Make a Shopping List

If you assess your inventory situation all at once for chemicals, accessories, and any replacement parts you may need, it can save you money, especially if you are ordering online this will save you money on shipping. If you are visiting your local pool store, getting everything you need at once will save you from making multiple trips to the store for more items.

Make sure all your chemicals have been properly stored throughout the winter and have not been exposed to any moisture, if they do have an expiration date make sure it is not past. Put any chemicals that you are out of or running low on, on your list.

For your swimming pool accessories, check them and make sure that they are not broken or in need of updating as it will be much easier to replace them now than once your pool is up and running.

Check over all your parts for your equipment such as your pool filter, pump, heater, and vacuum; make sure that everything is in working order. If not, now is the best time to get any replacement parts you may need and take care of the issue prior to opening your pool.

Clean the Cover

If you cover your pool for the winter, prior to opening your cover you want to make sure it is free of standing water and debris. The easiest way to clear standing water is with a Swimming Pool Cover Pump, these small pumps sit right on top of the cover and will pump any standing water from the cover. This will make it much easier to remove and help you avoid any damage to your cover from the added weight during removal. Removing any debris such as dirt and leaves will help keep your pool clean so that the debris is not transferred into your swimming pool during cover removal.

Once you have removed you should spray it off with your hose and use a cover cleaner solvent, then let it dry fully before storing it.

Check Your Parts

Many times when closing your swimming pool for the season small plugs for your pool pump, filter, and possibly other equipment will have been removed. Ensure that all these parts are back in place prior to starting up your equipment again. You may want to do this prior to making your shopping list, just in case you are missing anything.

If your ladders, safety rails, diving board, or slide were removed for winter you will also want to reinstall that equipment and make sure everything is in proper working order.

Fill It, Clean It, Balance It

When starting your pool up your water level should be ½ to ¾ of the way up the pool skimmer opening, use your hose to bring the water to this level. Once your water level is correct, skim any debris from the swimming pool and run your pool vacuum to ensure you are starting the season with clean, debris-free water.

Depending on your pool some people will let the water circulate for 24 hours prior to balancing the chemicals in the water. In order to balance your water you will first test it with your swimming pool water test kit, or take a sample to your local pool store for testing. Once you have tested the water you want to first balance the pH level, followed by chlorine, then calcium and total hardness. After the water is balanced, you will also want to complete the initial shock treatment recommended for your sanitizer system, and your regular algaecide treatment.

If you run on a salt chlorine generator system and your water temperature is not staying constantly above 55 degrees Fahrenheit your salt system may not output correctly and you may need to add chlorine to keep proper levels until the temperature is constantly maintained allowing the salt system to output correctly.

This is not a complete guide to opening your pool for the swimming season, but an overview of the basics. Should you have further questions we recommend contacting your local pool professional, and please visit us online at www.Sunplay.com for all your parts and supply needs.

The extension was granted March 15 (the date set as the original deadline), two days after Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) introduced a bill which would prevent enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act relative to commercial pools and spas. Pool operators now have until May 15, 2012 to comply, but the time could be extended further.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, “The department will also publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a 15-day comment period on a possible six-month extension in order to allow additional time to address misunderstandings regarding compliance with these ADA requirements.”

While operators now have more time to meet the requirements, pool industry experts say the extension does not address the larger concerns raised when the DOJ issued an interpretation of the ADA Act restricting use of portable lifts.

The ruling states that ADA Title III facilities (including hotels, motels nonprofits, swim clubs and other such facilities) may use portable lifts that meet the 2010 standards only if a fixed lift is not “readily achievable.”

For Title II (municipal) facilities, the DOJ said sharing a portable lift between multiple pools is not permitted unless it would result in undue burdens to provide equipment at each one. Further, the DOJ said portable lifts must be available and operable during all hours that the pool is open to the public.

An alliance of aquatics organizations and manufacturers recently sent a letter to the DOJ requesting that the agency reconsider the interpretation, but as of press time there had been no response said New York attorney Steven Getzoff. He is representing the group, which includes the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, S.R. Smith, the National Swimming Pool Foundation, Spectrum Aquatics and Aqua Creek Products.

“We’ve been involved in the process from the get go and nowhere was it ever suggested that lifts should be fixed elements,” said John Caden. “As industry we don’t agree with [the DOJ interpretation]. It has a lot of disadvantages.”

