Allied Pools

Swimming Pools

Pool Maintenance

Filters

Filter Operation

It is very important that the filter be run a minimum of 10 hours a day. For 27' through 33' pools, the filter should run at least 12 hours per day. For most pumps, this will allow one good turnover of the water. Insufficient filter operation is the most common cause of water chemistry problems. We strongly suggest that a timer be used on the filter, thereby eliminating the need to manually turn your filter on or off. It is okay to run your filter 24 hours per day just as it is okay to run your filter while people are in the pool. It is essential to run your filter while you are on vacation.

Filter Clogging - Biguanide Pools

Filters are responsible for removing everything possible from the water including dirt and debris. In Biguanide systems, Biguanide acts as a flocculent, and pulls smaller particles together into larger ones. This matter will be caught in the filter and may accumulate at a faster rate than in a chlorine system, which tends to oxidize more matter. This will result in the filter collecting more particles, requiring more frequent cleaning, especially in cartridge and DE filters. Sand filters will need to be chemically cleaned periodically (every 6 to 8 weeks), using an acidic cleaner, such as Kleen It. DE and cartridge filters will also need to be chemically cleaned, but more frequently. Watch for pressure buildup, which indicates a need to clean immediately. To prevent clogging, A) D.E. systems should 1) be bumped weekly 2) drain D.E. out and replace with new D.E. every three weeks and 3) chemically treat filter fingers or grids with Kleen-It at the end of each season. B) Cartridge systems should be hosed off every six weeks and chemically at the end of each season. C) Sand systems should be backwashed monthly and the sand changed each season.

Backwashing Sand Filters/Cleaning D.E. Filters

Cleaning the filter flushes out dirt caught in the filter. Cleaning should be performed when the pressure on the filter increases 5-10 lbs. above its normal setting. Normal setting is defined as the beginning pressure when the filter is first started after cleaning or when first hooking the filter up. When draining a DE system, you must add more DE. Follow your owner's manual or manufacturer's instructions for how to properly clean your filtration system.

Note: Sand filters are cleaned by backwashing. Most sand filters have a valve on the top of the filter that you move to the backwash position. Once in position, run the filter for 3-5 minutes, shut off pump, and move valve to the normal filter position.

Back to Top

My Pool is Black!

Black Algae usually forms in crack and crevices on pool surfaces. It forms a skeletal growth on top to protect itself, which normal levels of chlorine cannot defeat. To treat Black algae the pool owner must brush vigorously before applying chemical treatment in order to eliminate the protective coating.

Chlorine Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filter.
  3. Shut pump off.
  4. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4.
  5. Add a dose of 16 ounces of Allied Pools Silver Algaecide directly to the pool until the recommended dosage of 16 ounces per 10,000 gallons of pool water is reached.
  6. Brush pool walls and bottom vigorously. Allow the pool to sit 4 to 6 hours without circulation.
  7. Allow the pool to sit overnight with the pump off.
  8. Next morning, vacuum to waste if possible.
  9. Repeat chemical treatment, if necessary.
  10. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  11. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces (per 10,000 gallons of pool water) Allied Pools Super Algaecide 600 5 to 7 days after treatment and each week going forward.

Biguanide Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to the proper range. (7.2-7.6)
  4. Brush pool walls and bottom vigorously.
  5. Add 2 gallons of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  6. Add Biguanide up to 50 ppm.
  7. Add an initial dose of 16 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  8. Allow the pool to sit overnight with the pump off.
  9. Next morning, vacuum to waste if possible.
  10. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  11. Add a maintenance dose of 2 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water each week going forward and after heavy rainfalls.
  12. Add a maintenance dose of 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water each month going forward and after heavy rainfalls.

Flat Pool Gallonage (48" Pool)

  • 12' = 3,100 16' = 5,500 18' = 6,700 21' = 9,000 24' = 12,000 28' = 16,500
  • 12' X 24' = 7,000 16' X 24' = 9,000 16'X32' = 12,250 18' X 34' = 14,300 41' X 21' = 20,000

Back to Top

My Pool is Yellow!

