A very important aspect of swimming pool maintenance is the water‘s pH value. It affects everything about the water.
The first step is always to check the pH value.

Ideal pH value: 7.0-7.4
Testing Method: Use tester to determine the pH level (for example test sticks or pool tester).

Your pool should be a safe and healthy place to relax, which means the water must be clear and hygienic. Small particles of dirt, germs and bacteria are constantly carried into it by the environment. Bacteria multiply considerably in water above 20°C, so in order to prevent this we use so-called oxidants in different forms.

Disinfectants include chlorine, active oxygen and bromine-based products. Disinfectants must be added to your pool water on a continual basis. The amount of disinfectant required depends on the water temperature and degree of contamination. Higher dosages are needed for warm water and pools exposed to strong solar irradiation. Furthermore, the more often your pool is used the more contaminants such as leaves, grass, sunscreen and hair are carried into
your pool water.

Shock treatment may be necessary if you have just filled your pool with water or if you are dealing with specific problems (see also “troubleshooting”). Shock treatment means adding a higher dosage in order to kill algae or oxidise metals. Algicides are not capable of killing algae, they are for preventative care only.

The following is a short description of the different disinfection methods:

Chlorine Method
Ideal chlorine value: 0.6-1.0 mg/l
For shock treatment as well as for continuous treatment fast- dissolving chlorine products such as Chlorine Rapid Granules or Chlorine Rapid Tablets are available. In addition, there are slow-dissolving chlorine products available (Chlorine Maxi Tabs or Chlorine Multi Tabs) which provide a continuous release of chlorine.

Active Oxygen Granules
Ideal O2-value: 5–10 mg/l
Oxygen method disinfectants should always be used in
combination with an algicide. This increases its effectiveness
considerably. We recommend carrying out shock treatment every two months.

Bromine
Ideal bromine value: 1-2 mg/l

Algae are micro-organisms that serve as a culture medium for bacteria. In order to ensure that your pool water is clean and hygienic it is essential to keep the water free of algae. Especially outdoors, using chlorine or peroxides alone is no guarantee.

In children’s pools and pools with counter-current systems we recommend using foam-free algicides (such as Algicide Special) only. Pool water in pools which are not taken down during the winter require special winter protection in order to prevent algae and limescale formation (Algicide Winteriser).

Some dirt particles (colloids) are so small that they are not caught by the sand filter. To get rid of them we use flocculants. These increase the effectiveness of the filter. Even the smallest impurities stick to the flocs or are taken up by them. The result is crystal-clear water. Flocculants can be used as a preventative measure.

In pools with sand filters you can use both, Flocculant Liquid and Flocculant Cartridges.

If you do have a pool with a cartridge filter use flocculants very carefully in order to avoid filter blockages. Use Flocculant Liquid only, switch your filter off and measure the quantity very carefully. Let flocculants sink to the bottom of the pool. Remove by using a ventury cleaner.

The Planet Pool line includes a professional cleaning system. Avoid household cleaners as they often contain phosphates which nurture algae growth or detergents which can cause foam.

Water Line Cleaner is excellent for removing dust and dirt as well as fat and grime on tiles and plastics. Stain & Scale Remover cleans limescale and encrustation. It removes algae and brown marks caused by the mineral content of the water. Leaf rakes, skimmers, brushes and vacuum units are available for clearing away larger waste material. These ease the pressure on the filters and protect the environment.

For that special bathing experience we recommend
Aquascent Fragrance for water in four different fragrances: coco-vanilla, strawberry, citronella, pine.

	For all pools: The product „Starter Set Pool Water Treatment“ can be used Testing Method: Use test sticks to determine the pH and O2 level. pH Adjustment - pH Reducer Granules Ideal pH value: 7.0-7.4 If pH value > 7.4 use pH Reducer Granules to lower the pH level. If pH value < than 7.0 the pH value should be increased with pH Increaser (not included in the set as not necessary in most cases).
	Dosage: 150 g (= 5.29 ounces) per 10000 l will lower the pH value by approx. 0.2 units
	Directions: Pre-dissolve granules in a bucket of water. Walk around the sides of the pool adding the pH Reducer as you go.
	Disinfection (Oxygen Method) - Active Oxygen Granules Ideal O2-value: 5–10 mg/l
	Dosage : Start of season and shock treatment : 200 g (= 7.05 ounces) per 10 000 l of pool water. Long-term-treatment : 75 g (= 2.65 ounces) per 10 000 l of pool water - Always use Active Oxygen Granules in combination with Algicide Special. This will increase its effectiveness considerably. - Check the pH level before use. Correct the pH value at least 3 hrs before adding Active Oxygen Granules. Active Oxygen Granules slightly increases the pH value.
	Directions: Walk around the sides of the pool adding as you go.
	Algae Control - Algicide Special
	Dosage : Start of season : 100 ml (= 3.52 ounces) per 10 000 l Long-term-treatment : 50 ml (= 1.76 ounces) per 10 000 l
	Directions : Walk around the sides of the pool adding as you go.

A note about handling chemicals
In order to ensure safe use of our products you should keep the following points in mind:
* All chemicals must be kept in a safe place where they are not accessible to children or unauthorised persons.
* The various chemicals should never be mixed in concentrated form. Only use suitable containers for pre-mixing with water. Always put the chemical into the water, never the other way round.
* All chemicals should be stored in a cool dry place in their original packaging. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.