The 3-Step Care System is an older pool care system that uses SilkGuard Tabs/Sticks as a slow-dissolving chlorine source, Smart Shock as a multi-functional shock and oxidizer treatment, and Back Up 2 as an algae preventative. It is suitable for pools of any type that are used heavily and have pumps circulating water for 10-24 hours per day. The system works to kill bacteria, control algae, clarify the water, and prevent corrosion and scale formation.

1. BIO101: 3-STEP CARE SYSTEM
Pool & Spa University

2. OVERVIEW
➤ The 3-Step Care System is one of the oldest care systems offered, and it has
changed alongside BioGuard’s products. As such, it tends to work for the widest
variety of customers with little modification needed.
➤ This system is ideal for the following customers:
➤ Pools of any type, size, or surface
➤ Pump circulates water 10-24 hours a day
➤ Chlorine dispensed through feeders (chlorinators/towers), floaters, or
skimmers
➤ Pool can have consistently heavy usage
➤ Main components of the 3-Step Care System:
➤ SilkGuard® Tabs/Sticks
➤ Smart Shock®
➤ Back Up® 2

3. STEP 1: SILKGUARD® TABS/STICKS
➤ SilkGuard® Tabs & Sticks are a slow-
dissolving trichlor sanitizer:
➤ Kill bacteria
➤ Control algae
➤ SilkGuard® Tabs & Sticks contain SilkGuard®
(this is what makes them blue):
➤ Makes water soft and smooth
➤ Protects equipment by preventing
corrosion
➤ Prevents scale formation
➤ Both products also contain SunShield®,
which slows the breakdown of chlorine due
to sunlight
➤ Each 8oz stick/tab treats approximately
5,000gal of water weekly; regular checks of
chlorine source should happen 2-3 times a
week

4. STEP 2: SMART SHOCK®
➤ Smart Shock® is a multi-functional
shock & oxidizer treatment:
➤ Keeps water clear
➤ Buffers & clarifies water
➤ Kills bacteria
➤ Contains blue algae-fighting
crystals (non-staining)
➤ Does not need to be predissolved
➤ Smart Shock® is applied at a rate of
1lb for every 12,000gal of water
weekly
➤ Swimming can resume 15 minutes
after application

5. STEP 3: BACK UP® 2
➤ Back Up® 2 is a highly effective algistat
(algae preventative) that stops algae
before it starts:
➤ Prevents a wide variety of algae types
(green, black, mustard)
➤ Stable in sunlight, does not evaporate
➤ Activity increases as water
temperature increases
➤ Does not affect balance
➤ Does not require mixing or dissolving
➤ Non-staining
➤ Initial dose of the product is 6oz per
10,000gal, with weekly doses of 1.5oz
per 10,000gal for maintenance

6. ADDITIONAL STEPS
➤ Weekly testing of chlorine and pH levels should be conducted
at home; when chlorine is low, additional doses of Smart
Shock® or small doses of Super Soluble™ can be applied to
quickly raise the chlorine level to an acceptable range.
➤ Weekly use of a clarifier like Pool Complete™ or Natural
Clarifier can help enhance water clarity.
➤ Use of Optimizer® Plus can add an extra layer of protection
against algae growth while softening the water, preventing
scale, and giving the water a crystal-clear sparkle.

7. CONGRATULATIONS!
You have completed the activity!