Hot tub safety and children

Kids, Hot Tubs and Spa Safety

When the weather starts to turn and cool off, we all look for a fun relaxing way to warm up. Some of us chose to be snuggled up in blankets, others chose a cozy warm fire and, a few decide to relax in a Hot Tub. However, when it comes to our kids joining us in the Hot Tub a lot of questions get asked. Today we are going to talk about Hot Tub Safety and children in Hot Tubs.

If you are planning on getting a hot tub or own one, be mindful that your kids will more than likely want to join you. Many people ask us: “Is it safe for my child to be in the hot tub”, while there is no straight answer to this question, we have recommended ways to keep you child safe while soaking. Here are a few rules to follow when it comes to Hot Tub Safety.

NEVER take an infant into a hot tub!
- Their skin is too thin and their bodies are not good at regulating temperature so they are prone to overheating.
If you are pregnant do not use hot tubs!
- The hot water will raise your body temperature to a level that can be dangerous for your developing baby.
No Jumping or Diving!
- We all know kids like to jump into pools however, hot tubs are too shallow and unsafe for jumping and diving.
Our recommendation as to what age a child should be in order to be allowed into a hot tub is approximately 5 years or older. Or if they can be flat-footed on the bottom with their head fully above the water.
- Toddlers are often not recommended to be in the hot tub because they still have little control over their bodily functions and cannot regulate their body temperature easily. Additionally, sanitation is an issue with small children due to the lack of control over their bodily functions.
Depending on the temperature of the water, children should not remain in the spa for more than 15 minutes. At a temperature of 98° 15 minutes max. At a temperature of 104° 5 minutes max. At a temperature of 95° 20 minutes max.
- At lower temperatures children can soak longer however, while the are soaking and after soaking make sure they drink lots of water.
Always supervise your children while they are in and around the Spa.
- If children begin to feel sleepy, dizzy, or feel sick to their stomach, they should exit the spa immediately.
If you have children be sure to utilize the locking straps on your cover to ensure your child does not get in unsupervised.
No Pets Allowed!
- Animals don’t have good ways of regulating their body temperature and almost always urinate in water. So, sanitation and the safety of the animal are always a concern.

Why An Artesian Spa?

Why Choose an Artesian Spa?

Founded in 1993, Las Vegas Nevada, Artesian Spas’ founding partners had one goal in mind, to provide customers with the best quality hot tubs and spas, an array of features, and the greatest range of products. With over 100 years of combined hot tub and spa manufacturing experience, they worked together to create Artesian Spas.

Artesian Spas did not become the best in their craft simply overnight, they did so by focusing on people and how they could improve their everyday lives. They recognized that the way of life today is more stressful and pressuring than it was many years ago. Everyday life for many people is accompanied by; tension headaches, back pain, stress, and diabetes. The list of things in our daily life that cause us discomfort, stress, or anxiety, is only growing longer every day. Understanding this, the founders wanted to make a soothing, effective or enjoyable form of relief available to everyone. Artesian Spas’ did just that by creating four lines of Hot Tubs with varying features and price points to suit everyone’s needs.

“We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best! We’re agile, and know that the secret to happy customers is quality, not quantity. We promise to challenge the status-quo and push the industry forward. We’re environmentally conscious, even if it means building the world’s best spas costs us a little more.” ~ George Hendricks, President

With four lines of Spas and Hot Tubs, Artesian Spas’ small company made huge strides. Starting with their Garden Spa line, they provide a highly powerful hydrotherapy experience, and energy-smart savings. Economical and easy for beginners, Garden Spas are plug-and-play so no additional electrical is needed, just your average 110v outlet will do. The next Spa line Artesian Spas offers in their South Seas line, dynamic and efficient, these spas have an aesthetic appeal coupled with attractive features that make them affordable luxury. South Seas Spas are great for people who want quality spas without too many features or a high price point. When it comes to hydrotherapy, Island and Island Elite Spas are unmatched. Island Spas allow you to create and fully customize your own paradise. With top-of-the-line Island & Island Elite models provide patrons with the best hydrotherapy experience possible. For those who are looking to spend more and in return have a luxurious, functional show piece designed with the utmost precision and care, Artesian Spas offer the Artesian Elite Spa Line. Innovative hydrotherapy jets, the latest in technology, comfortable and intimate designs make up these glamorous Spas worth their price tag.