S. 2186 was introduced by Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) on March 12. If passed, it would prohibit any official of the federal government, including the U.S. Attorney General, from enforcing the law with respect to public pools and spas.

“[The ADA for pools and spas] is another one-size-fits-all, big-government mandate that could have a negative impact on Americans,” DeMint said in a statement. “It could lead to increased litigation and heavy fines that could force pools to close or raise fees on families. Pools with public access should have the flexibility to work directly with people with disabilities to accommodate their needs.”

The ADA originally passed in 1990. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice released the Standards for Accessible Design, which specified how the law should be implemented in many arenas, including public pools and spas. A sloped entry or lift is required on most public pools, with a second means of access needed on those measuring more than 300 perimeter feet. Spas must have a lift, transfer wall or transfer system. Lifts have been the most popular choice because of their cost and the relative ease of adding them.

With the March 15 deadline for retrofitting existing pools and spas now here, time is of the essence. A DeMint staffer said that the senator will fight to gain floor consideration this week but that, with Democrat Harry Reid in charge, there is no guarantee of a vote.

It is speculated that the bill comes as a result of concerted efforts by organizations from several industries, including the pool and spa, waterpark, and hotel/motel fields. Officials from these groups tried to convince the DOJ to allow portable lifts, but the agency refused, saying that fixed lifts must be installed unless facility operators can show that doing so would not be “readily achievable” or would impose an undue burden. The Agency did not define those terms, but said lifts must be ready for use whenever the vessel is available to the public. Additionally, the DOJ said facilities cannot use a single lift to serve both a pool and spa.

Organizations and their members then reached out to Congressional representatives, hoping to enact change from a different avenue.

Though many pool and spa professionals believe some relief is needed, some question this bill’s strategy, saying they weren’t looking to completely exempt pools and spas from the ADA. “We support accessibility for people with disabilities to pools and spas,” said Steven Getzoff, legal counsel for the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and an attorney with Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer, LLP in New York. “We think that the Department of Justice’s most recent technical assistance document requires some adjustment… but we’re not suggesting we throw everything out with it. I think we fix it rather than throw it out.”

Some also question the potential effectiveness of the bill. While it would prohibit the DOJ from enforcing the accessibility standard, they believe it doesn’t address the true threats. “There was never a real possibility of DOJ enforcement — it said it was going to be complaint-driven,” said John Cox, service manager for Sparkling Pool Services Inc. in Windsor, N.J. “But the bigger problem is the states, in particular New Jersey, [that are] now enforcing this.”

He added that, because the bill doesn’t strike pool- and spa-related language from ADA standard itself, the door likely remains open for lawsuits. “We’re not worried about the DOJ knocking on our door saying, ‘You’ve got to close down your pools and spas,’” Cox said. “We’re worried about the guy who all of a sudden wants to introduce a class-action lawsuit against the Hilton.”

But others see limited options for changing the status quo. “Our attorney is still analyzing the bill, but we appreciate Senator DeMint’s effort to jump in on this,” said Kevin Maher, senior vice president for governmental affairs for the Washington, D.C.-based American Hotel and Lodging Association. “If the Department of Justice isn’t going to show any flexibility on this, we’re going to support any efforts to force DOJ to do that.”

But there is one thing people agree on — the bill is a long shot. Not only is there a Democratic majority in the Senate, but it’s an election year, meaning Congress will likely adjourn early, leaving less time for the business of legislating. “It’s a very limited window for Congress to consider any legislation,” Maher said. “They have a lot of things that they have to do, like appropriations bills, that are going to take a lot of time.

“It’s a fairly troubled and dysfunctional Congress at this point,” he added. “[So] any legislation is a difficult road to pass.”

At Sunplay, we sell a variety of different lifts. If you are looking to purchase an pool accessibility lift to bring your pool into compliance with the ADA, there are many different options available based on your pool environment, here are some to consider:

Installation

There are many different lifts available depending on the style and installation options you prefer for your pool setting.  Do you need a lift that will stay in place year-round or something that is easily removed for winter storage? Does your facility have both an in ground pool and an above ground spa that the lift will need to provide access to? Does your pool have an unusual gutter configuration that is going to cause a need for a lift with extended reach? Once you have determined the specific style and installation needs of your pool you can start shopping based on those needs.

