool equipment in a backyard is either tan, black, or grey. These are the primary colors of Pentair, Hayward, and Fluidra, or as I call them, "The Big Three."



Pentair, Hayward, and Fluidra are three central pool and spa equipment companies. They all provide a wide range of products, including filters, pumps, heaters, cleaners, and automation systems, to residential and commercial markets worldwide. 

Pentair is the leader in innovation and was first in the market with its IntelliFlo VS Pump. Pentair is well-regarded for its innovative solutions in water treatment and sustainable practices, often leading the market with new technologies.

Product Range: Offers a broad range of products for pool maintenance, water treatment, and filtration systems, catering to various market segments. They own Rainbow and Sta-Rite, and their products are regarded as being at the top of the industry, especially their VS pumps and cartridge pool filters.

Hayward is known for its strong brand presence and reliability in pool equipment. It's a go-to for many pool owners and contractors.
Hayward has a good reputation for excellent customer service; support is a significant factor for consumers and professionals. Like Pentair, Hayward offers many products but is particularly noted for its pumps, filters, salt chlorination systems, and automation solutions.

Hayward makes the #1 selling salt system in their Aquarite system, and they are the top-selling suction cleaner manufacturer with the Hayward Navigator and pool cleaner. 

Fluidia with its merger with Zodiac, Fluidra has expanded its international footprint, offering a vast distribution network and a diverse product portfolio. They also own Jandy and Polaris and a wide variety of other companies. 

Fluidra excels in catering to residential and commercial markets, with a slight edge in integrating innovative technology into its products for automated pool solutions. Like Pentair, Fluidra focuses on innovation, particularly in energy-efficient and eco-friendly products. Polaris is a leader in Robotic Pool Cleaners, and they make some of the most innovative suction cleaners on the market today.

Fluidra's brand might not be as recognizable as Hayward or Pentair in specific markets, but it's gaining ground, especially in Europe and through strategic acquisitions.

All three companies offer a comprehensive range of pool equipment. Pentair and Hayward have historically been more recognized in the U.S. market. Still, Fluidra's acquisition of Zodiac has significantly increased its presence and competitive edge, particularly in Europe.
 
Pentair is often viewed as the leader in innovation, particularly for its energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. However, Fluidra is also making significant strides in this area, particularly post-merger. Hayward strongly focuses on reliability and customer service, with consistent product quality and support.
 
Hayward has a robust market presence, especially in North America, due to its longstanding reputation and brand recognition. Pentair also enjoys a strong position globally, with a focus on technological advancements. Fluidra, with its global reach, particularly in European markets, offers competitive technology and a wide product range through its expanded portfolio post-merger.
 
Choosing between Pentair, Hayward, and Fluidra often comes down to specific product needs, regional availability, and preference for innovation or customer service. Each company has strengths, and the best choice can vary.
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Monday, April 8, 2024

Is Perfect Weekly the Perfect Chlorine Enhancer?

Perfect Weekly is a blended formula with 3-active products; of course, the argument is that more is better when it comes to blended formulas. I agree that you now have a chance to add a product, COVERfree, which helps reduce water evaporation.



Perfect Weekly:
Cleans water, Removes phosphates, Conserves water & energy
noPHOS traps phosphates (food for algae) in the pool filter which are eliminated from the water after a filter clean or backwash.
SMARTzyme broad spectrum formula breaks down oils and non-living organic contaminants, reducing water sanitizer demand.
COVERfree water evaporation reducer lowers heat loss and reduces chemical use, saving money on pool maintenance.
It helps prevent algae by maintaining phosphate levels below 100 ppb
Lowers costs on chemical use and water consumption
Safe for use in all types of pool filters, including cartridge, D.E., and sand filters
Improves overall water quality and efficiency for healthier pool water
Easily added to pool skimmer while main circulation pump is operating
Add one capful per 8,000 gallons of water weekly for superior pool water quality
Please Note: The sanitizer level should be below five ppm before adding this product
 
Natural Chemistry PHOSfree plus Pool Perfect is a great blend, and if you want a one-two punch against algae and non-living organics in the pool water, this is the product for you. It's just as good as Perfect Weekly without the COVERfree product.
 
Natural Chemistry - Pool Perfect + PHOSfree 3 L:
Natural Chemistry - PHOSfree Phosphate Remover 3L
PHOSfree traps phosphates (food for algae) in the pool filter, which is eliminated from the water after a filter is cleaned or backwashed.
SMARTzyme broad spectrum formula breaks down oils and non-living organic contaminants, reducing water sanitizer demand.
 