Artesian Spas provide the most effective, soothing and enjoyable form of relief when soaking in one of their hot tubs. Each hot tub is specifically designed to enhance the lifestyle and health of every customer. Not everybody is the same, which is why not every hot tub is the same. Artesian Spas provides more options and features than any other hot tub manufacturer. Spas are our passion and we’d like to share that passion with you!

Click Here to See All Artesian Hot Tubs and Lines!

Click Here to See Floor Models in-stock NOW!

Health Benefits of Hot Tubs

Health Benefits of owning a Spa

Taking care of our health is an active choice we make to create and live a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s a state of physical and mental well-being to help keep us healthy. Soaking in an Artesian Spa for jus 15-30 minutes a day can benefit your health in more ways than one.

1: Hydrotherapy

Artesian Spas have specifically directed jets of water that can benefit every part of the body, including the skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, neuromuscular and digestive systems.

2: Stress Relief

We all experience stress in different ways, some of us experience head aches, neck pain, insomnia or other forms of discomfort. The jets in each Artesian Spa are specially placed to massage major pressure points for the ultimate in massage therapy. Let the powerful massage soothe your aching muscles and help relieve your stress.

3: Restful Sleep

Unlike the use of medications and prescription sleep aids, the circulation and warmth of each Artesian Spa can help encourage the body to unwind and relax on its own, this can lead to better restful sleep. Many people who suffer insomnia or regular sleeping problems agree that a 15-30 minute soak a day help them relax and get a better night sleep.

4: Arthritic Relief

An Artesian Spa can help aid with the treatment for both arthritis and fibromyalgia. The heated water can cause better blood flow, while the buoyancy can relieve the strain of gravity on your frame.

5: Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study revealed that Type 2 Diabetes sufferers experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and improved sleep after spending 30 minutes a day in a spa. For those who live with the daily discomfort and inconvenience of diabetes, an Artesian Spa can be the doorway to a fuller, more enjoyable life.

Pool Closing Tips

Helpful Fall Pool Closing Tips!

It’s that time of year! WE had a blast over the summer and now sadly our swimming season is coming to an end. We have compiled a few helpful tips and recommendations for your pool closing.

In-ground pool closings….

Tip: It is best to wait until the water is below 65 degrees F – colder water temperatures slow the growth of potential algae in the pool.This also means you may want to turn off your pool heater in advance to let the water temperature lower in your pool before you add in your closing chemicals. Warmer pool water depletes the pool chemicals faster than cold water.

Clean …..

Clean dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool – making sure your pool is free from dirt, debris and other phosphate eliminates a food source for potential algae.

Balance…

Bring in a water sample to Spartan Pools to ensure proper water balance for winter, it will prolong the life of your pool. You’ll thank yourself in the long run…

Add in the winter chemicals and any balancing chemicals as needed. IT is important to have the proper level of alkalinity, PH, and calcium. If left undone, liners could potentially wrinkle and concrete could form pits. Yikes!

Water Level…

For Mesh covers lower the water level to the low end of the skimmer

For Concrete pools lower the water well below the tile line.

For standard covers you may leave the water level at mid- skimmer if we are closing your pool.

If you are closing the pool on your own, some choose to lower the water below the skimmer and returns. After you insert the winter plugs you may want to consider putting a little bit of water back in. Why? Because If you have a yard that gets saturated with ground water in spring it would cause your liner to float. It may float when the ground water is at the same level as your pool water. When it lays back down after the ground water has receded it doesn’t always want to go back in the same position and you may end up with wrinkles on the floor.

Be sure to….

Have plugs, water bags (if applicable), and covers out by the pool for the closing.
If you are closing the pool yourself you will want to use an air compressor or a shop vac to blow out the lines and equipment.
Take the trippers off of your timer
Empty any chlorine tabs or sticks out of skimmer or chlorinator (if applicable)

Winter Covers…

If you are using a standard style cover water bags are recommended for holding the cover down. If you use bricks or other heavy and sharp objects they could potentially harm your pool if they were to fall in.

Check for any holes in the cover and consider replacing it if it looks like it will let in too much of the fall debris. Think of debris as algae food.

There are many standard cover replacement options to choose from with different warranties. You will often find a good, better, or best selection to choose from. You can decide if you would rather go with a cover that is inexpensive and may only last you a year or a heavier cover that will have a longer life and warranty with it.