Activation Key

With this option the lift comes with an activation key that is required to be in place before the lift can operate. The activation key prevents unauthorized use of the pool lift system. This may be a good option if your pool is in an environment with small children who may be tempted to play with it, for instance if you are a hotel, where your pool is not under constant supervision by your staff, guests who need the activation key could obtain it from your front desk but the lift would not be accessible by those who have not obtained the key.

Folding Seat

If space is an issue, or you would just like the chair to be out of the way when not in use choosing a folding seat may be a good option for your pool environment.

Arm Rests

Arm rests are an option and do not come standard on all accessibility lifts, however they are required in some states. You will want to make sure and check if they are a requirement in your state. They can also offer comfort during use for the user of the lift.

Accessories

Once you have determined which lift chair will best meet your pools needs as well as meet the requirements of the ADA, there are some accessories you may also want to consider.

• Stability Vest: These vests are designed for individuals who may be using your lift that have limited or no upper body or trunk stability by strapping the user into the chair, holding them in with extra support.
• Seat Pad: The seat pad is available to minimize friction and add comfort for the lift user.
• Covers: Available for some entire units and for just batteries, a cover will protect your investment from water splash, and all weather.
• Caddies:  Available for some models a caddy helps with handling, transporting the storing the lift unit. They double as a storage rack for the unit when the lift is not in use.

No matter what style your swimming pool is or what specific needs you and your customers have, there is an accessibility lift available for you that will not only keep you compliant with the ADA but add the option of enjoying your pool for people who may not have had it before.

Let’s start by covering how a salt chlorine generator works in your pool. A salt chlorine generator is hooked up as part of your swimming pools filtration system. The portion of the system commonly referred to as the “cell” turns regular table salt into chlorine, in a process called electrolysis as your swimming pool water is pumped through the cell by the pool pump. The salt in the water is turned into Hypochlorous acid; the same thing that is produced when any chlorine is introduced to water, no matter what form it is introduced in. As the water enters the swimming pool, it will introduce the newly produced chlorine which prevents algae, bacteria and micro-organisms. This creates a clean and safe swimming environment.

Salt Chlorine Generators are a great sanitation option for swimming pools as long as the owner is aware of everything that comes with them. Corrosion can be defined as the degradation of a material due to a reaction within its environment. Based on that definition corrosion is usually inevitable at some point, in any environment.

This means that whether you use a salt chlorine generator or not, corrosion will likely occur at some point during your pools life. However, when in water, salt acts as an electrolyte, which allows an electric current to occur. This electric current produced in salt water speeds up corrosion through oxidation reduction reactions.  Because corrosion is likely inevitable at some point, people will argue that salt does not cause corrosion which is somewhat true, but it will certainly speed up the process causing corrosion to occur much faster.

When it comes to metals all are susceptible to corrosion at some level, but there are varying degrees of susceptibility depending on their place on the Electromotive or Galvanic Series of Metals.  The following is the galvanic series for stagnant (that is, low oxygen content) in seawater / saltwater, from the top- metals that are least susceptible to corrosion, at the bottom the most susceptible. The order may change in different environments.

• Graphite
• Palladium
• Platinum
• Gold
• Silver
• Titanium
• Stainless steel 316 (passive)
• Stainless Steel 304 (passive)
• Silicon bronze
• Stainless Steel 316 (active)
• Monel 400
• Phosphor bronze
• Admiralty brass
• Cupronickel
• Molybdenum
• Red brass
• Brass plating
• Yellow brass
• Naval brass 464
• Uranium 8% Mo
• Niobium 1% Zr
• Tungsten
• Stainless Steel 304 (active)
• Tantalum
• Chromium plating
• Nickel (passive)
• Copper
• Nickel (active)
• Cast iron
• Steel
• Lead
• Tin
• Indium
• Aluminum
• Uranium (pure)
• Cadmium
• Beryllium
• Zinc plating (see galvanization)
• Magnesium

If there are two metals near each other in salt water, the one that is more reactive or most prone to corrosion will corrode first actually protecting the other metal from corrosion. For example, ship builders often put chunks of zinc next the propeller, without the zinc the steel hull would corrode quickly as it is more reactive than the bronze propeller. Since the zinc is more reactive than the steel it will do all the corroding and the hull will be protected, leaving only for the zinc chunks to need to be replaced periodically.

