Arch Chemicals, Inc. Provides Easy Startup Steps to Secure Clear and Clean Pool Water for the Summer.

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 1999--In an effort to ensure pool owners with the safety benefits of sparkling clean and clear pool water, Arch Chemicals, Inc., formerly part of Olin Corporation, has prepared a checklist containing simple, step-by-step startup procedures to prepare equipment and pool water.

The manufacturer of HTH(R), Pace(R), SOCK IT(R), and SUPER SOCK IT(R), Arch is the worlds' largest producer of chlorinated pool products.

Equipment Preparation...

-- Begin by removing any water or debris that has accumulated

on the pool cover during the off-season.

-- After carefully removing the cover, clean it thoroughly to

avoid mildew build-up and premature deterioration in

storage.

-- Before attaching pool pump and filters, check all equipment

before reconnecting hoses and electrical connections.

-- Ensure that the skimmer, filter, pumps, drains and other

equipment are clean and free of winter debris.

-- Use leaf skimmer to remove surface and submerged debris.

-- Clean dirty pool walls with a brush.

-- Establish proper pool water levels.

-- Verify hoses and electrical connections are in proper

operating order.

-- Activate filter pump.

-- Check skimmers, bottom drains, and filters to ensure proper

operation.

-- Vacuum any remaining debris.

-- Run pool filter for three to four hours.

Pool Water Preparation

-- Pool water may initially have many of the chemical

components needed. Test pool water for free available

chlorine (1.0-3.0 PPM), pH (7.2-7.4), total alkalinity 

(80-120 PPM), and calcium hardness (200-1,000 PPM).

-- Make any necessary adjustments by adding the appropriate

pool chemicals. Always read the labels first.

-- Shock treat pool water to help remove algae. Recommended

shock treatments include Arch Chemical's SOCK IT, SUPER SOCK

IT, or Pace Superchlorinator Shock Treatment.

-- Add clairifier to water for maximum water clarity.

To ensure a convenient and easy pool opening, Arch Chemicals recommends the HTH Startup Kit.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Arch Chemicals has grown into the world's largest producer of calcium hypochlorite water sanitizers and chlorinated pool products. Arch Chemicals is committed to consumer safety and providing pool maintenance advice. For more information on pool care, call the Pool Care Hotline at 1-800-Pool-987 or visit Arch Chemical's Web site at www.archwaterworks.com.