CLOSING AND REOPENING YOUR POOL
Whether closing for the winter or for vacation, your pool water should remain clear
for months if you prepare the pool correctly:
1.
Ensure ion reading .3 to .5 ppm. The mineralized water will protect
against algae; the ions act as an algaecide, therefore no need to add
additional algaecide.
2.
Turn off all equipment, including pumps, chlorinators, etc.
3.
If the water is clear, no need to oxidize. If less than clear, add chlorine /
oxidizer.
4.
Remove
floatron
5.
Drain water, winterize pumps, cover, etc. as desired.
6.
Clean and remove electrode from the unit and store in an airtight
plastic bag or jar.
7.
Store your
floatron
indoors. Avoid very cold temperatures.
If the pool was shut down with an insufficient ion level, or severe conditions were
encountered late in the off season, less than clear water conditions may be
experienced. Upon opening:
1.
Top off water level, backwash, and vacuum as necessary.
2.
Add chlorine to clear any cloudiness, if present.
3.
Test ion level. Float unit to reestablish .3 ppm.
4.
If ion level is below .3 ppm, Temporarily increase chlorine for protection.
5.
Maintain enough oxidizer to ensure water clarity.
6.
Verify pH is within 7.2 - 7.8 Range. Correct if necessary.
OPERATIONAL CHECKS
It is highly unlikely that your
floatron
will not generate ions. Should there be any
doubt, the following quick check will visually prove electrical generation:
1.
Fill a clear, glass or plastic, quart sized jar or equivalent with pool or tap
water.
2.
Clean electrodes and leave screen off.
3.
Place the
floatron
on the top of the jar, resting on the lip, with the electrodes
immersed in the water.
4.
With a full sun shining on the solar panel, very fine bubbles will be observed
after a few seconds originating from the spring coils. This demonstrates that
electrical current is being generated. Absence of bubbles indicates a
problem.
TIPS
•
If acid is used for cleaning purposes it may be poured back into pool.
•
Allow new plaster type finishes to cure for a month prior to using the
floatron.
•
Baking soda works well to raise pH, and is readily available and reasonably
priced.
•
Household bleach works excellently for small and medium sized pools. For large
pools, too many gallons may be required, making more concentrated forms of
chlorine more convenient.
•
Keep a tablet of chlorine in the skimmer, or floating dispenser, to provide a
constant input of oxidizer into the pool. When necessary, ad an additional
boost of liquid or granulated chlorine to maintain clear water.
•
A toothbrush helps in electrode and screen cleaning.
•
A cutoff golf tee can be used to secure the screen if the thumbscrew is lost.
•
Store chlorine in a cool and dark place.
•
Keep ion test kit in refrigerator.
•
Check water hardness, measured as total dissolved solids (TDS) at your local
pool store. Readings of approximately 2000 PPM or greater indicate the need
to drain and refill with refresh water. If that is not possible, partial draining and
refilling is beneficial. With a high TDS, the water cannot absorb and retain
minerals very easily.
•
The addition of cyanuric acid (stabilizer) is not necessary if you already use a
stabilized form of chlorine, such as tablets.
•
The
floatron
can also work well with a pool cover. The choices are to open the
cover enough to float the unit, or cut a 3 inch "X" into the cover which allows
the electrodes to remain in the water while the top is exposed to the sun.
•
Clear, high quality water without algae, and an abnormally low ion reading,
does not necessarily indicate that your
floatron
is not functioning properly, in
this situation, call the factory.
•
When replacing the mineral electrode, ensure that the threads are dry and free
of water.
•
In hard water conditions, over time, the solar panel may form calcium deposits
which are left by water evaporation. To quickly and easily remove the scale,
apply diluted acid / water (as described under 'ELECTRODE CLEANING') with a
toothbrush. Allow to dissolve deposits and rinse. Vinegar may be used although
more time will be required to do the job.