Similar to what the ship builders do with the zinc near the propeller of a ship, a Pool Sacrificial Zinc Anode can do the same thing for your pool.  Zinc Anodes help to protect things such as handrails, lights, equipment components etc. on your swimming pool from metal corrosion due to electrolysis. Being that zinc is very low on the list it will corrode before other metals higher on the list, this may also be something to consider if you have a copper heat exchanger or copper pipes because copper is also low on the list but with zinc being lower it should help prevent corrosion on the copper elements of your pool.

Now that the basics of salt and corrosion are covered, you are probably wondering if a salt system is right for you and your pool. The truth is they are a great option as long as you are familiar with both the ups and downs of the product and are prepared to properly care for it to avoid problems. Don’t be fooled by sales pitches that tell you that your swimming pool will be maintenance free with the addition of a salt system. A salt generator system will cut down on chemical costs of bromine or chlorine and eliminate having to add them regularly but all other water elements must still be tested and maintained on a regular basis just as they would need to be on any other system.

Acidic water caused by unbalanced pH is another common cause for sped up corrosion. When you have a salt system the combination of the salt and unbalanced pH could quickly wreak havoc on your equipment as it would provide a very fertile environment for corrosion. A common thought that cannot really be explained is that salt generators do cause pH to rise, so when using a salt chlorine generator unbalanced pH could be something you commonly have to deal with.

With the use of a chlorine generator, it is still crucial that pH be maintained at 7.4-7.6 ppm.  Many factors can affect your swimming pools pH level. This includes airborne contaminants, rain, fill water and bathers. Some chemical products can also affect the pH like sanitizers, shock treatments, chlorine salt generators, and balancing products. Since the PH changes frequently due to these and other outside factors it is recommended to test the PH level at least twice a week.

When chlorine meets water it splits into two parts, Hypochlorous Acid referred to as HOCL and Hypochlorite Ion, known as OCL. The HOCL is the fast, strong, oxidizing disinfectant. OCL is a slow and weak disinfectant. The above chart shows how pH levels affect the ratios of these two parts in your water. This is why it is so crucial to maintain proper pH to keep your sanitizer effective and your water clean. Keeping your pH properly balanced will also cut down on the likelihood of corrosion occurring due to acidic water.

The truth is no matter what system you choose for your pool there are many factors that contribute to corrosion and the best way to avoid problems is by properly maintaining your pool, its equipment, and ensuring you maintain proper water chemistry.

What is a Mineral Sanitizer?

Mineral Systems work with your pools filtration system and a low dose of chlorine to inhibit bacteria growth and eliminate contaminants in your water. Lower levels of chlorine reduce occurrences of eye and skin irritation, and chemical odor.

Mineral systems contain elements such as silver that work in conjunction with the low levels of chlorine to kill bacteria and microorganisms that can contaminate pool water. In most circumstances when using a mineral system pool owners will be able to lower chlorine levels to 0.5- 1 ppm (parts per million), which is up to 50% less than the level needed when using a traditional sanitizing system.

How Do Minerals Work?

There are several different options and brands of mineral systems available; here at Sunplay we offer both Nature2 Mineral Systems by Zodiac and Frog Minerals by King Technology. The three options we currently carry are:

Nature2 Fusion Mineral System

The Fusion system uses standard 1” chlorine tablets that are input into the dispenser along with the Duoclear Mineral cartridge, this system then takes care of dispersing both your chlorine and minerals into the water for you, keeping your water clean and clear with very little maintenance needed.

Nature2 Express Mineral System

The Express is offered in two versions, one for inground pool and the other for above ground pools. Very easy to install as it only takes one hole being drilled, with the included drill bit, then as your water flows through its normal filter cycle minerals are added and you are on your way to clean water and using far less chlorine.

Pool Frog 5400 Inground Mineral System

This Frog system includes a Cycler with control dial that allows you to manage water flow needs. With the purchase of a separate Chlorine Bac Pac, this system will dispense both your chlorine and minerals for you.

No matter which mineral system you choose, minerals are a great way to maintain clean and clear water while using fewer chemicals. This can save you money and also side effects such as eye and skin irritation, and odor that can be associated with more chlorine usage.

Choosing the right size pump for your pool is important and depends on many variables. The size of the pool, or volume of water to be circulated, is the main consideration for choosing a pump. If the pump is too small, it will not move enough water through the filtering system to keep the water clean. Another important consideration is the size of the piping that the water flows through. If the piping is too small to provide proper flow, the pump may overheat and wear out prematurely. Piping that is too big for the pump would result in slowing the flow through the filters which will be less efficient, and the result would be a dirtier pool. These considerations wouldn’t just have effects on the pool system, but could also effect a pool owner’s bill.

