Maintaining your Rubber Stone Porous Pool Surface

The following are considered to be the industry standard guidelines for the care of both residential and commercial pool environments. They are suggested to help you and your guests maximize the comfort and enjoyment of your pool. However, when there are porous surfaces in or around your pool, maintaining appropriate chemical levels and weekly algaecide treatments are of particular importance. Please take note of those sections of this guide and consult your local professional pool supply expert and provincial/state code for details and specifications. For general care and maintenance, please see APPENDIX A.

1. Clean, sanitize, maintain, and replace filters regularly

1. This step is crucial and should not be overlooked. A good filter removes much of the particulate matter than causes problems in the first place. It also makes all the other steps easier to diagnose and manage.
   

2. Clean & sanitize the pool, deck, and equipment regularly

1. This includes cleaning brushes, nets, and pool furniture or toys.
   
2. Vacuum the bottom of the pool at least once a week – more for commercial or heavily used pools.
   

3. Ensure your pumps are maintaining optimum circulation and turnover

1. Black algae growth is indicative of poorly circulated water that results in some areas of the pools not receiving adequate amounts of algaecide or sanitizer.

4. Maintain proper water chemistry in your pool

1. Homeowners should test their water at least 3 times a week when it is being used a lot and at least once a week, even if rarely used. Commercial or public pools must be tested a minimum of once a day – more if specified by regulatory officials.
2. Keep phosphates & nitrates to a minimum. They are food for algae.
   
3. Use a sequestering agent as required (at least once a week) to control stain-producing minerals. Test the water source before filling the pool.
   
4. Use a clarifier, liquid flocculent, or enzyme digester as necessary.

Maintain:

1. Total Alkalinity between 100 and 120 ppm (make small adjustments gradually).
   
2. pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
   
3. Calcium hardness between 200 and 275 ppm.
   
4. Chloramine levels below 0.2 ppm.
   
5. Free chlorine levels between 1.5 and 3 ppm (follow provincial/state code for your area).
   
6. Copper levels below 1 ppm to prevent staining.
   
7. Cyanuric Acid (or Stabilizer) levels between 30 and 50 ppm (or as required by provincial/state code).
   
8. Total Dissolvable Solids (TDS) between 250-1500 ppm.

5. Add chemicals only as required and with great caution 

1. Seek the advice of local professional pool supply experts.
   
2. Anyone handling pool chemicals should be WHMIS certified and familiar with the SDS of each product.
   
3. Always wear personal protective equipment including gloves and eyewear before handling any chemicals.

1. Read the labels and instructions carefully and make sure you understand them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on each chemical and abide by their recommendations regarding use and restrictions.
   
2. Never allow pool chemicals to come into contact with each other or with other liquids. They can burst into flames, explode, or create deadly gasses.
   
3. Keep chemicals in their original containers. Keep them clean, cool, dry, closed, and away from other chemicals. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Use a separate measuring device or scoop for each chemical. Do not allow any chemical to become contaminated with dirt, debris, other chemicals or anything else.
   
4. Always use the correct dose of chemicals. The amount of chemicals required will depend on the results of your water tests, the amount of use, environmental conditions and the size of your pool. Be sure to measure your pool carefully. It is easy to misjudge the volume of water your pool holds without careful measuring.
   
5. Do not add the chemicals through the skimmer systems unless the instructions on the label so specify.
   
6. Always test your water before and after applying any chemical to your pool. If you are adding more than one chemical, test your water between each application and be sure the results are within the range required by the next chemical.
   
7. Never use more than required and do not repeat a treatment before the first treatment has had plenty of time to take effect.
   

Never add chemicals to the pool while it is in use.

6. Add an algaecide once a week

1. Should the pool chemistry become unbalanced, perhaps due to malfunctions, error, or even a heavy rainfall, serious algae growth can occur within 2 hours if an algaecide is not used regularly.
   
2. Algae become more difficult to control the longer it has been allowed to bloom. Treat it before it becomes a problem and be sure to use the right type and quantity to eradicate it.
   

Choose an algaecide that both kills algae and prevents future growth.

1. Always test your water before adding any chemical. Make sure to adjust the chemistry of your pool to optimum levels before adding an algaecide.
   
2. Adequate circulation is essential for the algaecide to work.
   
3. If you are shocking your pool, add the algaecide after the shock treatment is complete and chlorine levels have returned to normal. Adding the algaecide too soon after a chlorine shock will render the algaecide ineffective.
   