Other than a standard cover, some may choose to go with a safety cover that often resembles a trampoline. These are anchored into the concrete or wood deck to help provide stability in the cover. You may choose between a mesh safety cover that lets the water run through or a solid safety cover that will need to have the water pumped off. Again, these covers also come in a variety of durability and grades of mesh. It is recommended to see samples of these covers ahead of ordering and are often custom made for you particular shape of pool. If you are seeking more information on these covers to see which would be right for you, you are welcome to give us a call and we can discuss your pool in particular.

Call for your appointment…

Of course, we offer the services of closing your In-Ground pool for you with various options as to how involved you may or may not want to be. It’s best to call the store for those options and prices.

Appointments often fill up quickly. It is not uncommon to be scheduling appointments 2 – 3 weeks out unless you called and scheduled your appointment well in advance.

Above Ground Pool closing check list…..

Make sure the water is properly balanced and debris is cleaned from the pool.
Circulate the closing chemicals 1/2 day – 1 day prior to closing. If you are able to circulate the chemicals after the water is drained down you may do that as well.
Drain down the water below the skimmer and return line.
Remove the hoses from the skimmer and return.
Remove the drain plugs from the bottom of the equipment.
Secure the air pillow in the middle of the pool.
Put on the winter cover and cinch it down tight. If you are in a windy area you may want to use cover clips or cover seal wrap to surround your pool cover.
Empty any chlorine tabs or sticks out of skimmer or chlorinator (if applicable)
Disable the pump timer (if applicable)

Tip: If you do not have a mesh cover you will want to pump off any excess water that may collect on the cover through out the fall, winter, and spring.

Have a safe fall/winter!

Pool Construction

Pools are Built on Trust, Experience, and Quality

Spartan Pools specialize in Vinyl Liner Inground Swimming Pools. A vinyl liner allows you to pick the style, color, and design of your pool, as well as protect your pool from Michigan’s ever-changing climate and conditions. You pick the size and shape, as well as what features you desire (e.g. diving board, slide, lights, fountains, stamped/colored/textured concrete, etc…), and we do the rest.

Spartan Pools is with you from the beginning of your pool planning to the end and every summer after that. We dig the hole to spec; aided by laser technology and years of excavation experience. We set in place galvanized steel panels and cement them in to form sturdy, lifetime guaranteed, pool walls. We create a hard-bottom pool floor that withstands Michigan’s harsh weather conditions. We install only the most high-quality liners from suppliers we trust. We do our own flat work. We do all this for you to ensure the pool you get is the pool you want. Accept no substitutes!

We make sure (every step of the way) that you have invested in a quality pool that affords every bit of relaxation and enjoyment you and your family deserve. Our pools are backed by an unmatched warranty/guarantee for your peace of mind.
Spartan Pools has been installing inground pools for more than 50 years. Drawing on experience, rigorous training, and the use of cutting-edge technology, our crew of knowledgeable installers will have you swimming in the lap of luxury this summer and every summer in the future.

Liner Replacement

Is your liner starting to show its age? Do wrinkles, holes, and tears in your vinyl liner have you losing water and losing patience? Has the liner in your pool started to fade or become too brittle to trust? It may be time for a new liner.

Spartan Pools has been installing liners in the Mid-Michigan and Great Lakes Bay Region for half a century. We have the experience and know-how to replace your old liner and have you swimming in luxury and comfort in virtually no time at all. The crew of pool technicians at Spartan Pools will measure your pool to its exact liner specifications, drain the pool, remove the old liner, and install a new liner of your choice. Liners are available in hundreds of unique size, color, and design choices.

Liner, labor and new water are warrantied. We will even take a water sample and bring your pool back to where it was chemical. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

If your concrete deck is need of attention, we do that too! We will remove, and replace your deck with all new reinforced concrete. Even the copying and plumbing of your pool (if it is in bad shape) can be replaced at the time of a reline.

Send us a message via poolpros@spartanpools.com or call us at 989-792-5351 for your no charge estimate.

Keep it fun! Keep it Safe!

Pool Safety is the number one most important aspect of pool ownership. A swimming pool is a great way to relax and have fun, but it does harbor very real dangers that must be met with responsibility and respect. Spartan Pools is here to help educate you on proper pool safety rules and practices. However, the following information serves as a starter guide/checklist designed to help promote and support safety awareness and education in and around residential swimming pool areas. This information is not intended to be used as an exclusive reference for consumers (and others) to ensure that proper safety installation, operation, measures, and equipment have been met.

