Pool Frog Chemicals – Frequently Asked Questions

Bromine may be used with our Spa Frog Mineral Systems as this sanitizer works well with minerals in a hot water environment. It may also be used in our Perform-Max bulk feeders for swimming pools. Currently, we are not recommending the use of bromine with our Pool Frog Mineral Systems.

Weekly shocking is typically recommended for pools or spas with more frequent usage or abnormally hot weather.

Bromine is an effective spa sanitizer because it dissolves slower in hot water; is less odorous and less corrosive than chlorine and regenerates itself every time you shock the spa.

For above ground pools, add a stabilizer or conditioner if the level is below 20 ppm. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Algaecides are also helpful. For spas, clarifiers can be helpful for occasional cloudy water.

• The pump: Ideal gallons per minute are 20-60 gpm (gallon per minute). Pools over 80 gpm should use a special installation.
• The filter: If it is clogged, circulation through the sanitizer product will be poor. Return fittings: If back-pressure is not within 4-8 psi, over or under chlorination will occur. Change the return jet eyeball size to correct this.
• An in-floor cleaner: These cause pressure spikes in the plumbing that could result in cap cracks or over-chlorination. Special installations are required for this.

Ionizers due to the duplication of minerals and biguinides like Baquacil that are not compatible with chlorine or bromine.

Industry standards for chlorine in pools are 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. For spas, bromine should be 2.0 to 4.0 ppm and chlorine 3.0 to 5.0 ppm. When using Frog minerals, chlorine use is reduced to 0.5 ppm for pools and chlorine or bromine can be reduced to 1.0 ppm in spas.

Use a chlorine shock at start-up. Using a non-chlorine shock with Frog minerals will keep the chlorine level down in the pool or spa. However chlorine shock is ok to use as well. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Total chlorine is the total amount of chlorine in the water. When chlorine binds up with contaminants it forms a compound called chloramines that are still part of the total but no longer effective. The chlorine that is still active to remove contaminants is known as free. When the chloramine level is higher than the free chlorine level (subtract free number from total), you will need to shock the water.

Whenever your water looks hazy or cloudy, it is full of various particles that clarifiers bind together so they are large enough to be removed by your filter. Shocking the spa can also take care of this process.

Strong, smelly chlorine odor means you have chloramines, organic by products of chlorine oxidizing sweat, urine and other contaminants. Ridding the spa or pool of chloramines demands a shock treatment (Either chlorine or non-chlorine shock).

Call the King Technology Customer Service Department at 800-222-0169 or your local dealer.

Yes. Landscaping chemicals often contain nitrates that consume chlorine and make it difficult to maintain the proper sanitation levels. Try to cover the pool when using fertilizers and keep trees or shrubs that lose their leaves as far from the pool as possible.

Insufficient sanitizer levels are the main cause but improper water balance and poor circulation can attribute to algae as well.

• Your sanitizer level could be low.
• The pH could be high.
• Your filter might be dirty.
• You may need to increase your circulation time.

Colored water results either from algae blooming or the oxidation of metals in the water. Algae come in a variety of colors (green, yellow, black or pink) and can be found on the surface of the water or the pool itself. Brown or reddish stains are most likely from metal stains like iron, copper or magnesium. This can happen if the pH is off or if high metallic water is super chlorinated.

Weather affects the chlorine level in the pool as well as the pH. Hot weather will increase the water temperature, which causes the chlorine to be consumed more quickly. Cool weather will result in no chlorine demand. Rain is often acidic which can drive your pH down. Always check the water balance after it rains.

For in ground models use the cap tool to loosen cap by hitting the handle with your open hand or a hammer. Sometimes two cap tools will provide greater leverage. Lubricate cap O-ring with silicone lubricant regularly. Do not use petroleum based lubricants!

The biggest culprit is detergent residue on swimming suits, but foaming can also be caused by cosmetics, sun tan lotion, body oils or other organic materials. Some tile and vinyl cleaners may also cause foaming. High pH is another cause. Use a de-foamer to help get rid of any foam.

If there are anymore questions about Pool Frog Troubleshooting that you don’t see answers to in our blog, please feel free to give us a call or contact King Technology Customer service department at 800-222-0169.