The importance of properly maintaining your pool or spa.

A: Maintenance is vital for the short and long-term welfare of both inground swimming pools and above ground pools. Simple maintenance goes a long way toward preventing larger, more costly problems down the road. Take into account the following:

* It is more difficult for algae and bacteria to take hold in moving water. By circulating your pool water for 10 hours or more during the day, you will achieve maximum sanitizer effectiveness.

* The filter is very important to the health of your pool. It removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter, and should be cleaned regularly. Filters can be cleaned in two ways: by backwashing and through chemicals. Backwashing removes any materials trapped in the filter and should be done any time the water pressure in the filter reaches 8-10 pounds above normal. Additionally, the filter needs to be chemically cleaned in order to remove the oils and deeply embedded debris that is not reached by backwashing.

* The water in your pool needs to be regularly measured and adjusted for a variety of characteristics - most importantly for the pH and level of active sanitizer. Regular testing (2-3 times per week) for these and other factors will help you determine how your pool water is affected by bather load, weather and product application. If you don't want to test your water we provide free water testing. BioGuard also recommends you take a sample to your dealer at the beginning and end of the season, and every 4-6 weeks during the season, to help maintain proper water balance and reduce the potential for problems.

* Bacteria thrive in areas with little or no circulation, so regularly brushing and vacuuming the pool walls and floor is necessary to remove any debris the filter misses.

* Treating your pool water with the right products at the right time will balance the water, thereby protecting the pool's surfaces and equipment, while providing a clean and safe swimming environment.