4. Copper-based algaecides are the only algaecides effective against black and yellow algae and have a longer lasting effect than other algaecides. Expect to have to treat black or yellow algae more than once. By the time you notice it, it has likely been in your pool a long time. This highlights the need to prevent algae growth before it happens.

Because copper-based algaecides can cause serious staining if not applied properly, follow the label’s instructions closely and only use under the following conditions:

1. when alkalinity is between 50 ppm and 160 ppm
   
2. pH is below 7.6
   
3. copper levels will remain below 1 ppm after the algaecide is added
   
4. temperatures are above 15°C (60°F) v. no biguanide-based sanitizing system is present. - Due to the constraints above, a copper-based algaecide is not usually used every week, but it should be a regular part of your routine maintenance when conditions are appropriate. Only use the minimum amount recommended for your pool. - When using a copper-based algaecide after shocking a pool, choose a slower reacting pool shocking product.

1. Spray the surface of the water with the algaecide so that all of the water is covered with the solution.
   
2. Algaecides must come in contact with the algae to be effective.
   
3. Algaecide is most effective on sunny days and in water that is 15°C (60°F) or higher.
   
4. Any debris created by the algae or algaecide must be vacuumed out and the vacuum sanitized after use. Any debris left in the pool can cause new algae to bloom.
   
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on each chemical and abide by their recommendations regarding use and restrictions.
   

7. Shock oxidize or super chlorinate your pool at the beginning of each season then again on a regular basis – every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the weather conditions, amount of use, and the results of your water tests

Shock your pool at night and let it work for 8 hours with the pool running.

1. Add algaecide after a shock treatment is complete and stabilized, not before. A chlorine shock done immediately after the application of an algaecide will render the algaecide ineffective.
   
2. Test metal levels before shocking the pool. If copper levels are too high when chlorine is added, the pool can turn green. If this happens, contact your local pool cleaning company. They can advise you on how to precipitate the excess metals in the pool.
   
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on each chemical and abide by their recommendations regarding use and restrictions.
   
4. Do not allow bathing until normal levels have returned.
   

8. Scrub the pool at least once a week. Scoop and vacuum out debris and sanitize the net and vacuum between each use

9. Keep a maintenance record for future reference.

10. For dealing with chlorine and other mineral deposits please consult Appendix A

Appendix A: General Care & Routine Maintenance

Rubber Stone surfacing has many benefits when installed correctly, and we want you to be able to take advantage of those benefits as long as you own the product. However, that means you need to keep your Rubber Stone surfacing as near to installation-quality as possible. The presence of foreign objects and deposits such as tree sap, chewing gum, bird droppings, tar, urine, gasoline, oil, grease, and other products can have a permanent impact on your surface, so prompt maintenance is important. The following guidelines will help you keep your Rubber Stone surface in peak condition for years to come!

1. Keep Loose Debris Off the Surface: 

Loose debris such as sand, dirt, and stones on top of the surface can produce slip hazards, as well as increase wear & tear on the surface and shorten its life. Fine particles can also accumulate in pours of your Rubber Stone surface and prevent the surface from draining properly, as can matting materials such as leaf litter. We recommend that loose debris be removed on a regular basis. A dry sweep or scrub will remove surface debris, but it can also force material into the pours of the Rubber Stone.

The best method of cleaning is using a vacuum, although a high-pressure washer (with a maximum pressure of 4,000 psi) may also be used with appropriate caution.

2. Remove Bird Droppings or Other Excrement: 

To remove bird droppings and other excrement from your Rubber Stone surface, scrub deposits with dampened Bon Ami™, Borax™ or STPP, then rinse with a Borax™ or STPP solution. Remaining residue should be soaked up using disposable cloths, and then the area must be disinfected. Disinfect by spraying hydrogen peroxide on affected area, and let stand for at least 2 minutes. Then spray the area with vinegar and let stand for an additional 2 minutes. Remaining residue should be soaked up with disposable cloths and the area double rinsed with clean water.

3. Remove Stains Promptly:

Your Rubber Stone surface can be stained by a variety of different sources and substances, and it’s important to remove stains promptly to prevent the stain from becoming permanent. Treatments for the most common stains are listed below.

      A) Chlorine Stains or Deposits

Chlorine deposits often occur around pools, hot tubs, and waterplay areas. These deposits should be removed regularly to keep them from being ground into the rubber surface. 

