Understanding The Basics 

of WATER & CHEMICALS         

Clear, sparkling blue water doesn't just happen by itself.   Your pool water must be tested regularly and balanced with the appropriate chemicals for perfect water quality.

We supply and stock 'Fi-Clor' pool & spa chemicals and test kits as well as all the accessories and equipment needed to maintain a healthy pool.  Both ranges are good value for money and simple and easy to use.  Our experienced staff are always on hand to assist you.

Water Balancing

Think of your Swimming Pool as a very large bath tub.  Imagine the condition of the water after a couple of bathes - the same applies to your pool.  However, to save you having to empty your pool every time it has been used, it is fitted with a filtration system.  As the water is filtered through the system the chemicals which have been added purify and cleanse the water to allow it to be used over and over again.  Failure to do this correctly will therefore result in poor bathing conditions.  

Swimming pool water is constantly being recirculated and re-used.   Bacteria and other micro-organisms are carried into the recirculated water by bathers.  Dirt and other impurities also enter the pool by bathers, wind, rain and debris.  Therefore pool water must be treated on a regular basis, daily in the summer,  to ensure that the pool, equipment and fittings come to no harm through corrosion or scale formation.  

Water treatment must also be carried out as necessary to prevent the growth of algae - which can rapidly turn pool water and surfaces green.

Fi-Clor's 4-Point Pool Care Plan is a good basic guide:

We stock the complete range of chemicals for all of the above categories.  Once you become familiar with how to balance your pool water and maintain crystal clear water you will have a better understanding of how your pool system operates. 

Cleaning your Pool

As well as regularly maintaining the chemical balance of your pool, it is important that the following procedures are also carried out efficiently and regularly to ensure that your pool stays healthy and trouble free.

A Weekly clean should include: 

Leaf Skimming: - remove surface debris such as leaves and insects.  Once debris sinks to the bottom of the pool it becomes harder to remove and may cause staining.  

- Use a long handled leaf skimmer net for this.  Prices start from £10.00.

Brushing:- regular brushing of the pool walls and floor prevents the build up of dirt, leaves and debris which can cause staining.  

- Use a brush to remove all loose dirt and direct towards the main drain for recirculation, or vacuum immediately after brushing.  Concrete pools require a stiffer brush than vinyl pools.  Prices start from £ 13.15.

Vacuuming:- a weekly vacuum is essential.  This removes particles in the water that would otherwise sink to the bottom and cause staining.

- Use a vacuum head and adequate length of hose attached to the skimmer or filter outlet.  Avoid letting air into the system by submerging the vac head and hose before connecting.  Prices start from £ 13.20 and £5.00 per m for hose.

Tide Marks:-  cleaning along the water line improves the appearance of the pool and also removes potential breeding sites for micro-organisms.  Tide marks are more than often caused by sun screens and body lotions.

- Use a recommended product like Fi-Clor Tile & Liner Cleaner.  Pour onto a sponge or cloth and wipe over the affected area.

Clean your Skimmer(s)

Check your Circulation

Check your Filter

[Important:  Do not backwash into a stream, river or lake.]

Check your Pump

Check your Heating

We will be only too pleased to carry out the above or advise you on how to carry out these procedures.

For any further information: E-mail: gillinghampools@newtelsurf.com