This easy to use reference guide provided by GLB Pool Care will walk you through the simple steps to caring for your pool from opening day until you close for the winter. To get started, be sure to calculate the size of your pool below!

Problem Solver

Pool Season Startup

Refresh your pool for the start of the season in only 3 days!

Day One

1. Ask a professional pool retailer to test the water you will be using to fill your pool. Testing the water will allow you to identify what minerals and water balance factors may require attention later.

2. Check that your pool filter is clean. If it is not, use GLB® Filter Cleanse according to the directions on the label. Soak the filter overnight for best results.

3. Begin filling the pool. After the pool is filled with several inches of water, add GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (16 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.). This sequestering agent will prevent minerals in the water from staining or damaging pool surfaces.

4. As the pool completes filling, add GLB® Clear Blue® Clarifier (4 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) to clear the water of small particles. Fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer or the proper level recommended by the manufacturer. Once filled, start the pump and filtration equipment. Run the pool filter overnight or 24 hours if possible. While the filter is running, vacuum and remove any debris from the pool.

Day Two

1. Add Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer (1 lb. per 10,000 gals.) to destroy any contaminants that have accumulated in the water.

2. Adjust the total alkalinity level into the range of 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million) with GLB® Alkalinity Up. Once the total alkalinity is in the ideal range, test the pH levels of the pool water with 4 in 1 Test Strips. Add pH Up* or pH Down to adjust the pH level into the range of 7.2 to 7.8.

3. Next, begin sanitizing the water by adding a GLB® sanitizer until you reach the ideal sanitizer level. Allow the water to circulate overnight.

Day Three

Prevent rapid loss of chlorine due to sunlight by adding GLB® Stabilizer. Note: not applicable for bromine pools.

Easy Maintenance

Keep your pool's water crystal clear with this easy three-day routine!

We recommend following these steps on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday but you can choose any three days that are most convenient for you.

Friday

1. Test the pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels with 4 in 1 Test Strips. If necessary, adjust the levels with pH Up*, pH Down, GLB® Alkalinity Up or by replenishing your sanitizer.

2. Add Algimycin® 2000 algaecide (4-8 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) to prevent algae formation.

3. Add GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (4 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) to prevent stains and scale.

Sunday

1. Vacuum the pool and clean out the skimmer basket.

2. Wipe off the water line with a soft towel. Occasionally use GLB® TLC® surface cleaner for heavy buildup at the waterline.

3. Add Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer (1 lb. per 10,000 gals.) to rid water of contaminants.

4. Check the filter’s operation. Refer to the filter manufacturer’s directions regarding when to backwash or clean the filter. Use GLB® Filter Cleanse each time the sand filter is backwashed.

Wednesday

Test the pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels with 4 in 1 Test Strips. If necessary, adjust the levels with pH Up*, pH Down, GLB® Alkalinity Up or your GLB® sanitizer.

Pool Closing

Ensure an easy spring startup when you close your pool correctly!

First, prepare the equipment.

1. Brush pool walls and floor. Vacuum any debris from the pool floor.

2. Clean the filter with GLB® Filter Cleanse .

Next, treat the water.

1. Add Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer (1 lb. per 10,000 gals.) to destroy organic contaminants.

2. Add Algimycin® Winter algaecide* (32 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals. for solid-covered pools, 64 fl. oz. per 10,000 gallons for mesh-covered or uncovered pools) to prevent algae growth throughout the winter.

3. Add GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (use the initial dose of 16 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) to protect the pool from stains and scale formation. Allow water to circulate for 12-24 hours. If in a mild climate where the pool is left full and uncovered with the filtration system still operating, regularly add your GLB® sanitizer, Algimycin® 2000 algaecide and GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent.

4. After cleaning and treating the pool, lower the water if you are in an area where the water must be lowered due to freezing conditions. Drain all water from pipes, pumps, heaters, filters and other pool equipment according to the manufacturer’s directions. If in a mild climate where the pool is left full and uncovered, refer to the manufacturer’s directions regarding filter operation.

Calculate the Size of Your Pool

To calculate in gallons:

Rectangular pool = (length x width x average depth) x 7.5

Round or oval pool = (length x width x average depth) x 5.9

Pool Chemistry

As you care for your pool, it is important for your pool water to be "in balance." Keeping water chemistry balanced will prevent the water from becoming corrosive or forming scale deposits, both of which can damage pool equipment.

Your pool water should always range in the following chemistry levels:

Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm

pH: 7.2-7.8

Sanitizer Level: 1-4 ppm

Precautions

Always read label instructions prior to unsing and use ony as directed.

Always add the chemical to water and not water to chemical.

Never add chemicals to the water when people are in the pool.

Never mix one product with another prior to adding it to the water.

Always store pool management products in a cool dry location out of direct sunlight.