Pool water must be circulated to maximize your sanitizer's efficiency. The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. More debris is captured by your filter, too. It's best to circulate the water during the day, for 10 hours or more.

The filter is one of your most important pieces of equipment. It removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. Generally, a filter should be backwashed (the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media) when the water pressure in the filter reaches 8 to 10 pounds above normal. (Check manufacturer's guidelines.) Because backwashing does not remove oils and deeply embedded debris, every filter needs to be chemically cleaned regularly. Your BioGuard Dealer can help you establish a filter maintenance program.

Some swimming pools have areas with little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week, the walls and floor should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Brushing is a must, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service.

Every pool has characteristics that must be regularly measured and adjusted. Most important are the pH and the level of active sanitizer. By testing these two factors at regular intervals, you'll understand how bather load, weather and product application affect the water. Test your pool water two or three times per week. Also, bring a sample to us "Dolphin Pools & Spas"; when you open and close your pool, and every four to six weeks during the season. This will help you maintain proper water balance and greatly reduce the potential for problems.

Make sure you apply the right products to your pool water at the right time. We can give you precise instructions on what to do. That's a big part of our job - and one of the most valuable services that comes with being a Dolphin Pools customer.