Swimming Pool
Care Guide
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Swimming Pool |
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Table
of Contents
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INTRODUCTION | ||||||
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Morgan swimming pools can provide years of pleasurable activity for the entire family. Nothing beats a backyard pool for summer fun, relaxation and recreation. Before you pool owners can enjoy yourselves, you'll need to know a few basic facts about maintaining your Morgan swimming pool. This booklet will provide new Morgan pool owners valuable information about keeping your pool clean, clear and safe. For those of you already enjoying a backyard pool, the guide will serve as a quick refresher and make swimming pool maintenance less work for you and your family. There are two
essentials for proper pool
maintenance: |
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| functioning properly, the chemical treatment will rid the pool of
bacteria, viruses, algae and organics. This will ensure that your pool is
safe and comfortable for swimming. Remember, the best filter system cannot
keep a pool in good condition if the water's chemical balance is not
correct. Likewise, the proper chemical balance will not keep pool water
sparkling clear if the filter system is not operating properly.
The first fact that any pool owner needs to know is the pool's gallon capacity. Below is a chart of the Morgan pools and their gallons. Check the chart for the size pool you have and note the proper gallons.
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To figure the gallons in any other pool, measure the length X the width X the average depth X the factor. Factors Rectangular Pool 7.5 Circular or Round Pool 5.9 Oval Pool 5.9 |
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| POOL CARE BASICS
Water Testing Pool water samples should always be taken away from pool inlets and from as far below the surface as possible. The test container, if used, should be rinsed several times with the water to be tested. After a representative pool water sample has been secured, analyze the findings by following the directions on your test kit or strips. You will then be able to treat the pool water according to the chemical needs discussed. Chlorination* | ||||
| chemical according to label directions. Again there
are many types of chlorine compounds available. We recommend Morgan
Prevail Automatic Chlorinator for Morgan Pools.
*Pool Purifier | ||||
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| pH
Control pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity in a given solution. pH values range from 0 to 14, with a value of 7 being neutral. A pH of less than 7 indicates an acid solution, while a value greater than 7 means the solution is alkaline or basic. Consult the chart below for a better understanding of pH values. |
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| You'll notice the chart indicates that the pH of your pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8. It is extremely important that your pool's pH be in this ideal range. Low pH values indicate your pool water is corrosive and may damage the pool and pool equipment. You may notice rapid dissipation of chlorine | |||||||
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| High pH values can inhibit chlorine activity and
result in scaling, staining, cloudy pool water as well as eye and skin
irritation. To lower pH, add Morgan pH Down. After adding it
directly to the pool water, wait two hours before testing again.
You should never mix any chemicals together before adding them to the pool; and always read and follow label directions. Bicarbonates, carbonates and hydroxides act as buffering agents to limit abrupt and significant changes ina pool's pH. Total Alkalinity is the measured amount of these alkaline materials in your pool water. The ideal range for Total Alkalinity is 80-120 ppm. Keeping TA in the ideal range will make it much easier to control pH and keep pH values in the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8. If total alkalinity is low, pH bounce can become a real problem. You may notice abrupt changes in pH occurring upon the addition of small amounts of chemicals. If you discover total alkalinity is low, add Morgan Total Alkalinity Increaser directly to the pool water. One and one half pounds will raise total alkalinity10 ppm in 10,000 gallons of water. |
If total alkalinity is high, pH tends to be high
also. Lowering Total Alkalinity is more complicated than raising TA and
may take a few days or even a few weeks, so be patient. To lower TA, you
must add small amounts of Morgan pH Down over a longer period of
time. Two and one half pounds of Morgan pH Down will lower total
alkalinity approximately 11 ppm in 10,000 gallons of water. When lowering
total alkalinity, you must never let the pH go below 7.0. Use Morgan pH
Up to raise the pH if it gets too low. Allow a few hours of
circulation and retest.
Hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium, magnesium and other minerals in the pool water. Hardness is generally measured as calcium hardness because calcium usually accounts for the greater portion of dissolved minerals in swimming pool water. Low levels of calcium hardness may result in corrosive water, which can corrode equipment, fittings, metal pipe and fixtures. High levels of calcium may cause cloudy water, staining and scaling. In addition, calcium deposits in heater and pool pipes may substantially reduce Circulation. Ideal ranges for calcium hardness in a Morgan pool is 100-275 ppm. |
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| To raise calcium hardness about 10 ppm, add one and one half pounds of Morgan Calcium
Hardness Increaser per 10,000 gallons. To lower calcium hardness, drain a portion of the pool water, refill and add Morgan Stain and Scale Preventer. The chlorine compound used to sanitize your
pool will dissipate somewhat quickly due to the effects of sunlight on
your pool. Conditioner (cyanuric acid) chemically shields chlorine
from the sun's ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the rate of chlorine
loss up to four times. Since conditioner itself is not lost to sunlight,
nor is it affected by chemical activity in the pool, conditioner will
leave the pool only when pool water is removed. out the pool season. A minimum of 20 to 30 ppm of conditioner should always be present. Maxi- mum efficiency is reached at 50 ppm, and you will be able to approach that level when you are using Morgan Prevail Automatic Chlorinator since it contains built-in conditioner. |
2 to 2 1/2 pounds of Morgan Conditioner per 10,000
gallons of water will provide the minimum
levels required. Although conditioner is completely soluble and leaves no
residue, it is very slow to dissolve. The best way to add Morgan
Conditioner is to backwash the filter and, with the pump running, add
a portion of the required amount slowly into the skimmer. Repeat the
procedure every other day until the required amount of conditioner has
been added. Do not backwash the filter for a least 24 hours after the last
addition of conditioner. Filter pressure gauge reading will rise but will
go down slowly as material dissolves. Levels of conditioner over 100 ppm serve no purpose in prolonging the life of chlorine and may actually inhibit its activity. If conditioner levels exceed 100 ppm, drain a portion of the pool water and refill with enough fresh water to dilute the conditioner to well below the 100 ppm level. |
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| Super Chlorination and Shock Treatment Periodically, your pool will accumulate swimmer wastes such as perspiration, urine, suntan lotion and other organic materials. An extra dose of chlorine will take care of these contaminants as well as resistant strains of algae and bacteria. Superchlorination involves adding enough Morgan Pool Shock or Q Tabs to bring the free available chlorine level to 5 ppm. Shock treatment with Morgan Pool Shock or Q Tabs brings the level to 10 ppm. Super chlorination or, if needed, shock treatment should be performed once per week in hot weather or when the pool is in use a great deal. In cooler weather, you should only need to superchlorinate every other week. Constant levels of chlorine residuals will generally keep your pool clear and clean. While most swimmers are safe in pools containing higher chlorine levels, it is a good idea to wait until the chlorine level drops below 3 ppm. The smell of chlorine in a swimming pool means the chlorine has become tied up with another substance and is inactive. To free these tied up molecules, shock the pool. Remember, if you can smell chlorine, you need to add Morgan Pool Shock or Q Tabs. |
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| OPENING YOUR POOL
Opening your pool correctly is quite important. This is a step-by-step checklist to help you do it right. Following the procedures outlined here will help you enjoy your pool to the fullest. A) Remove Your Morgan Pool Cover Remove standing water and
debris from your Morgan Pool cover itself. The cover should be cleaned and
dried thoroughly before it is put away. This will help fight mildew,
stains, odor and sticking. The cover should be folded and stored in a
clean, dry place away from sunlight and excessive heat. B) Check Water Level If the water level is below the middle of the skimmer face, fill to the proper level. With your leaf skimmer, remove any floating debris. |
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| C) Check Filtration System
Make sure all mechanical equipment is operating properly. Check for leaks in exposed piping, tighten fittings or repair as needed. Start the pump/filter and vacuum your pool if necessary. D) Test the Water After running the filter for several hours, test the water with your test kit or strips. The most important tests to perform are those for chlorine and pH. It is a good idea to purchase fresh supplies for your test kit each season from Morgan to avoid possible inaccurate readings. Incorrect additions of chemicals to your pool water could be wasteful and costly. |
E) Add Chemicals
Based on the readings of your test kit, add the necessary chemicals to pool water. Remember to follow the directions on the Morgan product's label and add chemicals according to your pool's capacity. |
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| ROUTINE MAINTENANCE | ||||
| Once your Morgan pool has been opened, it is crucial
that you keep it in the best condition possible.
During the summer season, pool water can be affected by a variety of factors. Rain, wind, hot and humid weather, plus heavy usage can affect chlorine and pH levels. It is very important to test water often so you can determine what to add to your pool to keep it clean and crystal clear. Your filter should be run as much as necessary to keep the pool clear. Superchlorinate according to the directions in the previous section. As outside conditions change, so too will your Morgan pool's needs. Be aware of this by correcting small problems before they become big ones and you will enjoy your pool throughout the swimming season. |
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| EQUIPMENT CARE
Taking care of your Morgan pool and equipment is easy. Regular maintenance will make your vinyl liner and equipment last longer and run better VINYL LINER POOL 1. Maintain proper water balance: pH at 7.2 to 7.6 range, Total Alkalinity at 80 to 120 ppm and Calcium Hardness at 100 to 275. 2. Use Morgan Chlorine Tablets to maintain a chlorine residual between 1.0 and 1.5 ppm. 3. Avoid using muriatic acid to lower the pH. It could attack the pattern of the liner. Use Morgan pH Down. 4. Use Morgan Metal Out Plus to prevent metals and calcium buildup in equipment. A maintenance dose of Morgan Metal Out Plus should be added monthly per label instructions. 5. Avoid the use of metal cleaning objects such as wood, sharp bristled brushes, kitchen cleaning pads, etc. To clean your vinyl liner use Morgan Scum Out for Pools. |
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| PUMP AND FILTER
Completely read the pump and filter equipment manual that came with your Morgan pool. 1. Clean the pump strainer and skimmer baskets regularly. 2. Backwash the filter according to the detailed instructions in the manual. Use Morgan Liquid Sand Filter Wash to clean the sand in your filter. This product removes hardened deposits from the sand filter media and restores filter efficiency. 3. Pay particular attention to the warnings and cautions in the pump and filter manual. 4. Winterize your pump and filter according to the manual's instructions. Winterize the pool water with a Morgan Winterizing Kit. |
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| CLOSING AND WINTERIZING | ||||
| Spring opening will go more smoothly if you take
proper care in readying your pool for winter. You should again follow
procedures described in your Morgan pool owner's manual, but these steps
should serve as a guide and may save you time, work and money when you
reopen your pool in the spring.