Here are several safety tips to get you started:

ADULT SUPERVISION
Adult supervision is the #1 most important safety guideline for all swimmers. At least one adult (who is not swimming) should keep a sober eye on the pool and everyone in it. This person should not be afraid to enforce pool safety rules and should understand the importance of safe practices in and around any open body of water.

Fencing
It is required that all inground pools have a fence installed which encloses the swimming pool area. The fence should be a minimum of 4-feet high. Many different types of fence are available to suit need and style preference. Such as Chain link, wooden, ornamental, even thick hedges, etc…
Important: Present ideas/plans to your local building code office before proceeding.

Safety Covers
A non-penetrating mesh cover that completely covers pool can be installed easily, blocking access to pool water.

Alarms
Some people have opted to put an alarm in or near their pool, which triggers a loud sound to warn parents or guardians. Alarms include, but are not limited to door Exit/Home Security, Fence Gate, Pool, etc…

Rope and Float Line
Safety ropes and float lines can be placed across the pool to visually alert swimmers to the separation of deep and shallow end of the pool.

Life Ring, Shepherd’s Crook (Hook)
Life rings (or preservers) and other life-saving devices should be kept near the pool within plain view and easily accessible. These devices are used to pull someone from the pool to safety. Periodically check and keep all safety equipment in proper condition.

Emergency Information and Safety Kit
A first aid kit is always a good idea to keep in a safe and convenient location. Periodically check to make sure the kit is well stocked with all the essentials. Most importantly, remember to post all CPR, emergency (911 or other) contact information and warning signs in a visible spot near the pool.

Safety Drills:
Perform regular pool safety drills to remind everyone what to do/where to go in the event of an emergency in or around the pool.

Outside Telephone:
A cordless, or cellular phone is convenient and a good idea especially if you need to call for help or information quickly and without leaving the pool area.

Sunscreen
Skin cancer is a very real threat. Always wear sunscreen! Choose the level of protection that’s right for you and use it! Even on cooler, cloudy days, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can burn and damage skin cells.

Cleaners, Chemicals, and Maintenance
All cleaning and maintenance supplies should be kept in a locked storage area, away from children and pets. Always check supply labels for proper storage requirements and expiration dates.

Chemical Spills
Spills happen. Practice care and caution when applying chemicals to the pool, always read the directions, and in the event of a spill:

USE EXTREME CAUTION!
Be sure that no contaminant is present. Some common contaminants are household cleaners, detergents, bleaches, solvents, ammonia, fertilizers, gasoline, or kerosene.
Wear protective gear (safety goggles, rubber gloves, etc…)
Isolate the spilled material in a clean, dry container away from other stored chemicals, preferably outside the house or shed.
Use only clean, dry brooms, shovels, and containers. DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner
Separate spilled material from the original container. NEVER return spilled material to original container.
NEVER put spilled material in any sewer or drain.
Small amounts of clean, spilled material can be added to your pool water. Check water chemistry to avoid imbalance.
IF ANY EVIDENCE OF A FIRE OCCURS, EVACUATE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!!

We hope this helps keep your summer fun happy and healthy! If you have any questions, concerns, or additional tips about pool safety please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help.

Operational Tips

Important! This is to be used as a general overview only. Possible options make it impossible to cover every aspect. The operating manuals that came with your equipment should be read first including any safety items.

GENERAL POOL OPERATION GUIDELINES

Important – The water level inside the pool should always be greater than the ground water outside the pool – this is true regardless of the type of construction.
Never drain a swimming pool unless advised to do so by a qualified pool professional. Almost all repairs and water quality problems can be fixed without draining the pool.

POOL CARE:

Pool Care falls into five categories. A clean clear pool requires:

Circulation
Filtration
Cleaning
Water chemistry
Testing

POOL ANATOMY

The first thing you need to know is how a pool functions. Refer to the diagram below to develop an understanding of how a pool system is designed to operate.

NOTE: The information presented in this section is not intended to depict all pools. We understand that pool design and plumbing methods vary widely. Accept this information on the basis of understanding an average pools operation system.

The pool equipment and plumbing are designed to keep water moving. The suction-side of the system pulls the water from the pool to the pump. The pressure side of the system delivers the filtered (and sometimes heated) water back to the pool.

