Discover the important factors you need to take into account to enjoy a pleasant swimming season! It all starts with a water test, which you can do at home, either with test strips or a semi-professional water test kit.

It is important to check that the pH of your water is as neutral as possible to ensure the effectiveness of the products. Keep it between 7 and 7.4.

You should also check the water hardness. We recommend that you keep the hardness between 200 ppm and 300 ppm.

Filtration plays a major role in the maintenance of your pool. Clean the sand with Calypso Eco Pure every season and change it every 4 to 5 years.

It is recommended to test your water at the beginning of the season and once a month thereafter. In addition, it is recommended that you test your water weekly at home for chlorine and pH.

The size of your pool depends on several factors, including the space you have available and your budget. We will guide you to the model that will best suit your needs.

Whether your pool is inground or above ground, there are several safety standards that must be met.

1 Fence in your pool. Fences and
gates are a must to limit pool
access. Not only do they keep the
neighbours out, but they also
create a barrier between the pool
and your home. Fences must be at
least 1.2 metres high at all points,
measured from the ground or the
highest step that a child could
access.

2. Install safety devices (spring
hinges and latches) on all the
doors along the fence to make
sure they are self-closing and
self-locking. Locks must be
beyond a child’s reach.

3. For above-ground pools, choose
a safety ladder equipped with a
self-locking gate. These are safer
than removable ladders, which
we can forget to remove after
going for a swim.

4. Make sure there are no electrical
hazards, such as electrical wires,
outlets or other electrical devices,
around the swimming area.

5. Place your filter system and all
other equipment or objects
(furniture, flower pots, etc.) more
than one metre away from the
pool.

6. Clean up after pool time. Children
may be tempted to reach in for
toys left floating in the pool. This
could put them in great danger.

7. Keep lifesaving equipment (such
as a safety ring with a rope, a
floating object, a life jacket or a
pole) near the pool.

8. Don’t forget about other useful
safety equipment, like safety
covers.

9. Follow applicable regulations.
Find out about the regulations in
your area.

10. If you install an in-ground pool
with a diving board, we strongly
recommend seeking the advice
of a professional to ensure
compliance with all the safety
and installation standards.

If it is very hot outside, it is normal for the water level to drop a little each day. But evaporation losses are usually small. Mark the water level and check how many centimetres your pool loses each day. If the water level drops more than a few, your pool may be leaking.

Before getting started, our specialists will help you determine the ideal location for your project, taking into account the amount of sunlight, the slope of your land and applicable urban planning regulations.

There are several reasons for cloudy water.

• Unbalanced water. This can be caused by a long period of swimming or after a heavy rain.

• Poor filtration resulting in the formation of organic residues floating in the water.

• Too much chlorine in the water.

The closing date for a pool, whether inground or above ground, varies depending on where you live. Ideally, a pool should be closed between the beginning and end of October, just before the first frost. Note that closing a pool in slightly colder temperatures prevents the proliferation of algae and keeps the water clear all winter.

When you close the pool in late October, the water level of the pool, whether inground or above ground, should be about halfway up the wall.

A shock treatment is an effective way to rapidly boost the chlorine level in your pool. A shock treatment is performed for several reasons:

• After the first filling of the pool

• When opening the pool in the spring

• When algae or bacteria are present and spreading

• After many swimmers have been in the pool

• When the pool is closed in the fall

There are different ways, but the most effective is to use the pool pump itself. First, you need to make sure that the pump is only fed by the bottom drain. Note that it is not usually recommended to drain a pool completely.

Follow these simple steps to enjoy a full season of crystal-clear water.

Step 1: Opening

First things first. A great pool season starts with properly opening your pool in the spring. It’s recommended to get it done as soon as the water is all thawed out. Once the filter is connected, fill up the pool and start the pump to get the water moving around.

Remove as much dirt and debris as possible using the vacuum (vacuum head attached to the telescopic pole connected to the skimmer using a hose). If you have a sand filter, you’ll have to set your filter to the drain position to vacuum.

Add water, as needed. It’s important to let the system run for at least 4 hours before taking a water sample for testing. If you can’t do it right away, add some chlorine.

Step 2: Balancing

Balancing is an important step to maintain water quality. Balancing pH, alkalinity and hardness is key to protecting your equipment, having great water for swimming and allowing your sanitizer to work properly. Once everything is balanced, adding stabilizer will help protect against chlorine evaporating because of the sun.

Step 3: Upkeep routine

There are several types of sanitizers for daily upkeep. The one you choose depends on your needs, how much you use your pool and your schedule. Granular chlorine must be added every night, while pucks can be added two or three times a week. To make sure your water stays clear, stick to your sanitizing routine and do a home water test every morning.

All-in-one weekly kits (Kool Kit) are great for maintaining water quality. They’re made to make your life easier. Another good thing about them is that they maintain a steady level of product in the water. And if you go on holidays, your water won’t turn on you!

Step 4: Filtration and circulation

Water filtration and circulation are essential. It’s not recommended to completely shut off the pump because the products need to circulate to work properly. Also, make sure to do a backwash from time to time to ensure an optimal performance for your filter, and to clean out the filter cartridge if you have one.

Step 5: Closing

When the pool season comes to an end, the last step is closing the pool. Make sure to do it as late as possible. Thanksgiving weekend is usually a good time. If you close your pool too early, you could have trouble balancing your water come spring. Also, if it rains, the water level will be too high, which can cause problems during the winter months.