Q: How often should I test my pool/spa water? A: For Spa: 3-4 times a week all year. For Pool: every other day during swimming season. Q: How often should I shock my swimming pool? A: Summertime 2-4 times month, depending on use. Q: How often should I drain my Spa? A: Every 3-4 months, depending on use. Q: Which test kit is the easiest and most accurate to use? A: Test strips are easy, quick, and accurate. Q: I have algae in my pool, how do I get rid of it? A: Bring in a water sample to our store and we will help you determine the best algae treatment for your pool. Q: How often do I backwash my filter? A: When ever your clean running pressure rise 5-10 lbs/psi. Q: How do I get the calcium build-up off the waterline in my pool? A: Apply tile cleaner directly on the build up and scrub it off. (Not for vinyl liners) Q: How long does my pool need to be filtered? A: In the summer you should filter (clean) the total volume of your pool twice in one day. Newer pools with 2” PVC pipe size have the capacity to clean 80 to 100 gallons per minute of water with the correct pump and filter. Example: an 80 gpm rated pump and filter with 2” plumbing will turn 4,800 gallons in 1 hour. To filter a 16,000 gallon pool twice at a rate of 80 gpm would require 6.7 hrs of operation. Q: How often should I clean/replace the cartridge in my spa? A: The cartridge should be cleaned at least once a month.The average life is approximately 3-4 years. Q: If my pool chemistry is out of balance, what should I balance first? A: 1 - Alkalinity, 2 - pH, 3 - Calcium hardness, 4 - Stabilizer 5 - Chlorine.