Circulation: is provided by the main pool pump. Water is drawn out of the pool thru the bottom drain or the side skimmer. The water is then forced thru the filter media then back to the pool, possibly passing thru a heater or chlorinator. The pump should operate (on average) 12 hours. Ideally, operate your pump 24 hours per day. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KEEP IN MIND IS THE POOL WATER MUST CIRCULATE COMPLETELY AT LEAST ONCE DAILY. A general guideline for this is to check out the GPH (gallons per hour) of your pump. If you can figure out the gallonage of your pool, figure out how many hours the pump must run to fully circulate the pool. Regularly check the pressure at the filter and the flow back to the pool. Check to see if the pressure is 10-12 lbs higher than when the filter was clean or if the flow appears reduced. This would indicate it is time to clean the filter. Refer to your filter guide for specific directions on how to do this.Regularly check the baskets at the skimmer and pump for debris. If necessary, shut off the pump and remove these for cleaning. Often when you first start your pump or when the basket is removed from the pump it will be necessary to re-prime the pump before restarting. This process requires removing the pump lid and adding water to the pump, replacing the lid and restarting the pump. Usually, all valves can be left in their normal operation position. The pump may require 2-3 minutes to work the air out of the lines.
Filtration: A filter removes particles that can cloud the water and compete for your sanitizer’s attention. Refer to your filter guide for information on how to clean the filter.
Cleaning: Vacuuming and brushing the pool surface helps to prevent many problems. Even with the use of automatic cleaners, it is recommended that you regularly brush the pool surfaces Algae and bio-film can cling to the surface and make a starting point for algae and other possible problems. For most pools the procedure to manually vacuum the pool is as follows: First, the pump should be started and the filter cleaned. (Refer to your filter and pump guide if necessary). Next, attach the vacuum head to the pole, then attach the vacuum hose to the head (if the hose has a swivel cuff at one end, care should be taken to attach the swivel end to the vacuum head. Set the head into the pool. At this time the vacuum hose needs to be filled with water. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways: Either grab the hose where it comes from the vacuum head to the surface , then continually push the hose under water until you reach the loose end or hold the loose end over one of the returns (with the pump running) until all the air is forced out of the hose. Hold your palm over the free end (to keep the hose full of water) and pull it to the side skimmer. Remove the skimmer lid, set the “skim vac” over the basket and attach the hose to the “skim-vac”.Note that you may or may not have a “skim-vac” (it looks like a shallow funnel, it’s the main purpose is to allow debris to get caught in the basket at the skimmer, which is often easier to clean. Also be aware that on some pools it is necessary to push the hose thru the skimmer opening (in this case the “skim-vac” will most likely have an elbow ). Some older skimmers do not have a “skim-vac” or other vacuum plate and were designed to attach the vacuum hose to the bottom of the skimmer or could be connected to a side wall suction port, bypassing the skimmer altogether. The last method is most commonly seen on pools with gutters (no skimmers) and sometimes on pools without a bottom drain.At this point, water should be flowing thru the vacuum head & hose, thru the pump into the filter and back to the pool. Some air may have entered during the hookup step and may have to work its way thru the system. Because most pools have more than the side skimmer providing water to the pump and because the pump will find it easier to get water from these sources than to draw water up thru the vacuum hose, it will most likely be necessary to restrict or stop the water from these other suction lines in order to provide proper suction at the vacuum head. Try moving the vacuum over debris. If too little suction is present check to see that the pump didn’t loose it’s prime. Reprime the pump if necessary or start to turn off lines feeding the pump (other than the line the vacuum is attached to, this line needs to be fully open) until the suction is adequate to catch the debris. Conversely if too much suction is present, it makes it difficult to move the vacuum head. Open any suction lines that allow the pump to get additional water. “How much” is often a matter of personal preference. Too little suction can make the task of cleaning the pool slow and tedious whereas to much can make moving the vacuum head a feat requiring some strength.
Once regulated to your liking, the vacuum is moved methodically over the pool floor lifting debris that will catch in the baskets and filter. After a while, the baskets may become filled and/or the filter may become dirty, reducing water flow making it difficult to vacuum. You will have to stop the pump, remove the vacuum hose connection, clean the baskets and filter, then start over. If only a light amount of debris is present, you may be able to clean the entire pool in one cycle. If a large amount of debris or algae is present may require several cycles. If the later is the case, there may be a more practical approach. Many filters have 6-way valves that allow you to pump water from the pool directly to waste by placing the valve in the waste or drain position. Important: do not confuse the waste/drain position with the backwash position. Never vacuum a pool while the filter is in the backwash position. Also, be aware while vacuuming to waste that you are removing water from the pool at a rapid rate. It is helpful to start with a pool overly full and keep the source water hose adding makeup water as you proceed. This method is best used to remove approximately 70% of the debris from the worst areas, then switch back to normal procedures to finish up. It allows you to save time in cases where it would be necessary to stop to clean the filter several times. This procedure can also be used when the debris is so fine that the filter is having trouble catching it and is being returned to the pool. Some types of algae fall into this category.
Chemistry: Adding the proper products at the right time helps to prevent corrosion, scale, algae, bacteria problems and helps keep water clear, clean, attractive and safe. Review the Water Treatment page for more specific guidelines concerning water chemistry.
Testing: Testing helps tell us what chemicals to add to maintain proper water chemistry. Proper water chemistry helps to prevent disease, protects the pools surfaces, equipment and provides sparkling clear water.Sanitizers are added to the water to control the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Two families of products are used to accomplish this task. Halogens are the most common. Chlorine and Bromine both fall into this category, with chlorine being the most common. Chlorine is also a powerful oxidizer and is often used as a shock or Burnout® to help rid the pool of perspiration, oils, and contaminants too small for the filter to remove. The second group is called Biguanides. Biguanides are polymer compounds that disrupt the cellular activity of bacteria.These compound are found in non-chlorine products like BioGuards Softswim ® program.It is important to note that many products are not compatible and mixing them can be dangerous. Consulting with the knowledgeable chemistry people at Spartan Pools can help you to select a program that best suits your needs and to help balance cost with convenience and ease of use.
All of our programs use a 3-STEP approach to producing safe clear inviting water. Before starting a 3-step program be sure to have your water properly balanced. This sets the stage for your program to work properly and it prevents corrosion and scale from damaging your pool and equipment. The PH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and temperature all have an effect on the pool’s tendency to be corrosive or scale forming. This 3-STEP approach always starts with sanitizing to prevent bacteria. The second step requires oxidation to clarify the water. Finally, add an algaecide to help prevent unsightly algae.