Contact your nearest Rubber Stone dealer for our Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Chlorine Cleaner. 
Follow the instructions and safety precautions on the label. Simply spray the cleaner onto the surface, scrub the area with a stiff-bristled broom or brush, then rinse lightly. Repeat as necessary.

      B) Calcium, Efflorescence & Other Hard Mineral Deposits 

 Like chlorine deposits, calcium & other hard mineral deposits should be removed regularly to ensure the minerals are not ground into the rubber surface. Much like the windows on your home, calcium and mineral deposits can build up on the rubber surface due to hard water, rain water, or the evaporation of ground water containing efflorescence and other minerals.

Contact your nearest Rubber Stone dealer for our Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Calcium Remover. 

Simply spray the cleaner onto the surface, scrub the area with a stiff-bristled broom or brush, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat as necessary.

Use this product with extreme care or have it applied by a qualified professional. This cleaner will erode existing concrete surfaces it not rinsed properly.

      C) Blood Stains

Blood stains must be disinfected by spraying hydrogen peroxide on affected area, then let stand for at least 2 minutes. Then spray again with vinegar and let stand for an additional 2 minutes. Any remaining residue must be soaked up with disposable cloths, and the affected area double rinsed with clean water.

      D) Chewing Gum

To remove chewing gum, apply dry ice to freeze the gum, then chip it from the surface and remove it.

DO NOT use a “HOT SPOT” steam unit, as this will cause damage to the surface.

      E) Grass Stains

For grass stain removal apply orange oil cleaner and scrub the area with a medium-bristled brush. Soak up the solution with disposable cloths and double rinse with clean water.

      F) Scuff Marks

Scrub the affected area with dampened Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP, then double rinse with clean water.

      G) Tar / Crayon / Lipstick / Tree Sap / Motor Oil / Grease 

For the tough stains listed above apply one or more of the following: orange oil cleaner, Goop™, or Formula 407™. Scrub with a medium-bristled brush and soak up the remaining cleaner with disposable cloths. Then, scrub the area with dampened Bon Ami™, Borax™ or STPP and double rinse with clean water.

4. Clean Up Spills as Soon as Possible: 

Although spills often don’t appear to be as harsh as stains, the porous nature of your Rubber Stone surface means they need to be given prompt attention. Some spills could breed bacteria if they are ignored. Below are some helpful tips for dealing with some of the more common spills.

      A) Soda or Juice 

For spills from juice and soda or other carbonated products, saturate the area with Formula 407™. Scrub the area with a medium-bristled brush and soak up the remaining solution with disposable cloths. Then, wash with a liquid detergent, Borax™ or STPP solution. Finally, double rinse the area with clean water.

      B) Gasoline 

For spilled gasoline, wash the area with a detergent and water, soak up the solution with disposable cloths, and double rinse with clean water.

      C) Urine / Vomit / Nasal Discharge 

For stains resulting from bodily fluids, wear disposable gloves for cleaning. Wash the area with a Borax™ or STPP solution and soak up residue with disposable cloths. Then, disinfect the area by spraying on hydrogen peroxide and let stand for at least 2 minutes. Follow by spraying again with vinegar, then let stand for an additional 2 minutes. Remaining liquid should be soaked up with disposable cloths, and the area double rinsed with clean water. 

DO NOT mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together. Spray separately for best results

In some cases, pressure washing (max of 1500 PSI) using a fan tip, as well as due care and caution. 

5. Remove Organic Contaminants Promptly: 

For organic contaminants such as moss, algae, mildew, and mold, saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide and let stand for at least 5 minutes. Repeat the saturation using vinegar, and soak up residue with disposable cloths. Then, double rinse with clean water.

Follow Up Care: 

A properly scheduled maintenance program can greatly extend the life of your Rubber Stone surface. Contact your local Rubber Stone dealer to address any tears and cracks in the surface to prevent falls and other injuries that can result from lack of maintenance.

We recommend that all Rubber Stone surfaces be recoated with our Rubber Stone Binding Agent every 5 years to renew the strength of the surface and counteract the effects of harmful UV rays. However, for commercial applications and other high traffic areas recoats should occur more often. Please keep in mind that the surface may amber in the short- term after recoating, but the ambering effect will reverse itself, usually within 30-60 days depending on UV exposure.