All Season Turf why Artificial Grass is the Way to Go!

After a lot of research we decided to have artificial turf installed at our house. Since this is more or less a permanent upgrade we wanted it to look the best. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true when it comes to choosing your artificial turf. If you have ever seen a bad inexpensive turf job around your neighborhood you know what I mean.

After getting four different bids we decided to go with a local Southern California company, All Season Turf.

https://www.myallseasonturf.com/

This is a smaller family-owned and operated company, but you can see from the video that they definitely know what they are doing. They also install Tiger Turf which is made here in the USA and comes with a 15-year warranty (100% lead-free).

Here is more of why you should think about installing Artificial Turf (courtesy of All Season Turf):

Artificial grass offers many advantages over a traditional lawn

Artificial grass offers an excellent landscaping option for just about any residential or commercial property, because:

It Always Looks Beautiful: Artificial grass stays lush and green under all weather conditions. UV protection built right into the blades means it never fades.

It’s Low-Maintenance: There’s no need to mow, water, weed, or feed your lawn when you have artificial grass. All you have to do is rinse it and brush high-traffic areas periodically.

It’s Durable: Artificial grass is designed with reinforced tufts and a strong backing to withstand heavy foot traffic and all kinds of other activities.

It’s Fast-Drying: When properly installed, artificial turf can drain off rainwater quickly to prevent puddles and soggy spots and let you spend more time enjoying your lawn.

It’s Eco-Friendly: You can save thousands of gallons of water per year by switching to artificial grass. Plus, you won’t need any potentially harmful weed killers, pesticides, or fertilizers.

It’s Pet-Friendly: Pets can run and play on artificial grass without tearing it up or wearing bare spots around the edges of the lawn. Plus, it’s easy to clean up after they do their business.

It’s Kid-Friendly: Artificial grass and infill products are non-toxic and safe for kids to play on. Plus, artificial turf is cleaner and softer than lawns grown in hard-packed dirt.

It Lasts: When you choose a quality product, have it installed professionally, and take care of it, artificial grass can last for 15 years or more.

Save Time and Money with Artificial Grass

No Mowing: Artificial grass is always the perfect length. You never have to mow or weed-eat your lawn to keep it looking its best. This will save you hours of labor as well as the cost of gas and maintenance for your mower and weedeater.

No Watering: No matter how hot and dry the weather is, artificial grass will stay lush and green. You never need to water it, so you can save thousands of gallons of water each year.

No Weeding: Most kinds of artificial turf—with the exception of pet turf—can be installed over a weed barrier that will prevent weeds from springing up in your lawn. You won’t have to spend hours hunched over plucking weeds ever again.

No Chemicals: Real grass lawns typically need to be fertilized at least once per year. You may also need to apply pesticides or weed killers. But with artificial grass, these products are unnecessary.

Maintaining Your Artificial Grass is Easy

Artificial grass is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. You will need to complete a few quick and easy maintenance tasks to keep it looking its best:

Rinse It: Airborne dust and dirt can settle on your artificial grass and make it look dingy. Fortunately, cleaning it off is as simple as rinsing with water. You can even set up a sprinkler to do this for you.

Brush It: Heavy foot traffic can cause artificial grass to look flat and matted. To prevent or correct this, simply brush it against the direction of the blades with a plastic-bristled brush. This will get the blades standing up perkily again. – “All Season Turf”

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

ITS Photometer Testers

Industrial Test Systems (ITS) makes several photometers and digital pool testers. The eXact iDip, Pool eXact EZ are just two of their popular models. All of these are also sold as kits and their premiere pool service kit is the eXact iDip® Pool Pro+ Test Kit. Below is a summary of some of their more popular kits.

The eXact iDip® Pool Pro+ Test Kit Part No. 486101-KP2-K:

This kit does everything. Literally. Over 40 test factors. When you purchase the Kit SenSafe will give you a code to download all of the test factors for the app for free. It comes with 25 tests of each of Total Alkalinity, pH, Free Chlorine (DPD-1), Combined/Total Chlorine (DPD-3), Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid. You can purchase additional eXact Strip Micros for the other 30 plus test factors.

The pH+ Meter does Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, and Temperature.