Sunplay offers a variety of swimming pool pumps that provide various flow capacities to help meet the needs of swimming pool owners for their pool. The amount of gallons of water that the pump must pull through the filtering system each hour will help determine the size of the pump needed. Pool owners will help save on their electric bill if they choose the right size pump for their pool. Positioning the pump closer to the water source that it is pumping will also help to reduce operating costs. A pool pump that is located in a pool house away from the swimming pool will have to use more energy to work as it pulls the water through the system.

Many companies are mindful of their consumers in this struggling economy, and are offering more energy efficient pool pumps. Sunplay cares about it’s customers as well, and offers energy efficient pool pumps for great prices. An energy efficient pool pump consumes up to 50% less energy than an older pool pump which could save a pool owner hundreds of dollars per year. The energy efficient pump systems also offer a quieter operating system and extended motor life. Also available are systems that are programmable which helps the pool owner have more control over setting pool tasks. Therefore, minimum flow requirements for the filtering, heating, and cleaning of the pools could help save even more money for the pool owner in the long run.

Another thing to consider when choosing a swimming pool pump is the feature of operating at variable speeds. Some pumps offer a low or high speed option, while other pumps offer variable speeds. Both pumps can offer the same horse power output, but one running on a set speed can end up using more energy than a pump operating at a variable speed because the variable speed pump can be controlled to run a little faster, or a little slower. Keep in mind that running a pump for 12 hours on low speed can circulate the same amount of water as running a pump for 4 hours on high speed.

Having a dirty filter housing could effect the pumps efficiency as well, so you’ll want to be sure and maintain that area.

Utility companies support energy efficient pool pumps by offering rebates to consumers who purchase them.  It would be worth calling your local utility company to see if they have any rebates available for your area before purchasing your swimming pool pump.

Sunplay offers  many styles of swimming pool slides that can fit any family lifestyle and personality. The hard part of buying a swimming pool slide is mostly choosing which style is best for you. Each slide offers a unique style of fun, and is easy to maintain. With less maintenance, you’ll have more time to enjoy the slide.

For swimming pool owners who are interested in landscaping their pool area, the Big Ride slide would  be the perfect choice to help you get started with that. It stands over 5′ tall, and is 17′ of thrill sliding into your pool. Not only fun for kids, but exciting for adults as well. Another slide option that brings the amusement park to your home is the Turbo Twister which stands over 8′ tall, and offers dips and curves. There is also the Typhoon which stands over 7′ at the top of the handrails and is a newer addition to a contemporary line of slides.

The Rocket Ride is 6′ to the top of the handrails, and just under 5′ of sliding fun. It has a low-profile, compact design, and offers a sturdy open aluminum ladder. On the other hand, the Aquablast stands 6′ to handrails as well, and is also just under 5′ of slip and slide fun, yet offers an enclosed ladder. Both the Rocket Ride and the Aquablast are perfect intermediate slides for those kids who have outgrown the smaller slides.

All of the slides that Sunplay offers come in a variety of colors and textures which blend in with your backyard decor. They are able to hold up to 250lbs of weight, or more, at a time, and they offer a great water delivery system to help your slide have more slip to it. Each slide fully complies with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Safety Standard for swimming pool slides. Each slide also gives you a choice of which curve would suite your swimming pool better. They either turn left or right.

Once you have made the tough choice on which style, texture, curve, and color you’d like; the next step would be to decide on whether you’d like a self-contained water delivery system, or a separate pump. Hooking up your backyard hose to a water line is an easy way to help your slide give you the glide you’d like. Installing a water pump system would take the hassle out of dealing with a hose, but may end up being costly for pool owners with existing pools since it would require having to tear up your pool deck to install it.

Make sure you measure the space around your pool deck before installing your slide to be sure that there is ample amount of room. Installation of a pool slide can be done by the swimming pool owner with a proper anchor and tools, but most pool specialists would recommend installing it themselves so as to be sure it is done correctly. If, by chance, something is missed during installation, it could end up costing much more than money.