Adjust the pH. Make sure your water is in the 7.2 to 7.8 range. Superchlorinate with Morgan Pool Shock and add Morgan Algaecide. This will eliminate any contaminants still in the water and help protect your pool from algae and bacteria build-up during the winter months. Run your pump for a few hours periodically, if you leave it hooked up. Brush the walls and vacuum the pool. Clean sides of the pool near the water line with Morgan Scum Out for Pools. Remove the ladder and other metal objects from the pool. Backwash the filter thoroughly using Morgan Liquid |
Sand Filter Wash. Pump down the pool water to
below the bottom of the skimmer.
The pump will run dry when there is no water in the skimmer, so keep checking it and turn off the pump as soon as there is no water in the skimmer. Drain water from pump, filter, hoses and/or pipes to protect from freezing. Remove equipment and store. Keep from freezing. Winterize your Nature2 natural mineral purifier according to instructions in owner's manual. (Remove cartridge and dispose in household trash, allow water to drain from purifier housing.) Cover your pool with your Morgan pool cover. Your Morgan pool cover should keep most leaves, dirt and other debris out of the pool for the winter and make spring opening easier. Air bags may be used to form a tent-like cover to keep the cover from sinking into the pool because of the weight of the water. |
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| SAFETY TIPS
Accidents can spoil the enjoyment of your pool; so, always use common sense and observe safety rules. Some may seem obvious, but obeying them will ensure a full season of swimming fun. |
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NO DIVING IN A MORGAN POOL
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| l Do not allow any
running or horseplay around the pool.
l Keep any electrical appliances away from pool area. Make sure all electrical equipment and conduits are properly protected. l Always make sure non-swimmers are supervised. Keep a life hook with pole ready for emergencies. |
l Keep a
well-stocked first aid kit handy, but out of reach of children. Make sure
your first aid kit includes instructions for artificial respiration
(CPR).
l Keep glassware and breakable objects away from your pool area. l Insist on careful use of water toys. Keep pool deck free of objects. |
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| CHEMICAL SAFETY
Swimming pool chemicals
are a necessity for proper pool maintenance and, when handled correctly,
are safe and easy to use. Incorrect or careless handling of chemicals may
result in problems. Observe the following guidelines for safe chemical
use. l KEEP CHEMICALS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. l Avoid contact with all chemicals. Should contact occur, or if chemicals are accidentally swallowed, follow advice on Morgan labels and immediately call a doctor, 911 or your local Poison Control Center. l Do not smoke near chemicals. |
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| l ALWAYS ADD CHEMICALS TO
WATER, NEVER ADD WATER TO CHEMICALS. For chemicals requiring
measurement, use a clean, dry scoop. Never interchange scoops or place a
wet scoop back in a container.
l Always add chemicals sepa- rately and according to label directions. l Avoid getting chemicals on your lawn or shrubbery. In case of spills, dispose of safely. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up chemical spills. l ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. |
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| GLOSSARY
DRY ACID (MORGAN pH DOWN) A granular material
that lowers pH and Total Alkalinity in
swimming pools. BACTERIA CHLORAMINES and chlorine odor. CHLORINE DEMAND CHLORINE RESIDUAL MORGAN CONDITIONER |
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| chlorine from loss to sunlight. Morgan
Conditioner may be added to the pool via the skimmer. pH The measure of acidity or alkalinity of pool water. The ideal range of pH values is from 7.2 to 7.8. Improper pH levels may affect the effectiveness of the chlorine and cause swimmer discomfort. PPM SCALE SODA ASH (MORGAN pH UP) SUPERCHLORINATION/SHOCK
TREATMENT TOTAL ALKALINITY |
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MORGAN PROBLEM SOLVING GUIDE
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| If you should encounter any water problems,
call 1-800-446-3107 and ask for the "Morgan Chemical
Representative."
For assistance with any water chemistry problems regarding the Nature2 purifier, call 1-800-YES-PURE (937-7873) EXT 36. |
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Corporate Offices
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