From Teddy Bear Pools & Spas

Water Chemistry
Water balance is critical to your pool, plumbing, water "health" and to you. Being attentive to your water chemistry will ensure safe, non-corrosive water and your pool will need less maintenance. We recommend two types of testing: self-test weekly and Teddy Bear professional lab test three-times per season.

Weekly Testing
1. Self test your pool water weekly to ensure proper balance. The two most important aspects of water chemistry are the balance of free chlorine and pH levels. This is done by using a test kit.

2. To test your water using your Teddy Bear Test Kit:

1. Free Chlorine Test: We recommend using DPD #1 tablets to test your chlorine instead of O.T.O. drops, which test only for total chlorine.

a. Rinse out test vial.

b. Fill test vial to the mark with water taken from eighteen inches below the surface.

c. Add one DPD # 1 to the Cl side of the unit.

d. Place cap on vial and invert several times to dissolve the tablet.

e. Compare color with the chlorine standard on the left, marked in PPM or parts-per-million. A desirable reading is between 1.0 and 3.0.

2. pH Test:

a. Rinse out test vial.

b. Fill test vial to the mark with water taken from eighteen inches below the surface.

c. Add five drops of phenol red solution to the pH side of the unit.

d. Place cap on vial and invert several times to mix.

e. Compare color with the pH standard on the right. A desirable reading is between 7.4 and 7.6.

For accuracy, you should replace any solutions in your test kit at the start of every season. Test kits should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Teddy Bear Lab Test
1. Your pool water is exposed to many outside elements; the effects of which are not detected by the self-test kit. Professional testing is necessary to ensure your water remains safe and healthy for the duration of the season.

2. Bring a water sample to the store for analysis, three times per season (After opening, in middle of the season, and prior to closing.)

3. Please utilize our free water test bottle or use a CLEAN plastic container. Do not use empty chemical containers. Also, bring in a list of your chemicals that you have at home.

4. In the lab, we will test for things such as:

. Total alkalinity
. Calcium hardness
. Total dissolved solids
. Cyanuric acid
. pH levels
. Total and free chlorine levels
. Metals

5. Our lab technicians will provide you with a printed set of instructions on what to add to balance your water and recommended maintenance procedures.

Chemical Maintenance Guidelines

1. Chlorine

a. We recommend using an automatic chlorinator. They are safe, convenient, and economical. Additional directions are available on the "Operating Your Chlorinator" handout.

b. Other methods for chlorinating your pool include tablets, liquids, or granular. c. Remember, you should always maintain a free and available chlorine level of between 1 and 3 PPM parts-per-million. Although your water may be crystal clear, there may still be bacteria present.

2. Algaecide

a. Algaecide is designed to inhibit algae growth and reduce chlorine consumption.

b. Add directly by walking around the perimeter of the pool surface.

c. There are various treatment schedules for adding algaecide to your pool ranging from weekly or seasonally. Our lab will provide you with a detailed program for maintaining your water.

3. Shock

a. Shock is used to oxidize swimmer and organic waste.

b. You should remove all accessories, prior to shocking your pool.

c. Keep your solar blanket off the pool for 24 hours.

d. Fill a plastic bucket with water. Then add Bear Shock and stir it with a wooden stick. Add by walking around the perimeter of the pool, pouring slowly to avoid splashing. If any shock remains on your pool bottom, brush it until it dissolves.

e. You should shock your pool every other week. In the heat of the summer, you should use it weekly.

f. Shock should be put in the pool with the filter running in the evening hours, not in direct sunlight.

g. There are various methods for shocking your pool. Detailed information can be found in our retail store.

Remember to always read and follow label instructions on pool chemicals and products.

Teddy Bear Pools, Inc.
41 East Street Chicopee, MA 01020-3562