The right start can make all the difference when it comes to looking after your pool. By following these easy steps when you fill your pool, you can avoid potential problems later on.

1. If you have an outdoor pool remove any leaves or debris.
2. Brush the sides and bottom of the pool – using a soft brush on liner pools.
3. Drained concrete pools can be cleaned with a specialised cleaning agent. Liner pools should be emptied under the supervision of your pool dealer.

• There are two types of pool paint, solvent based paint (chlorinated rubber) and water based.
• Chlorinated rubber paint is more durable and as such will last several years longer than its water based equivalent. However, once you have applied paint to your pool, any future applications must always be with the same type of paint.
• Solvent based and water based paints must never be mixed!
• All pool paints come with comprehensive instructions as treatment differs depending on the pool surface (your dealer can advise you here). Remember to let the paint dry and cure thoroughly before you fill the pool.

Here are a few simple guidelines, highlighting which pool care products you should use when you fill your pool:

1. To prevent any bacteria building up, a dose of Sunspot Granular Shock or Non Chlorine Shock can be added when the pool is about half full. As a general rule dissolve granular water treatment products in a bucket of water before adding the mixture to your pool water. Stirring the water with a pool brush will ensure an even distribution.

• If you refilling your pool dose the water with Sunspot Chlorine Stabiliser/Conditioner, refer to the quantities suggested on the product packaging.
• The amount of Sunspot Chlorine Stabiliser/Conditioner you use should be kept to a minimum and will vary depending on the disinfectant you use to chlorinate the water (for advice please contact your dealer).
• Do not backwash the filter until at least 24 hours after this process to allow the product to diffuse.

2. Once the pool is full, turn on the filtration system and maintain its daily filtration requirements. (Refer to pump turnover rate) – see section on filtration.

3. Now with a water test kit you will need to test the pH. For pool water a pH value of 7.2 – 7.6 is necessary (refer to water balancing).

Do not add shock chlorine products directly to the pool water.