FAQ
What exactly is Card On Guard & how does it work?
Card On Guard releases no chemicals into the water nor does it require electricity. Card On Guard suppresses the growth of bacteria by a process called photolysis, defined as the decomposition or separation of molecules by the action of light. This photolytic process creates low levels of Reactive Oxygen Species or Free Radicals as they are more commonly known. These Free Radicals attack, weaken and inhibit the redevelopment of bacteria. This is a completely natural process that is actually occurring in all water that is exposed to direct sunlight. We have simply discovered a way to enhance this bacteria inhibiting effect of the sun so that it is more complete and consistent. This micro biostatic approach allows you to reduce the amount of harsh sanitizers to create a more natural swimming environment.
Does Card On Guard have certifications proving chlorine reduction?
The technology contained in Card On Guard has received NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) /ANSI (American National Standards Institute) 42 certification signifying that the BioPhotonX UV Light Conversion Technology has been effectively tested and verified to reduce non-health-related impurities such as chlorine and particulates (which impact water clarity).
Can bathers swim with Card On Guard in the hot tub/pool?
Yes, because there is nothing released into the water and we are simply enhancing a naturally occurring process, you can rest assured that you are not exposing yourself to any harmful elements. You can keep Card On Guard in your pool or hot tub 24/7.
How many Card On Guards do I need for my hot tub/pool?
FIN: swimming pools up to 15,000 gallons (2 FINS for 30,000 gallons, etc)
Single Pack TUBE: hot tubs/swim spas up to 10,000 gallons
2-Pack TUBE: swimming pools up to 15,000 gallons
3-Pack TUBE: swimming pools up to 30,000 gallons
4-Pack TUBE: swimming pools up to 40,000 gallons
How long will my Card On Guard last?
Your Card on Guard is guaranteed to work for 1 year in use. For example, if used in pool/hot tub for only 4 months per year, it will work for 3 years. Store in cool, dark place when not in use.
How many chemicals need to be used with Card On Guard?
Using Card On Guard FIN and TUBE results in a minimum 50% reduction of the bacteria eliminating chemicals you normally use if and/or when your pool or hot tub is not being exposed to excessive contaminants such as heavy, soiled bather load or excessive rainwater. In hot tubs, those using Card On Guard can often reduce bacteria eliminating chemicals by 80%. We recommend showering before entering the pool or hot tub to remove sweat and sun screens. Removing debris such as leaves and keeping the neighbor’s dog from taking a dip will also help the performance. Also, significant amounts of rain and in some cases excessive bather load will lessen the effectiveness of Card On Guard and result in need for shocking pool/hot tub.
What can I do to improve the performance of Card On Guard?
As with the use of any sanitizers, showering before entering the hot tub or pool to wash off dirt, sweat and sun creams is the best way to improve performance. Keeping the pool clear of debris and minimizing the volume of rainwater that gets into the pool also improves performance.
Does Card On Guard need water circulation to work?
Yes. When used in pools and hot tubs Card On Guard works when the water pump is occasionally recirculating the water. If you are using Card On Guard in above ground pools that often do not have pumps that sufficiently circulate the water, Card On Guard may not work very well.
Why do all alternative sanitizing systems still require chlorine/bromine?
All non-chlorine systems require chlorine or bromine as a residual or secondary sanitizer. This ensures your pool/hot tub water is not completely reliant on these alternative systems. Additionally, this allows you to easily test and confirm your pool/hot tub water is balanced with test strips that measure free chlorine/bromine, the common method of confirming pool/hot tub water is sanitized sufficiently.
If I am maintaining the same free chlorine level even though I am reducing the chlorine/ bromine I use am I really exposing myself to fewer chemicals?
Yes. Maintaining the same free chlorine level while reducing your chlorine by half means your water is turning 50% less chlorine into chloramines which cause the “chlorine” smell and irritation to eyes, skin and respiratory system. This is because Card On Guard is taking over much of the sanitizing work and the chlorine/bromine you continue to use remains as free available chlorine/bromine and is not turning into harmful chloramines/bromamines.
Using Card On Guard means I won't have to manage my pool as carefully?
No. You still need to monitor the free chlorine, pH, alkalinity and cyanuric acid (CYA) levels, but you should have less work maintaining proper levels and at least 50% less need for chlorine or bromine.
What do I do if I have excessive contaminants that reduces free chlorine or bromine levels below 2 ppm?
Add the full amount of chlorine or bromine you used to add before Card On Guard. Then begin reducing chemicals on a weekly basis as you did when you first began using Card On Guard (reduce chlorine/bromine again over 3 week period).
Will my hot tub or pool cover keep Card On Guard from working?
Card On Guard can continue working for several days even if covered but we recommend exposing the card to as much light as possible. So if you are going to leave your pool and plan to cover for any length of time, consider leaving a corner of the hot tub/pool uncovered with your Card On Guard placed in that area. Also, if you use a hot tub/pool cover designed to block out the sun’s light completely, you must keep a corner uncovered for Card On Guard to continue working if only for an hour a day.
What are the potential areas for cost savings?
Besides savings on chlorine or bromine reduction there are potential savings on other chemicals such as pH UP and pH DOWN, cyanuric acid, water filters and other elements of the filtration system which will benefit from more consistently clear water and reduced levels of chemicals which can corrode elements of filtration systems more quickly. Based on current prices of chlorine alone, you should be able to cover the cost of Card On Guard in 1 – 2 months.
Does the Card On Guard need constant sunlight?
No, as long as it is not enclosed under a solar cover it is being exposed to natural light and is able to do its job. Even if the sky is cloudy and overcast Card On Guard is getting enough exposure. Most pool covers also allow enough natural light through. NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE A SOLAR COVER ON YOUR HOT TUB/POOL WITHOUT OCCASIONALLY EXPOSING THE CARD ON GUARD TO NATURAL LIGHT.
What if my hot tub/pool is indoors and doesn't get much if any sunlight?
Card On Guard does not need direct sunlight. Ambient natural light surrounds us all the time, even at night. Also, Card On Guard even works in indoor pools that have some windows to outside.
What if I have an ozonator, salt generator or other non-chemical treatment?
One of the biggest advantages of Card on Guard is that it works with any and all existing sanitizing systems you might be currently using. Because all systems require chlorine/bromine as a “residual” or secondary sanitizer, using Card On Guard allows you to reduce chlorine need by minimum 50% with any system you currently use. With salt water systems, using Card On Guard allows you to reduce the setting on your saltwater chlorine generator by at least 50%. This leads to longer cell life and savings of hundreds of dollars.
Do I really need Card On Guard if I have a saltwater system?
Many believe that saltwater based solutions are completely natural. However, scientific research has shown that since saltwater pools still use chlorine sanitization, they can generate unhealthy disinfection byproducts (DBPs) called trihalomethanes (THMs) the predominant form being bromoform. High levels of bromoform (up to 13-fold higher than maximum levels set by WHO) have been measured in public salt pools. Using Card On Guard will allow you to produce less chlorine from the salt, which leads to lower levels of these other unhealthy byproducts.
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