Having your own inground pool in the backyard is the ultimate dream for many homeowners. While frog system pool provides hours of fun and relaxation for the whole family, they do require regular upkeep and maintenance. One of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is keeping the water clean and balanced through proper chemical levels. This not only ensures that the water is safe for swimming, but also helps prevent algae growth and other issues like cloudy or green water.
One popular and convenient system for maintaining pool water is the Frog system by King Technology. The Frog system is an automatic chlorine dispenser and water purifier that helps simplify water care. If you’ve recently had a Frog system installed in your inground pool, this guide will provide an overview of how it works and tips for getting the most out of it.
What is the Frog System?
The Frog system utilizes patented SmartChlor technology to sanitize pool water and prevent algae and bacteria growth. Here’s an overview of the key components and how they work:
- Frog Mineral Reservoir: This cartridge contains minerals such as silver, copper, and zinc that work continuously to control bacteria and algae. The minerals get slowly dissolved into the water.
- Frog Bromine Cartridge: This cartridge contains bromine which is activated by the minerals to serve as the sanitizer and oxidizer. It creates and maintains a proper bromine residual in the water to kill contaminants.
- Frog Floating Dispenser: This device holds the Mineral Reservoir and Bromine Cartridge. It slowly dispenses the minerals and bromine into the water as it floats around the pool.
- Frog Test Strips: These test strips are used to test the water’s pH, alkalinity, and bromine levels to ensure proper water balance.
The combination of minerals and bromine provides a comprehensive purification system that is EPA registered. The minerals provide continuous protection against contaminants even when the bromine levels are low. This allows for a lower bromine level to be maintained compared to manual chlorination methods.
Benefits of the Frog System
There are several advantages to using the Frog system for your inground pool:
- Convenience: The system automatically dispenses the proper amount of minerals and bromine into the water continuously, eliminating the need for daily chemical additions.
- Better water quality: The water gets thoroughly purified with both minerals and bromine, leading to softer water feel and no chemical smell or irritation.
- Lower chemical usage: Maintaining a proper bromine residual between 1-2 ppm requires less chemical compared to chlorine which needs to be kept between 2-4 ppm typically.
- Prevents algae: The minerals provide algae protection even if the bromine levels fall temporarily below the ideal range. This prevents algae blooms.
- Easy maintenance: Just replacing the cartridges every 2-4 weeks makes this a hands-off system for pool owners to maintain their water.
- Automatic pH control: The minerals help keep the pH in the ideal range for proper sanitization. Manual pH adjustments are reduced.
- Lower cost: In the long run, the system is more economical than continually buying and adding pool chemicals manually.
Getting Started with the Frog System
When starting out with a new Frog system, there are a few key steps to take to ensure it works effectively from the beginning:
1. Balance the Water
Before installing the Frog system, test and balance the pool water to the ideal levels:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.8
- Alkalinity: 60 – 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
Balanced water allows the bromine and minerals to work most effectively. An out of balance pool can lead to reduced efficiency of the sanitizing system.
2. Establish Proper Bromine Level
After balancing the water, add an appropriate amount of bromine to achieve a level of 1-2 ppm (parts per million). This provides a good starting residual for the Frog system to easily maintain. Avoid adding chlorine if you were previously sanitizing with it.
3. Insert New Frog Cartridges
Open the Frog float chamber and insert a brand new Mineral Reservoir cartridge and a new Bromine Cartridge. Snap the floating dispenser back together and place it in the pool. This will start releasing minerals and bromine into the water.
4. Test Water After 24 Hours
Check the bromine level after 24 hours and ensure it is still between 1-2 ppm. If the level is lower than 1 ppm, add a bromine booster to raise it. Proper bromine residuals prevent algae and contaminants.
5. Set Testing Routine
Plan to test the water’s pH, alkalinity, and bromine levels at least 2-3 times per week. This allows you to stay on top of any fluctuations and make adjustments if needed. Proper water testing is key for the system to work well.
Maintaining Proper Water Balance
When using the Frog system, water balance remains crucial for clean and healthy pool water. Here are guidelines for keeping levels in the ideal range:
Monitoring and Adjusting pH
Test and adjust pH as needed to maintain a level between 7.2 – 7.8. This allows proper sanitizer efficiency. Use pH increaser or decreaser as required.
Managing Alkalinity
Keep alkalinity between 60 – 120 ppm. Alkalinity helps buffer pH changes. Use alkalinity increaser if levels drop too low.
Checking Calcium Hardness
Maintain calcium hardness between 200 – 400 ppm. This allows controlled mineral dissolution from the Frog reservoir. Add calcium hardness increaser if required.
Measuring Bromine Levels
Test bromine levels 2-3 times per week and ensure they stay between 1-2 ppm. If levels are low, add bromine booster. High levels above 4 ppm can cause irritation or damage equipment.
Monitoring Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid helps stabilize and extend the life of bromine in outdoor pools. Maintain it between 30-50 ppm.
Testing for Other Factors
Check for total dissolved solids (TDS), metals, and phosphates periodically. These can accumulate over time and affect water quality if ignored.
Handling the Frog Cartridges
The cartridges inside the Frog Floating Dispenser are the heart of the system. Here are some key points for using and maintaining them:
Install New Cartridges
Ideally, install new cartridges at the start of each swim season. This ensures maximum mineral and bromine levels when opening the pool.