If you have your pool's phosphate level checked and it is over 300 ppb I suggest not using the blended formulas but to treat the phosphates first with straight PHOSfree or the NoPHOS formulas. Once phosphte leves are under 100 ppb, you can use the blended formula for a weekly maintence dose. 
 
Natural Chemistry - PHOSfree Phosphate Remover 3L
Dose per 10,000 gallons:
Phosphate level: 300ppb or Less PhosFree dosage: 16oz
 
Phosphate level: 600ppb PhosFree dosage: 32oz
Phosphate level: 900ppb PhosFree dosage: 48oz
Phosphate level: 1200ppb PhosFree dosage: 67.6oz
 
Algae must be treated before testing and lowering phosphates. Chlorine must be under 5ppm before testing phosphates.
 
 
Leslie's - NoPHOS Phosphate Remover, 2L Bottle:
NoPHOS removes phosphates from your water, giving crystal-clear water without leaving waterline rings or producing strange odors.
Phosphate Remover
20% Stronger than regular PHOSfree
Easily added to the skimmer
Does not cloud water
Clears up water
Do not leave rings
No odor
 
If the bather load is very high or dogs are using the pool every week, you may want to use Pool Perfect as a stand-alone product. In some cases, the blended formula may be enough, but I have noticed that in severe pool use and particularly with dogs using the pool, Perfect Weekly needs to be added at the total dosage.
 
 
Natural Chemistry - Pool Perfect 3 L:
Pool Perfect works with all sanitizers and keeps filters cleaner, breaking down oils, cosmetics, and other non-living organic contaminants.
Naturally cleans pool water and surface.
It gives water a soft, silky feel
Reduces scum lines and surface oils
Reduces the demand for sanitizers and chemicals
Dosage: 1 capful per 8,000 Gallons weekly
 
Natural Chemistry - COVERfree Liquid Solar Pool Cover Blanket, 32 oz.:
Natural Chemistry COVERfree creates an invisible barrier on the water's surface to help decrease water evaporation and reduce heat loss.
An invisible barrier that conserves water and heating energy
Helps conserve hundreds of gallons of pool water
Excellent surface tension helps the product remain in place
pH neutral
32 O.Z. (1 Qt) bottle

Regardless if you use the blended formulas or the stand-alone product, using these products will reduce your pool maintenance worries and enhance the chlorine in your pool.


Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Pool Filtration is the Key to Success All Season long!

Filtration:
Your pool filter is often overlooked, but it is the key to the entire equation. If your filter is undersized, dirty, or in poor working order, circulation and sanitizer are affected negatively. You can run your pool for 24 hours with a dirty filter and have plenty of chlorine (sanitizer) in the water, and you will have cloudy water or water that is not safe to swim in.



To correct this, ensure your filter elements – grids or cartridges are in good working order. The grids and the cartridges wear out and need to be replaced, as does the sand in your sand filter. Also, keeping your filter clean goes a long way in infiltration. A filthy filter won't move the water well, nor will it make the chlorine in the water effective.

Circulation:
You can have a brand new filter, and you can add 2 gallons of chlorine to your 20,000-gallon pool, but if you run your pump only 2 hours a day, chances are the chlorine will not hold, and the water will become cloudy or algae-filled. It is like adding sugar to your coffee and not stirring it before drinking it. With the pool pump running the correct amount of time to circulate the water in your pool, you can maintain a safe pool.

You will want at least one complete cycle each day during the season. This is all the water going from the pump into the filter and back out again until all the water in the pool has passed through the filter. So for that 20,000-gallon pool, a run time with a single-speed pump should be about 8-10 hours daily. Otherwise, the filter can't work effectively, and the chlorine will not circulate in the pool, like that cup of coffee with all that sugar on the bottom.

Sanitizer (Chlorine):
You can have a clean or new filter and run your pump 24 hours, but unless you have a chlorine level of 1.5-3ppm in the pool, within a few days to a week in the Summer, that pool will look like a swamp. The third element in the equation is just as critical as the other two. I even prefer to have my chlorine levels on the pools on my route at 3-5 ppm to give me some added cushion.

If any of these three elements are off like a 3-legged stool, your pool will not be able to stay balanced. Filtration, circulation, and sanitization are the three key things to focus on if you want a crystal-clear pool all season long.