The water should be tested 3-4 times a week for the variables that can change quickly (ph, total alkalinity, and oxidizer levels) plus have a complete workup after your initial fill or spring start up, then 2-3 times during the summer and again prior to fall closure. This complete testing is done by bringing a sample of your pool water into Spartan Pools, Inc. where our lab testing includes tests for those elements that do not readily change and therefore do not need to be tested as frequently. There is no charge for this in store testing.

Our hope is to educate our customers so that pool care is easy and problems are few. Our pool care guide, equipment guides, and store personnel are all valuable tools to further your education. Also each spring we sponsor a “Pool School” where customers learn and ask questions. Should a problem arise, you may need to provide information about your equipment type, brand, and model numbers. It is a good idea to organize all your literature in a common folder.

Losing Water?

Locally, Spartan Pools can do the leak detection for you from start to finish. However, if you are interested in saving time and money you can do so by completing the following testing.First, determine if the pool is losing water. This may sound odd, but it is not infrequent that customers think they have a leak but evaporation is the problem. Evaporation can account for as much as ¾” daily in our area.

First, determine if the pool is losing water. This may sound odd, but it is not infrequent that customers think they have a leak but evaporation is the problem. Evaporation can account for as much as ¾” daily in our area.

IS THE POOL LOSING WATER?

Mark the water level
Put the solar cover in place in the pool.*
Measure the water loss in 24 hours (For best results, care should be taken to avoid testing during a rain)
Initial test inches lost ______________

If the pool is shown to be losing water, perform the following test to help determine why:

First make sure that water is not dripping out of the backwash, bottom of the pump or that you have some obvious plumbing leaks. A small drip accounts for more water than what you would think.