Here is more about this kit:

The first is the revolutionary Level 1 NSF/ANSI-50 Certified eXact iDip® Smart Photometer System which integrates patented 2–way wireless communication with any compatible iOS or Android smart device and has the potential to test over 40 water parameters. The second is the NEW eXact® pH+ Smart Meter system which capitalizes on electrochemistry technology combined with Bluetooth connectivity.

Details:

Standard navy blue plastic carrying case w/ Foam included

eXact iDip® 525 Photometer

eXact pH+ Smart Meter System

pH 4 & pH 7 buffer solution pouches

Cleaning brush

Acrylic Calibration Key

Instruction manual

Pool eXact® EZ Photometer Master Kit Part No. 486201-KM

If your looking for a great Photometer that can do almost all of the test factors needed for the pool and spa industry this Kit is for you. The included Pool eXact EZ comes pre-programmed with 10 test factors. No app or Bluetooth needed. This is the complete kit and all of the eXact Strip Micros are included for the 10 test factors (Except Borate). Easy to use and very accurate. It comes with 25 tests of each for Total Alkalinity, pH, Free Chlorine (DPD-1), Combined/Total Chlorine (DPD-3), Calcium Hardness, Phosphate, Copper, Chloride (Salt) and Cyanuric Acid

eXact® Pool EZ Photometer Basic Kit Part No. 486201-K

Almost exactly like the Master Kit except is comes in a smaller case and only includes

25 tests of each for Total Alkalinity, pH, Free Chlorine (DPD-1), Combined/Total Chlorine (DPD-3), Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid (Chloride, Copper and Phosphate reagents sold separately). It is the same Pool eXact EZ photometer with less Micro Strips to start.

Standard blue plastic carrying case w/ Foam includes:

Pool eXact® EZ Photometer

Cleaning brush

Instruction manual

Here is more about the Master and Basic Kits:

The NSF/ANSI 50 L1 Certified Pool eXact® EZ photometer delivers 10 pool water parameters with lab quality results! Most tests with the Pool eXact® EZ photometer use our patented eXact® Strips, a quick and easy reagent system for analysis. Simply dip an eXact® Strip Micro into the water sample for 20 seconds using a simple back and forth motion, discard the strip, and read the results instantaneously!

Detects:

Total Alkalinity 10 - 200ppm

Copper 0.00 - 9.0ppm

Calcium Hardness 20 - 700ppm

Cyanuric Acid 1 - 110ppm

Chloride (as salt) 80 - 6700ppm

pH 6.4 - 8.4

Free Chlorine 0.00 - 12ppm

Phosphate 0.2 - 3.0ppm

Total Chlorine 0.00 - 12.0ppm

Combined Chlorine 0.00 - 12.0ppm

Details:

Large black plastic carrying case w/ Foam includes:

Mini-dilution kit

Pool eXact® EZ Photometer

Cleaning brush

Instruction manual

Either of these Kits would be perfect for your pool route or if you are a homeowner looking for an easy and accurate testing method, these are a great buy.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

Polaris Quattro P40 (Quattro Sport) VS Polaris P39 (3900 Sport)

So, which is better? The premium Polaris3900 sport (P39) or the Polaris Quattro Sport (P40)?

I think it is a matter of budget and overall use/need. The P40 does a much better job of climbing and scrubbing the walls to the pool waterline and overall has better coverage. The P39 is less expensive and will also clean your pool in an excellent fashion, it just lacks the wall scrubbing ability and some other cool features of the P40.

The Polaris P40 is the sister cleaner to the Polaris Quattro Sport and it is the first real update of the Polaris Pressure Side Cleaner in over 40 years. Over the years Polaris has tweaked the design of the Polaris by changing the drive from a drive shaft to a belt and then to a chain, but the basic 3-wheel design stayed the same. The Polaris P40 is a huge leap forward in Pressure Side Cleaners.

Here are some of the great new features of the P40:

Active Brushing

Equipped with rotating brushes that actively scrub and scour floors, walls and the waterline —P40 penetrates deep to remove fine, stuck-on debris.

Aggressive Wall Climbing

P40 boasts 4WD agility, enabling unmatched climbing to ensure superior cleaning from floor to waterline.

