Q and A

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 microbiostatic approach allows you to reduce the amount of harsh sanitizers to create a more natural swimming environment.

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.

Each Card on Guard is designed for up to 15,000 gallons of water which means one Card On Guard is sufficient for every hot tub and for many pools. Use an additional Card On Guard for every 15,000 gallons in pool size. If you would like to reduce chemical usage even further, you can double the number of Card On Guards used (2 Card On Guards for a 15,000 gallon pool, for example)

Your Card on Guard is guaranteed to work for 1 year in use. If you would like a reminder, just return the Product Registration card that came with your Card On Guard and we will help remind you when you need to replace it.

We guarantee 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 100%. 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 will lessen the effectiveness of Card On Guard.

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.

Yes. When used in pools or hot tubs Card On Guard works when the water pump is 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 as well.

Yes. Maintaining 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, are irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

No. You still need to monitor the free chlorine, pH and other variables you always did, but you should have less work maintaining proper levels and 50% less need for chlorine or bromine.

You need to tell them that the next time they would add chlorine they need to reduce the normal amount by 50%. If at the next visit the free chlorine level is OK, they should continue to use 50% of normal chlorine dosage or reduce further as appropriate. Please confirm with them that they are following these instructions.

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 by 50% one week after going back to full chemical level, after one additional week measure free chlorine/bromine and continuing reducing chemicals as appropriate).

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.

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.

No, as long as it is not enclosed under a solar cover it is being exposed to natural light 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 OCCASSIONALLY EXPOSING THE CARD ON GUARD TO NATURAL LIGHT.

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.

Both sides of the Card on Guard are designed to collect, retain and retransmit photonic energy from light. Therefore, the ideal form to maximize the process is for both sides of the device to be exposed to light. The “fin” also helps harness breezes and small currents in the water to move the device around the pool/hot tub.

Card on Guard allows you to reduce the setting on your saltwater chlorine generator. This leads to longer cell life. If you use an ozonator or ionizer the supplemental chlorine or bromine need will be reduced.

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.

We offer a no risk purchase guarantee. If you want to return your Card On Guard for any reason within 30 days from purchase date, just contact us via ‌‌‍ or call 1-888-407-7029 and we will give you a full refund of the purchase amount. You need to provide a dated purchase receipt. See our full Returns Policy here.

You can clean the surface by simply using a dishwashing liquid and sponge.