To:  All Mineral Springs® Customers
From:  Ron Parrs, President
Re:  Special 2003 Operating Concerns & Recommendations

The 2003 swimming season is off to a very interesting & wet start, especially in the eastern part of the US.   Many areas of the country have seen in excess of 10 inches of rain over the past 3 to 4 weeks.  This great amount of precipitation raises several concerns that you need to be aware of as a Mineral Springs® user. 

1. Constant & frequent fluctuations in the mineral level.  One week you will see a mineral level of 3100, the next, it could be down to 2700 or lower.  Excessive rainwater has diluted & driven down the mineral level.  A couple of our customers have told us of fluctuations of up to 1,000 ppm or more over a 3-week period.  When the mineral level goes below 2700, Beginnings™ must be added to restore a mineral level above 3000.  Mineral levels under 2300 will cause the unit to not produce a sanitizer.  Salt can also be used to raise the mineral level, however, please be aware that “common pool salt” will NOT maintain the borate level required for Mineral Springs®, nor does it contain the necessary chelants & other products specifically formulated to prevent scale build-up on the Turbo Cell & therefore a shorter life of the Mineral Springs® unit.  Attached you will find a chart denoting the proper number of bags of Mineral Springs Beginnings to add.
    
2. Excessive rain will adversely affect the pool’s water chemistry.  After heavy rains, be sure to correct any fluctuations in pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Borate level.  Your water’s chemistry should be in the following ranges:  pH – 7.4 to 7.6; Total Alkalinity – 80 to 150 ppm; Calcium Hardness – 200 to 400 pm; Borates – 50 to 80 ppm.  These are the optimal operating ranges for a Mineral Springs pool.
    
3. A major concern that we have in 2003 is a problem known as Chlorine Demand.  Excessive rain, misapplied fertilizers (inadvertently) as well as ANY dissolved and un-dissolved, organic or inorganic material or debris WILL contribute to chlorine demand (essentially anything going into the water).  What is happening is the Mineral Springs unit is working like crazy to produce enough sanitizer to reach a breakpoint.  Until then, high levels of chloramines will build up until proper “shocking” breaks the demand.  In the meantime, minerals are being expended trying to satisfy this demand.  Your mineral level DECREASES.

 Here is what you can do to keep yourself sane!

1. Check your mineral level weekly ONLY.   You will drive yourself crazy watching it daily. 
2. Keep your water in balance.  Bring in a one Quart sample monthly so that we can help you monitor your pool & its essential chemistry levels.
3. Add Mineral Springs Renewal™ WEEKLY.  One pound per 5,000 gallons directly in the pool.  Renewal helps keep the mineral level up (except with heavy rain) plus its proprietary blend keeps the Turbo Cell clean & operating properly.  Do not neglect this step.
4. Put the unit on “BOOST” at least once a week to properly “shock” the pool & alleviate a potential Chlorine Demand.  You can learn more about Chlorine Demand at our website under the Pool Care section.
5. Remember that you are not alone.  Anyone with an open pool is going through a tougher time than you!  Regardless of the type of sanitizer being used in the pool.
6. About every 6 weeks, “reset” the unit by switching it from “AUTO” to “BOOST” then to “OFF”.  Let it sit for about 1 minute, then turn it back on to “AUTO”.

This information was assembled through discussions with BioGuard and Goldline Controls (the manufacturer of the Mineral Springs unit).  Thank you for your attention.  Thank you for your trust in Par Pool & Spa and my staff.  Thank you for your business.  All of us are on a very steep learning curve.  Keep smiling.  I know it’s frustrating, I have a pool too!  Once the sun comes out, life will be much easier.