Dual-Stage Filtration

From leaves and acorns to sand and silt, the dual-stage filtration system collects both large debris and fine particulates.

Large Easy-Clean Debris Canister

P40  replaces the customary filter bag with a large capacity easy-clean debris canister and transparent window — allowing users to see when the canister is full, so they can simply remove, shake, and spray the canister clean.

Multi-Directional Navigation

Engineered to turn on a dime, its innovative navigation technology ensures quick, efficient and complete cleaning coverage for the entire pool.

 Looking at the Polaris P40 you will see a great combination of Polaris/Zodiac technology. It has a scrubbing brush on the front just like a robotic pool cleaner and a canister debris chamber taken right from their robotic cleaner line. Then you have the scrubbing assembly of the MX-8 Elite cleaner to give the P40 better traction on the walls and floor.

The Polaris P39 is the sister cleaner to the Polaris 3900 Sport. It is a solid premium pressure side cleaner for your pool and is designed to last for years without parts or servicing. The P39 is sold exclusively at Leslie’s Pool Supplies and is backed by a 2-year warranty.

The Polaris P39 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is designed to bring your pool the most power of any cleaner by supplementing the pool's filtration system by circulating an additional 40 gallons of water per minutes though it's dual chamber zippered SuperBag to distribute cleaner, healthier water back into your pool. This results in more even temperature throughout the pool and brings you healthier pool water in less time. it's all-wheel PosiDrive system with durable stainless steel drive chain delivers up to 50% more torque for a faster clean, better maneuverability, and fewer hang-ups.

Pool Cleaner Features:

Pressure side pool cleaner

Suitable for use with in-ground pools

Works with all pool surfaces

All-Wheel PosiDrive with Stainless Steel Chain

WideTrax Tires

Dual Chamber SuperBag Debris Bag

Includes: Dual Chamber SuperBag Debris Bag and TailSweep PRO Scrubber (with 3 extra Scrubbers)

Note that both the P40 and P39 will require a dedicated Cleaner Pump/Booster Pump installed at the equipment area. The cleaner works off of a dedicated return line powered by the Cleaner Pump and if you have an existing pressure side cleaner the P39/P40 is a plug and play type upgrade. Simply disconnect your old pressure cleaner and plug the P39/P40 into the threaded wall fitting.

To learn more: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/polaris-p40-cleaner

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

Jacuzzi J-D300 Suction Side Cleaner

As far as bouncing type cleaner go, I was surprised at how well the Jacuzzi J-D300 actually faired and would say for the price and three-year warranty it is a cleaner worth looking at. There are basically two categories of suction side cleaners, the geared type and the bouncing type like the J-D300. The 3-year warranty is an attractive feature and the fact that the cleaner actually works very well is another.

To order the J-D300: https://www.lesliespool.com/Jacuzzi-J-D300-Suction-Side-Pool-Cleaner/J-D300.htm/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

Here is more about the J-D300:

The J-D300 includes a FREE Backup Diaphragm and 40 feet of installation hose for easier installation. This cleaner offers you strong cleaning power without the power of a booster pump and with few moving parts. No tools required, this cleaner installs in just minutes saving you time! Save on maintenance and keep your pool clear of dirt and debris with the J-D300 Suction Side Pool Cleaner!

Covers more pool is in less time than standard cleaners.

FREE Backup Diaphragm and 40-foot hose included!

Saves you on maintenance and installation time with only one moving part.

Warranty

Three (3) Year Limited Warranty on Product with exclusive Leslie's Equipment Protection Plan, see the manual for a full description of warranty claims and coverage details.

This cleaner is very similar to the Zodiac G3 and the Diaphragm looks exactly the same. So, if you already have a bouncing type cleaner in your pool this one will work just fine. I was surprised at how well it navigated around in the pool and actually worked its way out of the step areas. It does look durable also and the three-year warranty doesn’t cover the Diaphragm or the hoses but the body itself. So it is built very well in making it very long last and as a bonus, an extra Diaphragm is included!

The box includes everything you will need to set up the cleaner except for the side port Vac-Lock. This is the threaded safety self-closing fitting that you will need if you plan on installing the cleaner at a side port/vacuum port.