Be sure and maintain your pool slide by watching for loose bolts, wear and tear, and rust. Washing your pool slide often with warm soapy water will help remove the chemicals and debris from the slide that can add some wear too it. This simple act will help keep your slide healthy, and will support the endurance of the slide so that your family can enjoy it for many years.

As with anything pool related, you’ll want to be sure and establish some rules on what the proper use of the slide is before using it. Not only establish those rules, but follow them. Watch children closely. Preventing accidents, and having a safe environment  will aid in the overall enjoyment of having your swimming pool slide.

Most water testing kits come with a comparator which is a color chart that the water tester can compare color results to that determine whether chemicals need to be adjusted at that time. The cost of a water testing kit depends on the extent of chemicals the pool owner wants to check, as well as how much effort the pool owner wants to put into testing the chemicals.The basic chemicals that can be checked with a water testing kit are  chlorine/bromine, alkalinity, and pH. Some kits also offer tests for calcium hardness and cyanuric acid.

For the swimming pool owner who doesn’t have the time to worry about exact color results, many test kits offer a digital reader which does the work for them. Simply fill a vial with water, add your reagent, and the digital reader will tell you what needs to be adjusted at that time, if anything.  Digital readers can add to the cost of a test kit , but  could be saving more for the pool owner in the long run since unbalanced water could ultimately damage parts of the swimming pool system causing a need for replacing parts.While checking color tests manually to a comparator works just fine, human error is always a possibility when reading results. Some test result colors look very similar and may cause a bit of confusion for the person testing the water.  Digital readers take the work and wonder out of your chemical results.

Before purchasing one of the many chemical test kits that Sunplay has to offer, decide how much time can be invested in testing your chemicals. Sunplay recommends testing your chemicals at least twice a week. Do you have the patience for adding exact drops of reagents to the water vials? Is pushing a test tab through foil and into a water filled vial an easier option?  Or do you prefer simply dipping a test strip in the water and waiting for the results to appear?

Another thing to consider is which chemicals you are concerned about enough to check, and whether you have the confidence and patience to compare colors yourself to the comparator.  Would you prefer and trust a digital reader doing it for you?

Once you have decided on these factors, then the cost of purchasing a chemical test kit should be an easy choice. Sunplay offers the best prices around. Each test kit offers individual test replacements for certain reagents, test strip, or tabs needed which helps save cost as well. For example, if you need to test your pH level and have run out of reagent, simply reorder a reagent for pH as opposed to a whole new kit.

Having clean and safe water to swim in and enjoy is the ultimate goal, as well as having a healthy and safe swimming pool system.

Sunplay offers a variety of chemical test kits (Liquid, tablet, and test strip) to help a swimming pool owner be sure that his/her chemicals are well balanced. Choosing which test kit to use is as individual as the person who is going to use it. Each type of water test kit offers accurate results as long as they are used properly. The basic chemicals that can be tested with a kit are the sanitizer level (bromine, chlorine, or salt), the pH level, and alkalinity level of the swimming pool.

A liquid reagent is a substance that is added to a system in order to bring about a chemical reaction, or added to see if a reaction occurs. Liquid kits require measuring samples and counting a certain amount of drops of reagent. If the person doing the test isn’t careful with their measurements or counts, the results may not be very accurate.

Test strips work well and are easy to use. Pool owners would just need to dip a strip into the water at elbow length, and then read the results on the strip after waiting for at least 30 seconds to allow the colors to appear.

Tablets come in packages which make it easy for a person to push through foil to get out, and disperse into a test tube containing water from the swimming pool. Once the tablet dissolves it will change the color of the water which will indicate whether anything needs to be adjusted at that time.

Each type of chemical testing kits comes with a color chart to compare the results to, either done manually or digitally, which will indicate whether any type of chemical should be adjusted at that time. If stored in a cool and less humid area, each kit should have a shelf life for up to 2 years.

In order to be sure that the chemicals in your residential pool are well balanced, Sunplay recommends checking them at least two times a week. A pool owner should check it more often if the swimming pool is being used more than usual. The best time to test your chemicals is at dusk when the water has had time to settle from use of the day. It is best to not check the chemicals of your swimming pool water on a stormy day, or a day where the lawn has been mowed as the results could be inaccurate. If ever in doubt of your results, wait a few hours and test the water again. If you need to add chemicals then it is best to recheck the chemical balance of your water at least 6 hours later, and certainly before the swimming pool is to be used again so as to be sure it is safe.