Replace Cartridges Every 2-4 Weeks
Depending on usage, the cartridges will need replacement every 2-4 weeks during pool season to keep delivering minerals and bromine consistently.
Rinse Cartridges When Replacing
Whenever you remove old cartridges, give them a quick rinse with a hose to prevent mineral or bromine buildup in the float chamber. Insert the new cartridges immediately after rinsing.
Replace Both Cartridges at the Same Time
For proper performance and balance, always replace the Mineral Reservoir and Bromine Cartridge simultaneously. Never replace just one.
Dispose Cartridges Properly
Seal used cartridges in a plastic bag first and then place in the regular trash for safe disposal. Be sure to wash hands after handling.
Maintaining Proper Bromine Levels
Here are some key strategies for keeping bromine levels in the ideal 1-2 ppm range:
Bromine Booster
Use a bromine booster or shock treatment if test results show a low bromine level below 1 ppm. This quickly raises the level.
Longer Cartridge Life
Getting the full 2-4 weeks from cartridges helps maintain better bromine residuals between replacements.
Shock Treatments
Periodic shock treatments help destroy contaminants and allow proper bromine levels to persist. Shock weekly or as needed based on bather load.
Adjust Floater Location
Try moving the Frog Floating Dispenser to different areas of the pool if you notice the bromine level dropping too quickly between tests. This can increase dispersion.
Load Cartridges Properly
Always snap the cartridges firmly in place inside the float chamber. Improper loading can impact the bromine delivery.
Check Expiration Dates
Don’t use expired cartridges in frog system pool. Old cartridges may not adequately dispense minerals and bromine.
Dealing With Issues
Even when carefully maintained, pool water can sometimes encounter issues. Here is how to handle them while using the Frog system:
Cloudy Water
Cloudy pool water usually indicates a high contaminant level. Shock the pool with a non-chlorine shock, scrub the sides, run the filter longer, and allow the bromine time to destroy the contaminants.
Green Water
Green water is caused by algae. Shock heavily with bromine booster to get bromine levels up to 5-10 ppm to kill the algae, then brush vigorously. The minerals will help prevent algae from returning quickly.
Bromine Odor
A strong bromine smell indicates the level may be too high. Stop adding bromine and allow the level to gradually drop below 4 ppm. The smell should dissipate.
Skin Irritation
If swimmers experience skin dryness or irritation, the bromine level may be too high. Keep levels at 2 ppm or lower and the irritation typically goes away.
Low pH
A pH below 7.0 makes bromine less effective. Use pH increaser to bring the pH back up above 7.2. The minerals will help stabilize the pH.
High Alkalinity
Alkalinity above 150 ppm makes proper pH adjustment difficult. Use alkalinity decreaser to lower the level below 120 ppm if it climbs too high.
Getting the Most from the Frog System
Here are some final tips for maximizing the performance and convenience of your Frog sanitizing system:
- Always replace cartridges together and on schedule. Mark your calendar with reminder alerts.
- Test bromine levels daily when first installing the system to ensure the 1-2 ppm level builds appropriately.
- Shock the pool weekly to oxidize contaminants and allow uninterrupted bromine sanitization.
- Maintain balanced water chemistry for proper system efficiency and effectiveness.
- Clean pool filters regularly for better water circulation and dispersion of minerals and bromine.
- Follow the recommended pool opening and closing procedures when starting or winterizing your pool.
- Keep your pool pump running daily for maximum water circulation through the Frog Floating Dispenser.
- Contact King Technology or your pool professional for troubleshooting help if any persistent issues arise.
With its intelligent delivery of both minerals and bromine, the Frog system provides an easy way to keep your inground pool water clean, clear and ready for summer fun. Consistent testing and attention to water balance will keep the system working optimally all season long. Enjoy the convenience of greater automation and better water quality!
Conclusion
The frog system pool provides a versatile and low-maintenance option for keeping inground pool water clean, clear and healthy. By leveraging both mineral technology and bromine delivery, it offers comprehensive purification without extensive chemical handling. Keeping water chemistry properly balanced, monitoring bromine residuals, and changing cartridges regularly allows Frog system pools to maintain proper sanitization with minimal effort.
If you test water conditions routinely and follow the key tips outlined here, your Frog-equipped inground pool will stay swimmable all season long with no red eyes or smelly chemicals. Enjoy the benefits of an automated system and more time relaxing poolside with family and friends. The Frog system gives you one less chore so you can make the most of your backyard pool oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do the Frog cartridges last?
The cartridges typically last 2-4 weeks depending on pool size, usage, and water chemistry. Replace them every 2-3 weeks for best performance.
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What is the ideal bromine level to maintain?
Maintain a bromine residual of 1-2 ppm for proper sanitization. Test levels 2-3 times per week and adjust as needed.
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Can I use chlorine instead of bromine in the Frog system?
No, the Frog system is designed for bromine only. The minerals work specifically with bromine to give the optimal purification. Using chlorine can damage the minerals over time.
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How often should I shock my Frog system pool?
Shock the pool with a non-chlorine shock weekly or as bather load increases to oxidize contaminants. This allows uninterrupted bromine sanitization between shocks.
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Why does my pool sometimes smell like bromine?
A bromine odor is typically caused by the bromine level rising too high, above 4 ppm. Stop adding bromine and allow the level to gradually drop back down to 1-2 ppm to get rid of the smell.