Vac-Lock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088WLKQRQ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=daff80e6d62d6f02595610537c26518d&creativeASIN=B088WLKQRQ

The skimmer adapter in the box can be used to connect the J-D300 to your pool skimmer directly. I would suggest an aftermarket Hole In One Basket to help prevent debris from entering through the skimmer and into the pump basket. Normally you would need to completely remove your skimmer basket but with the Hole In One basket you don’t need to. Learn more and order it here:

 https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/hole-in-one-basket

One of the great features of the bouncing type, cleaners are that the movement of the cleaner also knocks down debris from the surface to the floor. To also prevent your pool pump basket from getting clogged up with debris I highly suggest you invest in a good in-line leaf canister. Jacuzzi makes two very good models and they fit the J-D300 hoses perfectly.

https://www.lesliespool.com/Jacuzzi-JDC-LeafDebris-Canister/JDC.htm

Overall for the price point, the J-D300 is a good cleaner and it will leave your in-ground or above-ground pool spotless each week.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

How to Have A Perfectly Balanced Swimming Pool

Is it possible to have a perfectly balanced pool? How do you balance a pool? What is a balanced pool? Is it like Anakin bringing balance to the Force? And last at what point is a pool considered balanced? These are all things I get asked often (minus the Star Wars Nerd Question) and the answer is just as elusive as these questions.

Let’s start with the first question which is can you have a perfectly balanced pool? Here are some ideal pool parameters and although they all differ slightly, these are the preferred ranges across the industry.

Free Chlorine 1.0-3.0 ppm

Combined Chlorine 0 ppm

Bromine 4.0-6.0 ppm

pH 7.4-7.8

Total Alkalinity 80-120 ppm

Calcium Hardness 200-400 ppm

Cyanuric Acid 30-50 ppm

TDS <2000 ppm

ORP 650 or above

Is there a way to adjust these readings in your pool to get them within these ideal ranges? The answer is yes, with enough trial and error you can get your test factors to line up with these guidelines.

The next question was how do you balance a pool? Basically, if the pH is high you would add an acid like Muriatic Acid to lower down. If the pH was low you would add a base to bring it up. If the Cyanuric Acid level is at 100 ppm you would drain 50% of the water to drop it back down to 50 ppm. So by adding chemicals or by partially draining your pool, you can get your reading within these ranges. That is more or less the easy part.

What exactly is a balanced pool is the question I think that should be asked. Is having all of your readings in line with the above chart a balanced pool? Technically no. Because what we are balancing is not these recommended parameters but the water quality itself. Keeping the free chlorine in the range is obviously important because if it gets too low the water may not be safe to swim in since it is the chlorine acting as the sanitizer in the water that kills viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. But to truly have a balanced pool you really need to be looking at the LSI (The Langelier Saturation Index).

The LSI is an index that was developed to indicate if a particular body of water was either scale forming or acidic in nature. If for example, your pH is 6.5 it is in the acidic range and the pool water would be corrosive. If the pH was 8.4 and the Alkalinity was 150 and the Calcium Hardness was 350 the water would be scale forming. Both of these are not good and one reason that it is important to shoot for the ideal ranges is to prevent the pool water from going in one or the other direction, either corrosive or scale forming.

To achieve a balanced pool you really need to calculate the pool’s LSI. This takes into account many factors including water temperature, pH level, ALK level, CYA level, Calcium Hardness, and the pools TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) to come up with the range. The closer you get to 0.00 to +.30 the more perfectly balanced your pool water will be. The interesting thing is that you may think your pool is balanced but unless you plug your numbers into a good LSI calculator it may actually be scale forming or corrosive. One of the best LSI calculators can be found on the Orenda website here:

https://www.orendatech.com/pool-dosing-calculator

So the short answer is you can come close to having a perfectly balanced pool but if you are not using the LSI index in some fashion, you really are just guessing even if you keep your pool within the ideal ranges.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

ColorQ 2x Pro7 a Very Easy to Use Digital Water Tester

The Lamotte ColorQ 2x Pro 7 Test amazingly easy to use to get your pool or spa water test factors. In about 5 minutes you can have accurate results for all of the major testing parameters for your pool or spa and with the Waterlink Solutions Home app you can send these results right to your email. No more guessing at what color the reagent is, the digital readout will give you a spot on result every time.