Mustard Algae is a form of green algae that is highly resistant to chlorine. Special treatments must be used to eliminate it. Mustard algae is yellowish-green in color and often looks like dirt or sand on the bottom or sides of the pool. It brushes away very easily, but returns very quickly. If left untreated, it can turn the entire pool a pea-green color in a very short time.

Chlorine Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Decrease water temperature to 72 degrees if possible. If necessary, drain some water out and add new water to the pool.
  3. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4.
  4. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  5. Raise your chlorine level to 3.0-5.0 ppm. (1 gallon of Allied Pool Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.)
  6. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  7. Wait 15 minutes after adding chlorine to add a dose of 8 ounces every 10 minutes of Allied Pools Silver Algaecide through the skimmer until the recommended dosage of 16 ounces per 10,000 gallons of pool water is reached. If the pool does not have a skimmer, add Allied Pools Silver Algaecide below water level in front of the return by squeezing the bottle at the same rate as mentioned above.
  8. Run the filter continuously (24 hours per day) for at least 72 hours after treatment or until the pool clears and subsequently 8-12 hours per day.
  9. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filter.
  10. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces (per 10,000 gallons of pool water) Allied Pools Super Algaecide 600 5 to 7 days after treatment and each week going forward.

Biguanide Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Adjust pH to the proper range. (7.2-7.6)
  3. Add an initial dose of 16 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  4. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  5. Add 2 gallons of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  6. Run the filter continuously (24 hours per day) until the pool clears and subsequently 8-12 hours per day.
  7. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filter.
  8. Add a maintenance dose of 2 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water each week going forward and after heavy rainfalls.
  9. Add a maintenance dose of 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water each month going forward and after heavy rainfalls.

Flat Pool Gallonage (48" Pool)

  • 12' = 3,100 16' = 5,500 18' = 6,700 21' = 9,000 24' = 12,000 28' = 16,500
  • 12'X24' = 7,000 16'X24' = 9,000 16'X32' = 12,250 18'X34' = 14,300 41'X21' = 20,000

Back to Top

My Pool is Green!

Green Algae is a free-floating or wall-clinging algae that grows rapidly. It can range in severity from patches on the walls or bottom, to turning the entire pool a deep green cast. Green algae can also clog filters and create surface damage if left untreated.

Chlorine Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to the proper range. (7.2-7.6)
  4. Raise your chlorine level to 3.0-5.0 ppm. (1 gallon of Allied Pool Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.)
  5. Add an initial dose of 12 to 17 ounces of Allied Pools Super Algicide 600 per 10,000 gallons of pool water. (12 ounces for spotty algae and 17 ounces for throughout the pool algae.)
  6. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  7. Run filter for two hours. Let pool sit for at least 6 hours, then vacuum. If at all possible, vacuum to waste.
  8. If your pool is still green, repeat the entire process. It is very likely that 2 or 3 treatments will be required.
  9. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  10. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces per (10,000 gallons of pool water) Allied Pools Super Algaecide 600 5 to 7 days after initial treatment and each week going forward.

Biguanide Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to the proper range. (7.2-7.6)
  4. Add 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  5. Add an initial dose of 16 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  6. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  7. Run filter for two hours. Let pool sit for at least 6 hours, then vacuum. If at all possible, vacuum to waste.
  8. If your pool is still green, repeat the entire process. It is very likely that 2 or 3 treatments will be required.
  9. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  10. Add a maintenance dose of 2 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water each week going forward and after heavy rainfalls.
  11. Add a maintenance dose of 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water each month going forward and after heavy rainfalls.

Flat Pool Gallonage (48" Pool)

  • 12' = 3,100 16' = 5,500 18' = 6,700 21' = 9,000 24' = 12,000 28' = 16,500
  • 12'x24' = 7,000 16'x24' = 9,000 16'x32' = 12,250 18'x34' = 14,300 41'x21' = 20,000

Back to Top

My Pool is Pink!