Refill the pool to its normal water level and mark the water line.
Turn off the pump.If the pool is equipped with a timer, be sure to disable it.
Put your winter plugs into the returns and plug off the skimmer.
Shut off the valve that controls the bottom (main) drain, at the front of the pump.
Put on the solar cover to prevent evaporation.*
After 24 hours check the water level.
1. If the pool does not loose any water the problem is in the lines or filter.Call Spartan Pools at 989-792-5351 to schedule a service call to pressure test your lines.
2. If the pool continues to lose water, the problem is in the liner, main drain or possible the light. Call a diver who inspects liners and patches holes/plugs main drains.
3. If no leaks in the liner are found the diver will plug the main drain. Once this has been done you can contact have the main drain line pressure tested.

Our standard leak detection service requires the pool bottom be clean, the water clear and in good balance. There must be a minimum of 2 feet of water in the shallow end for the diver, if required.

* If you do not have a solar cover, you will have to do what is commonly called the bucket test.Place water from the pool into a 5-gallon bucket. Mark the water level in the bucket and mark the pool water level. By comparing the water loss from the bucket with the pool you should be able to determine if the loss is equal to or more than evaporation. Both the bucket and the pool will evaporate at the same rate.

Calculating Pool Volume

How many gallons are in my pool?

Knowing the volume of your pool is crucial knowledge for a pool owner. Everything from chemical doses to filter run-time is figured by the number of gallons of pool water your pool holds.

The easiest way to calculate pool volume is this:

Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier = Gallons

The Multiplier depends on your pool’s shape:

Round and Oval Pools = 5.9
Rectangle, Square, or Free-Form Pools: 7.5

Average Depth is calculated by:

(Shallowest Depth + Deepest Depth) ÷ 2 = Average depth

Water Treatment

You could be a brand new pool owner or a long time pool owner. Most importantly, you are a smart pool owner. You have decided to use Spartan Pools approved, BioGuard® products and the expertise of Spartan Pools’ pool professionals.

Pool maintenance should be as easy and painless as possible. That is why BioGuard® has developed 3 step pool care programs. Combine one of these programs with the “5 Keys” to brilliant water and you’re on your way to a brilliantly clear pool.

Key #1 Circulation/Filtration – Your pools filtration system removes debris and places your water into motion, making it harder for bacteria and algae to take hold. You should run your filtrations system a minimum of 10 hours per day – the idea is to run it 24 hours a day.
Key #2 Cleaning – All swimming pools have certain areas with little circulation. The water against the walls and floor is especially attractive to algae and bacteria. These areas should be brushed weekly, even if you use an automatic pool cleaner.
Key #3 Testing – Test your water to prevent damage and safety issues. The level of sanitizer is important in killing bacteria. Water “balance” prevents corrosion and scale. Frequent testing will help keep you and your pool happy. Most test kits and test strips provide you with the tools to test the items that are most important or most likely to quickly change. Additionally, several items are more difficult to test or require adjustment less frequently. Plan to bring a quart sample of pool water to Spartan Pools at pool opening, then every 4 to 6 weeks and again just before closing.
Key #4 Water Maintenance – Apply the recommended products to your pool water in a timely manner – to keep your pool sanitary and balanced to protect the equipment and pool surface. Ideal ranges can vary depending on sanitizer type and pool surface (vinyl/plaster/fiberglass).
Key #5 Optimize – Adding Optimizer Plus® enhances water quality, reduces eye and skin irritation, suppresses algae and creates sparkling clear pool water. Because Optimizer Plus® helps your sanitizer concentrate on its primary job, less sanitizer may be needed – a money saving situation. Please note: adding Optimizer Plus® is not one of the BioGuard® 5 keys, we feel it should be. Preliminary testimonials from our customers have all been positive.

SANITIZING

Besides crystal clear water, we know pool owners look for easy effective pool care. You can use one of the Bioguard® 3-step programs, chlorine or non-chlorine, or combine the chlorine program with Nature² to produce a low chlorine program. But what program is right for you?

A stabilized chlorine program is:

Cost effective – larger pools require more chemicals and chlorine is the low-cost leader.
More tools – if you do experience a problem, there is a multitude of tools to help correct it.

A non-chlorine program like Softswim® offers:

Gentle, effective pool care
All liquid, means no mixing, diluting or feeders are necessary
Saves, time. the application needed about every two weeks
Chlorine free, tired of heavy drums or splashing liquid chlorine on your clothing
Convenient, less testing and fewer adjustments because the application is every two weeks. The 3 products are more pool friendly. You will have the most consistent water balance of any option

Visit us at Spartan Pools, we can help you decide what is best for your pool.