Here are the Test Factors that the ColorQ 2x will test for:

Free Chlorine | 0-10 ppm

Total Chlorine | 0-10 ppm

Bromine | 0-22 ppm

pH | 6.5-8.5

Alkalinity | 0-250 ppm

Hardness | 0-400 ppm

Cyanuric Acid | 0-125

Kit Includes:

ColorQ 2x Photometer

Photo-diagrammatic instructions (English, Spanish and French)

Reagents

Convenient carrying case

Note:

Each reagent contains enough solution for 144 tests

Contains 100 TesTab tablets for each test

Lamotte 2086 (Replaces 2056)

An added feature is the Blue tooth connectivity and the ability to email yourself or a client the test results on the spot while you are out in the field. You would just need the Waterlink Solutions Home or the Waterlink Solutions app to do this. Also provided in the app based on the test results are the recommend chemicals needed to balance your pool. The app works seamlessly on your smartphone and it is a great added feature that puts the ColorQ 2x in a premium category.

The unit is also 100% waterproof so it can be safely used outdoors and of course around pools and spas. A very nice upgrade over the previous version where you had to be careful not to get the unit wet.

It just takes 5 drops of each reagent for each test or one tablet. I like the fact that the Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid are in tablet form meaning that these reagents that are typically used less anyway now have a shelf life of 2-3 years. The more common chlorine/bromine and pH are liquid reagent and of course, you will be using those more often. The tablets take some getting used to but they are easy to use and the results are extremely spot on since each tablet has a pre-measured amount of the reagent in them.

I find that the 2x unit photometer is extremely fast with each reding. Before you can blink or look away, the 2x will have your results ready for you on the screen. It really is that fast and you will be spending most of your time adding the reagent or breaking up a tablet.

The larger tubes also make it very easy to handle and to measure the water sample. I like how each tube has it’s own color-coded cap so that you eliminate cross-contamination of the reagents. pH is a red cap, alkalinity is a green cap, and so on. A really nice touch that you will appreciate the more you use the kit.

All in all, this is a stellar photometer and Lamotte has hit a home run with the ColorQ 2x.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

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Shop at Leslie's: Leslie’s Pool Supplies has been do-it-yourselfers and pool trade professionals trusted partner since 1963, providing quality products and services to make pool care easy and solutions and expertise to do it right. http://lesliespool.com/?

utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

Music:

Rising Game by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4289-rising-game

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

NEW! LaMotte ColorQ 2x Pro 7 Pool Digital Water Tester

The Lamotte ColorQ 2x Pro 7 Test Kit is loaded with some great new features making this a premiere digital water tester for your pool or spa. If you are looking for an accurate way to test your pool water and don’t like guessing by trying to read the reagent colors, this kit would be perfect for you. It will give you a spot on digital readout of seven test factors within minutes.

To order: To order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B5NHM1W/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=33a222924e4b9f8d929363aee5d58ce0&creativeASIN=B08B5NHM1W

Here is more about the ColorQ 2x Pro 7:

“The Waterproof Bluetooth® ColorQ 2x PRO 7 handheld pool and spa professional photometer directly measure Free Chlorine (DPD), Total Chlorine (DPD), Bromine (DPD), pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) directly on a digital display. The handheld meter is easy to use and features economical liquid reagents that measure 144 tests per test factor for Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine (Bromine), and pH. The Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid tests are measured by using the TesTabs® tablet method and includes 100 tablets for each test. The ColorQ 2x eliminates the need to visually determine slight color variations, thus taking the guesswork out of poolside water analysis. The photometer, testing reagents, and photo-diagrammatic trilingual instructions (English, Spanish, French) are packaged in a convenient carrying case for on-site testing.

The ColorQ 2x Pro 7 test kit was designed for pool and spa professionals to measure seven primary pool and spa tests on a digital display. Kits use liquid reagents to each factor except Hardness and Cyanuric Acid, using instrument grade TesTabs.”

