A: Silica sand is used in sand filters and is very hard wearing and the life is not as much dependent on the breakdown of the sand but more due to the buildup of trapped debris on the sand particle. A regular (annual) chemical clean of the sand will prevent the buildup of oils, greases, scale and general debris. The best way of gauging whether the sand is due for replacement is by monitoring the filter pressure. Should the pressure remain in the red even after an effective backwash procedure the chances are that the sand needs to be replaced.

A: The calculation is as follows: Length(m) x Breadth(m) x Average Depth(m) x 1000 in litres. (Rectangular Pool)

A: In simple terms pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the pool water is. The pH range can be applied to any liquid and is a logarithmic scale of 0 to 14. Ie. A pH of 6.5 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 7.5, whereas a pH of 5.5 is one hundred times more acidic than a pH of 7.5. The same applies to the reverse side of the scale. The comfort of the water and the effectiveness of the chlorine is governed by pH. Refer to water balance for more information.

A: To remove Chloramines from the water. The building block of a Chloramines is Nitrogen which comes from swimmer wastes, thunderstorms etc. Nitrogen combines chlorine, the pool water becomes irritating to bathers and there is an unpleasant chlorine odour around the pool.

A: Fresh stains maybe removed with Metal Magic. Brush pool surface for 7 days. Old stains may require more drastic treatment e.g. acid wash the surface.

A: To protect the chlorine from being destroyed by the sunlight. Allows chlorine residuals to last longer in the pool and saves pool owners money.

A: Check the pH and chlorine levels of the pool water. Low or high pH. pH should be 7.4 – 7.6 .

A: PoolBrite products are widely available at major retailers, hardware stores, and specialised pool care stockists across South Africa. Visit our Where to Buy page on our website to find your nearest stockist or dealer.

A: Stains are typically caused by rotting leaves (tannins) or excess dissolved minerals in tap/borehole water. To lift unsightly marks and prevent mineral scaling on your pool steps and walls, treat the water with PoolBrite Metal & Stain Remover

A: Rather than shutting down your pool completely, switch to a low-maintenance routine:

Cut daily filtration hours in half.

• Balance your Total Alkalinity and pH.
• Drop in a slow-release 
• Keep the water level sitting at the halfway mark of the weir to prevent the pump from running dry.

A: Backwashing flushes out loose dirt, but it cannot remove oily body lotion, stubborn calcification, or sticky algae spores that accumulate on the sand grains over time. Using PoolBrite Filter Cleaner deep-cleans the sand bed, restoring your filter’s efficiency and saving power.

• Summer: 8 to 10 hours daily to handle higher heat, increased UV rays, and heavy bather loads.
• Winter: 4 to 6 hours daily during the cooler, dry months when algae growth slows down.

A: Black algae forms deep “roots” in porous plaster and tile grout, making it tough to remove.

1. Brush the dark spots aggressively with a stiff pool brush to break their protective outer shell.
2. Shock the pool using PoolBrite Month Mate Granular Xtra Blue.
3. Dose with  and clean your filter sand using 

A: Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer for your pool’s pH. If your TA is too low, your pH levels will fluctuate wildly (pH bounce), leading to corrosive water that can damage marbelite, fibreglass, and equipment. Adjust your TA first using PoolBrite Alkalinity Up before making minor pH adjustments.

A: Cloudy water occurs when fine particles pass right through your sand filter. Add PoolBrite Water Clarifier or place a Brite-Blu Clarifier Tablet in your weir basket after backwashing). The clarifier binds microscopic particles together into larger clusters so your filter can easily trap them.

A: Green pool water is caused by an algae bloom, usually triggered by low chlorine levels, high pH, or poor circulation.

1. Test and adjust the pH to 7.2 – 7.6 using PoolBrite pH Down or pH Up.
2. Apply a heavy dose of PoolBrite Month Mate Shock Xtra Blue to kill the algae.
3. Add PoolBrite Month Mate All-In-One Algaecide and run your filtration system continuously until the water clears.

A: To maintain sparkling, safe water and protect your equipment, keep your parameters within these ranges:

• pH:7.2 – 7.6
• Total Alkalinity (TA):80 – 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine:1 – 3 ppm

A: During summer, test your water at least twice a week—especially after heavy rain or intense pool use. In winter, testing once every two weeks is sufficient. Regularly check pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), and free chlorine levels to keep your water balanced and safe.