Bacterial and algae growths occur naturally in any body of water. Most bacteria that occur in pools are not harmful, but simply cause problems such as cloudy water, green water, or unsightly buildups that can damage equipment. Some growths are very visible and can clog equipment quickly. Pink Slime, while often categorized as an algae, is actually a bacterial growth. To eliminate pink slime:

Chlorine Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4.
  4. Shut pump off.
  5. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly, including skimmer, ladder, and behind all plastic fittings. (Note: removal of drain cover and return fittings for brushing behind is recommended.)
  6. Add a dose of 16 ounces of Allied Pools Silver Algaecide directly to the pool until the recommended dosage of 16 ounces per 10,000 gallons of pool water is reached.
  7. Raise chlorine level to 3.0-5.0 ppm. Keep the chlorine level at 5.0 ppm for about one week after treatment. (1 gallon of Allied Pool Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.)
  8. Allow the pool to sit overnight with the pump off.
  9. Next morning, vacuum. If at all possible, vacuum to waste.
  10. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  11. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces (per 10,000 gallons) Allied Pools Super Algaecide 600 5 to 7 days after treatment and each week going forward.

Biguanide Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to the proper range. (7.2-7.6)
  4. Shut pump off.
  5. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly, including skimmer, ladder, and behind all plastic fittings. (Note: removal of drain cover and return fittings for brushing behind is recommended.)
  6. Add an initial dose of 16 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  7. Add 2 gallons of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  8. Add Biguanide up to 50 ppm. Do not allow B level to fall below 35-40 ppm.
  9. Allow the pool to sit overnight with the pump off.
  10. Next morning, vacuum. If at all possible, vacuum to waste.
  11. Recheck your Biguanide level and add as required.
  12. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow directions on bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  13. Run the filter continuously (24 hours per day) until the pool clears and subsequently 8-12 hours per day.
  14. Add a maintenance dose of 2 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water each week going forward and after heavy rainfalls.
  15. Add a maintenance dose of 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water each month going forward and after heavy rainfalls.

  • Flat Pool Gallonage (48" Pool)

  • 12' = 3,100 16' = 5,500 18' = 6,700 21' = 9,000 24' = 12,000 28' = 16,500
  • 12'X24' = 7,000 16'X24' = 9,000 16'X32' = 12,250 18'X34' = 14,300 41'X21' = 20,000

Back to Top

My Pool is Full of Shredded Tissue Paper!

Bacterial and algae growths occur naturally in any body of water. Most bacteria that occur in pools are not harmful, but simply cause problems such as cloudy water, green water, or unsightly buildups that can damage equipment. Some growths are very visible and can clog equipment quickly. Water Mold is a whitish, mucous-like substance that looks like shredded tissue paper when floating in the water. It is not harmful to humans, but is unsightly, and can clog equipment. Water mold usually begins in the filter lines, and by the time it becomes visible, the growth is often quite heavy. To eliminate water mold:

Chlorine Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4.
  4. Shock the pool with three times the normal dose of Allied Pool Shock. (The normal dose consists of 1 gallon of Allied Pool Shock per 10,000 gallons of water.)
  5. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  6. Run the filter continuously overnight.
  7. Next morning, turn the filter off, brush pool thoroughly, and allow material to settle and vacuum. Vacuum to waste if possible.
  8. If mold is still present, repeat the entire process.
  9. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow the directions on the bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  10. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces of Allied Pools Super Algaecide 600 per 10,000 gallons of pool water 5 to 7 days after treatment and each week going forward.

Biguanide Pool Treatment

  1. Read all treatment steps and chemical labels before beginning.
  2. Clean the filter. Backwash sand filters, change D.E., or hose off cartridge filters.
  3. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.4.
  4. Shock the pool with three times the normal dose of Biguanide Shock. (The normal dose consists of 1 gallon of Biguanide Shock per 10,000 gallons of water.)
  5. Brush pool walls and bottom thoroughly.
  6. Run the filter continuously overnight.
  7. Next morning, turn the filter off, brush pool thoroughly, and allow material to settle and vacuum. Vacuum to waste if possible.
  8. If mold is still present, repeat the entire process.
  9. Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It. Follow the directions on the bottle for sand, D.E., and cartridge filters.
  10. Add a maintenance dose of 4 ounces of Biguanide Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water 5 to 7 days after treatment and each week going forward.

Flat Pool Gallonage (48" Pool)

  • 12' = 3,100 16' = 5,500 18' = 6,700 21' = 9,000 24' = 12,000 28' = 16,500
  • 12'X24' = 7,000 16'X24' = 9,000 16'X32' = 12,250 18'X34' = 14,300 41'X21' = 20,000