Features:

On-Site Multi-Test Photometer Kit

Takes the guesswork out of pool-side water analysis

Dual optic design with wider path-length than previous models

Eliminates the need to visually determine slight color variations

Waterproof housing

5 Minute auto-off function protects batter life

Transfer results via Bluetooth

Digital display

Accurate results

Easy to use

Can be used on both pools and spas

Test Capabilities:

Free Chlorine | 0-10 ppm

Total Chlorine | 0-10 ppm

Bromine | 0-22 ppm

pH | 6.5-8.5

Alkalinity | 0-250 ppm

Hardness | 0-400 ppm

Cyanuric Acid | 0-125

Kit Includes:

ColorQ 2x Photometer

Photo-diagrammatic instructions (English, Spanish and French)

Reagents

Convenient carrying case

Note:

Each reagent contains enough solution for 144 tests

Contains 100 TesTab tablets for each test

Lamotte 2086 (Replaces 2056)

An added feature is the Blue tooth connectivity and the ability to email yourself or a client the test results on the spot while you are out in the field. You would just need the Waterlink Solutions Home or the Waterlink Solutions app to do this. Also provided in the app based on the test results are the recommend chemicals needed to balance your pool. The app works seamlessly on your smartphone and it is a great added feature that puts the ColorQ 2x in a premium category.

The unit is also 100% waterproof so it can be safely used outdoors and of course around pools and spas. A very nice upgrade over the previous version where you had to be careful not to get the unit wet.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

All About Pool and Spa Enzymes

What Are Enzymes? And how can they benefit your pool or spa care? I get asked all the time about the use of Enzymes and in the last couple of years Enzyme treatment has really taken off in the Industry. Using Enzymes can improve water quality and enhance the effectiveness of your pool’s chlorine.

“Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that act as catalysts to speed up the chemical process of breaking down non-living organic materials like the grime and gunk that collects in a pool or spa from wind and rain, dirt, leaves, animal (and human) waste. Enzymes are not alive themselves, they do “eat “organic material by reacting with organic pollutants and turning them into natural byproducts like CO2 or water without changing their own molecular structure.” -InTheSwim.com

 One thing to note is the Enzymes do not eat living bacteria so they cannot take the place of your pool sanitizer. In other words, you still need to add chlorine to your pool each week and keep it at the ideal level of 1-3 ppm. A very good side benefit of using Enzymes is that it will enhance the chlorine in the pool and allow it to work more effectively. Since the chlorine won’t be “wasted” on all of the inorganic junk in the pool, it will be freed up to fight micro-algae as well as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens in the water. This means that you will be adding less chlorine each week and the chlorine will be holding much better in your pool each week. Enzymes cannot kill algae either, but they help to break down the dead algae in your pool.

Common Non-Living Organic Pollutants

Bird droppings - Human hair

Sunscreen - Cosmetics

Body oils - Wind-blown dust

Dead leaves - Pets or wild animals

Dead Insects - Grass or mulch

Dead skin - Hair products

Pollen - Air pollution

One of the biggest benefits of adding a weekly maintenance dose of enzymes into your pool each week is that it will help prevent that black scum line on your pool tiles. For fiberglass hot tubs it will help with that black line at the waterline and keep your hot tub looking clean and new in between drains. That black line is formed with body oils and suntan lotion and if your pool or spa gets heavy use Enzymes will really help. If you have dogs swimming in your pool, their body oil can be especially bad so I suggest adding Enzymes to your pool if you have dogs swimming in it.

Your pool filter can also benefit from the use of Enzymes. If you have ever cleaned your D.E. or Cartridge filter and found the surface to be very slimy or oily the Enzymes will help prevent that. For a sand filter especially, you will notice must better filtration and a cleaner filter. For a spa cartridge filter, Enzymes can make a noticeable difference since that filter area is typically very small and clogs easily.

The two Enzymes I recommend is Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect or the Orenda CV-600. Both would be excellent choices, and both are well-reviewed online. I have used both of these Enzymes and find that they are highly effective.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.

