1. What is chlorine-free BAQUACIL?

BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is a chlorine-free sanitizer and algistat. With BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat you won't have the harsh chlorine-related side effects including: red eyes, irritated skin, dry hair and faded swimsuits and vinyl pool liners. The active ingredient in BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is polyhexamethylene biguanide. It's so gentle it's actually used in some contact lens cleaning solutions. BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat's chemical structure makes it extremely stable. So, unlike halogen sanitizers like chlorine and bromine, BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is not effected by sunlight, temperature, and pH fluctuations.

2. If I am currently on chlorine and I decide to switch to BAQUACIL, can I use the same balance chemicals?

Yes, you can use the same balance chemicals if you are on chlorine or BAQUACIL® Sanitizer and Algistat.

3. Can I use BAQUACIL if I have a plaster pool? What about fiberglass?

Yes, the BAQUACIL Pool Care System works in all types of constructed pools. 

4. Can I use BAQUACIL if I have a DE filter? What about a sand filter? A cartridge filter?

Yes, the BAQUACIL Pool Care System may be used in pools with all different types of filters.

5. How often should I clean my filter?

Basically there are two ways to clean your filter: physically and chemically. Both physical and chemical cleaning are essential to the smooth operation of your filter. As the pool water is pulled through the skimmer and/or main drain, dirt and debris are separated from the water because they are too large to pass through the small openings in the filter. These large particles that are retained in the filter must be removed physically by: Backwashing if it's a sand filter Backwashing, bumping or draining if it's a DE filter. Hosing off it it's a cartridge filter. A good cleaning should be done if the pressure on the filter gauge is 8-10 psi above the starting pressure when the filter is clean. In addition to physically cleaning your filter, you must also chemically clean it in order to dislodge any deeply embedded particles or break up and remove any debris such as grease, oil or scale. A filter should be chemically cleaned at least twice a season (middle and end). If you are using the BAQUACIL® Pool Care System, BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER is the product to use when chemically cleaning your filter. 

6. If I go on the BAQUACIL system, what do I use to chemically clean my filter? And is this chemical safe for all types of filter?

BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER is the product to use when chemically cleaning your filter. Yes, BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER is safe to use with all filter types, simply follow label directions.

7. Is BAQUACIL compatible with all chemicals?

BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is different from ordinary chlorine- and bromine-based pool sanitizers. For that reason, many chemicals that work with one system won't work with the other. BAQUACIL Sanitizer and Algistat is not compatible with chlorine, any copper based chemical or non-chlorine shock. Always check with your Authorized BAQUACIL Dealer before adding supplemental chemicals to your pool.

8. If I want to convert to BAQUACIL, do I need to drain my pool?

No, converting your pool to the BAQUACIL Pool Care System is a very easy process. Please read Converting Your Pool To Baquacil for  the proper procedures to start your pool on the BAQUACIL Pool Care System. Don't forget to ask about our BAQUACIL Easy Start Kit, all the products you need to convert your pool to chlorine-free BAQUACIL.

9. If I convert from BAQUACIL back to chlorine, do I need to drain my pool?

No, you don't have to drain your pool. Please read Converting Your Pool To Baquacil for  the proper procedures to start your pool on the BAQUACIL Pool Care System. 

10. How long should I run my pump each day?

You should run your pump at least 8-12 hours each day.

11. If my BAQUACIL pool chemicals freeze, does this affect them? Will they still work?

If your BAQUACIL® chemicals freeze, it should not affect the way they work. Be sure to check the bottles for any damage and if there is damage, dispose of them properly following instructions on the bottles. However, if there is no damage to the bottles, let them thaw, invert the bottle two times and use them.

12. How do I get rid of undesirable odors or tastes in my pool water?

Taste and odor problems may result from excessively high chemical levels, decomposing organic debris (such as dirt and leaves), or the buildup of total dissolved solids (the total amount of solids dissolved in the water) over time. Generally, the best remedy for treating pool water that suffers from an undesirable odor or taste caused by high chemicals or total dissolved solids levels is by dilution. Replacing 1/3 to 1/2 of the pool water with fresh water should help reduce the level of total dissolved solids and/or overdosed chemicals that can cause odor and taste problems. Sometimes undesirable odors or tastes can be caused by organic decomposition. Therefore, it is important to make sure your pool's chemical levels are within their proper range and your filter is clean. It's best to chemically clean your filter twice per season with a filter cleaner such as BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER. Debris that becomes trapped in a filter can cause the water to have an undesirable odor or taste. Simply backwashing a sand or diatomaceous earth filter or "hosing off" a cartridge filter is not always effective in removing filter debris. For this reason, it is important to chemically clean your filter.

13. When the pool was opened for the season, the water was cloudy. What can be done to clear the pool?

There are different degrees of cloudy water. Pool water can range from being clear, but with a dull appearance, to water that is milky white which conceals the depth of the pool. The degree of cloudiness depends upon the amount of suspended particles present in the water. Three common causes of cloudy water are improper sanitizer/algicide levels, improper water chemistry, and mechanical problems causing poor circulation or filtration. You can have your sanitizer level and water chemistry analyzed by bringing a water sample to your local pool professional. Then, follow your pool professional's recommendations to keep your water sanitized and balanced. For proper water circulation, direct the returns toward the bottom of the pool and away from the skimmer in a circular flow pattern. In addition, make sure your pool's pump and filter are in good working condition. Remember to chemically clean your filter twice per season. Next, treat the pool with a clarifier or flocculating agent per manufacturer's recommendations. Typically, clarifiers work with the filter by helping it to remove suspended particles in the water. Flocculants help these particles fall to the bottom of the pool where they can be vacuumed to waste. While vacuuming, some of the floc may be stirred up. As a result, filter the water continuously for 24-48 hours or until the pool clears.

14. Do the pool testing chemicals have to be replaced every season?

Pool test strips, such as BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS usually last 18 months. On the label of each test strip bottle is an expiration date. Replace your strips if they have expired in order to obtain accurate readings. On the other hand consumer test kit chemicals called "reagents" must be replaced annually. Reagents that are not replaced each season may cause false test readings.

15. What are the proper maintenance techniques for a pool that is used minimally during the summer? Can it be left covered all summer long? What products can I use on a pool that sits idle during the summer?

Although pool use may be infrequent, it is easier and more cost effective in the long run to continue to maintain a pool all summer long. A pool that is not maintained even with minimal use may turn hazy and become plagued by algae and other contaminants. Once this occurs, clearing the pool can become more costly and time consuming. If you're using a chlorine-free pool care product such as BAQUACIL® Sanitizer and Algistat, you will find that the sanitizer level won't be affected by changes in temperature or sunlight. The sanitizer level should be monitored every seven days even though additions may be needed less frequently. If you are maintaining your pool using chlorine, you should monitor the sanitizer level daily because chlorine tends to be less stable and is affected by sunlight and changes in temperature. For a pool that is minimally used, it's important to continue basic housekeeping chores such as brushing the pool and cleaning the skimmer basket. However, the frequency of performing these chores will most likely be reduced due to the lack of pool use. Remember that you still need to run the filter several hours a day and backwash when necessary. You may want to use a filter timer if your pool is equipped with one so you won't need to worry about turning the pump on and off every day.