Jacuzzi JMCS Mineral Cartridge System & Zodiac Nature2 Express Installation Guide

The new Jacuzzi® JMCS - Mineral Cartridge System made by Nature2 is so simple to install. Note that if you have a Zodiac Nature2 Express the installation process is exactly the same. The Jacuzzi Mineral System is currently priced at $99.00 this is a great deal for a top of the line mineral system and slightly less expensive than the Zodiac Nature2 Express.

The Zodiac Nature2 Express is a 5-star rated mineral system and the Jacuzzi JMCS is again made by the same manufacture and has the same mineral content:

Copper sulfate pentahydrate 1.0 mg

Silver metal 0.01 mg/m3

Aluminum Oxide 15 mg/m3

Installation of the unit should take you around 10 minutes at the most. You just need to locate the appropriate location on your pool’s return line and typically you need about 6 inches of free pipe. Included in the box is the “Saddle” for both 2” plumbing and 1.5” plumbing. If you have an above-ground pool with flex plumbing, you can use the included 1.5” PVC adapter to mount the unit. Everything is in the box for the installation for either an in-ground or above-ground pool.

Just about anyone can install the Mineral System as it requires no plumbing. It looks like it is installed on the pipe by cutting it, but the Saddle sits on top of the pipe and is held on by the bolts. Once you mount the Saddle you then take the included “Hole Bit” and attach that to your drill. Then you would simply put it in the center of the Saddle and drill out a small hole. That is it, again no plumbing required.

Here are a few things to note. The unit should be mounted on the return line after the heater and after any salt cell or other water sanitizer system on the return line. Make sure the unit is level and you don’t want to over-tighten the Saddle or you could crack the PVC pipe.

In the box:

Winterizing Cap

Outer housing

1- 2” Saddle Clamp Assembly

1 – 1 ½” Saddle Clamp Assembly

Flow Diverter

Mineral Cartridge

Hole Saw

4- Nuts and Bolts

Small Silicone Tube

Rigid PVC Adapter for an Above-Ground Pool

Tools needed:

A drill

1- 13mm socket wrench

Here is more about the Jacuzzi® JMCS - Mineral Cartridge System:

The minerals released in the water will destroy and control algae. By eliminating the micro-algae in your pool the chlorine will be much more effective. You will be able to run your pool with less chlorine or not have to add as much chlorine each week. If you have a Saltwater Generator you can also turn down the output. Turning down the output will also extend the life of your salt cell.

To order the Jacuzzi Mineral System:

https://www.lesliespool.com/Jacuzzi-JMCS-Mineral-Cartridge-System/15429.htm?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=spll&utm_campaign=spll

Here is more from the manufacturer:

Jacuzzi Mineral Cartridge System is can help reduce chlorine us up to 50% and is great for in-ground and above ground pools up to 25,000 gallons.

Alternative Sanitizer Features

Reduce chlorine use up to 0.5 ppm

Prevent and destroy algae and bacteria

Decrease the maintenance time for your pool

Restores water quality

Reduces chlorine odors

Minerals are designed to last 6 months

Easy to install

Connects to 1-1/2" and 2" plumbing

Uses natural minerals to filter water

Mineral System with Nature 2 Express

Capacity for 5,000 to 25,000-gallon pools

Compatible with most pool maintenance products

Reduce chlorine use and eliminate algae in your pool with the Jacuzzi Mineral Cartridge System. Easy to install, you'll have this system connected and integrated into your pool plumbing in about 10 minutes!

Jacuzzi® JMCS

LPM Part #: 15429

Reduce chlorine use and eliminate algae in your pool with the Jacuzzi Mineral Cartridge System. Easy to install, you'll have this system connected and integrated into your pool plumbing in about 10 minutes!

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 the need for harsh chemicals that cause skin, eye irritation, and unpleasant odors. The cartridge uses industry-leading technology and is guaranteed to do the job without any staining to your pool's surface.

The Jacuzzi Mineral Cartridge System is strong enough for the professional and works in pools up to 25,000 gallons to give softer, cleaner water while reducing the chlorine needed up to 50%. The Jacuzzi JMCS Mineral Cartridge Sanitizer with Nature 2 Express is the ultimate in natural filtration, providing a safer swimming environment, free of odors and irritation.

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