Setting a pool is everyone’s dream, but on the other end, keeping it crystal clear is where most people draw the line. As hard as it may seem, getting that glass-like look for your pool is possible. The secret breaks down to how you clean your pool, the chemicals you use, etc.
Well, you don’t have to be a pool water chemistry pundit to ensure that you balance the pool chemicals. With a few basics here and there, you will be good to go.
Failing to use pool chemicals keeps your pool prone to algae growth, skin cell accumulation from swimmers, different contaminations, thus creating a bacterial-infested environment. This leads to an unswimmable and contaminated pool that may lead to diseases.
The use of pool chemicals is vital in enhancing pool sanitation. Here are some of the best pool chemicals you requisite to purchase for that clean pool from Mr Pool Man.
1. Bromine and Chlorine
Chlorine and bromine are the most common pool sanitizers. These are the most important pool chemicals that kill algae, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants. However, you need to note that you also need to balance the alkaline, calcium hardness, and PH of your pool water for sanitizers to work efficiently.
2. Algaecides
A green, yellow, black, or a little cloudy pool calls for an alarm. It means your pool is infested with algae. However, it may be possible to spot algae growth before it is visible in the pool water.
Always be on the lookout for any pool discoloration or growth in the pool corners and stairs. Algae lead to a slippery pool that may cause injuries, and at the same time, it is responsible for some skin infections. Use algaecides to kill or deter algae from growing in your pool and also balance the pool levels.
3. PH Balancers
PH balancers either increase or lower the pool pH levels to maintain the required pH range. For instance, the pH increaser is added when pH levels go below 7.2, while the pH reducer is added when the pH levels go beyond 7.6.
Too High or too low pH levels may corrode the pool tiles, damage other pool systems, and cause ineffectiveness in other pool chemicals. What more, it may lead swimmers to experience skin infections and eye irritations.
4. Calcium Hardness Balancers
You ought to check up on calcium hardness levels regularly. The source of your water pool determines how much calcium is in the water. The calcium level in the water generally determines water hardness.
When the calcium levels are too high, they may damage pool interiors, while too low calcium levels may disintegrate the pool systems and equipment. You don’t want to face this, use calcium hardness balancers and enhance your pool longevity.
Maintaining Pool Water Chemistry
Pool maintenance depends on two major factors, well-adjusted water chemistry, and clean water. Instituting a weekly routine is the best way to keep track of your pool. This will help you establish several factors such as PH level, chlorine available, and check on any growing plants in the pool.
Pool Shocking
A pool shock treatment is a way to do away with most pool hitches. It helps in raising the chlorine levels first and destroys any contaminants. Depending on how often you use the pool, the frequency of shocking your pool may vary.
However, it’s recommended that you shock your pool at least once a month, whether your pool is clear and clean or not. Pool shocking keeps your pool hygienic and germ-free. Let me take you through some chemicals to use for pool shocking:
1. Potassium monopersulfate:
Potassium monopersulfate uses a chlorine-free formula to add oxygen to your pool water. What’s best about this chemical is it leaves no residue and is not impacted by sunlight.
2. Calcium Hypochlorite:
This is the most cost-effective shock you will get. Calcium Hypochlorite strength ranges between 65% and 73%. It’s not stabilized and has a level of 12.
3. Sodium Dichlor:
The chemical has a standard pH Level, is stabilized, and has 56% strength. In addition, sodium Dichlor has cyanuric acid to protect it from sun rays. To top it up, it deposits no calcium into the pool.
Pool shock Pros and Cons
Some shock chemicals have chlorine, while others don’t. Here are upsides and downsides and of shock chemicals that either contain chlorine or lack chlorine.
Chlorine Shock Upsides
- Act instantly
- Eliminates any ammonia and chloramines
- Cost-effective (Calcium hypochlorite)
Chlorine Shock Downsides
- Makes water cloudy or leaves shock dust residuals
- Has an odor
- The waiting period lasts between 12-24 hours
Non-chlorine Shock Upsides
- Has a neutral PH
- Has no waiting period – can swim straight away
- No calcium or cyanuric acid is added to the pool
Non-chlorine Shock Downsides
- Does not eliminate algae
- Ineffective in eliminating bacteria
Tips for Shocking your Pool
- Always ensure your pool PH ranges between 7.2 to 7.4 before shocking.
- For best results, shock your pool when it is not sunny.
- When chlorine level is 0 after 8 hours of shocking pool, repeat the procedure, but this time more powerfully.
- Do not mix the shock pool with other chemicals. This might reduce the effectiveness of the chemicals.
- Always use the whole packet of pool shock to enhance efficiency.
When is Additional Pool Shock Treatment Required?
Depending on some factors, your usual pool shock might not be enough. Instances that need more shock include:
- Added swimmers – More than the usual number
- Smelling water
- Murky water
- Higher temperatures than normal
- Heavy rains
Safety Measures for Pool Chemicals Safety
While chemicals are important for pool sanitary, they are a nuisance to human health if not used right. Your safety is vital! Ensure you follow these precautions to enhance safety:
- Store the chemicals as per the manufacturer’s directives.
- Discard any remaining chemicals. Don’t return them to the storage space.
- Chemical measuring equipment should always be clean and dry in the instance of use.
- Keep pool chemicals away from flames.
- Store all chemicals separately. Don’t mix household chemicals with pool chemicals.
Bottom Line
Keeping your pool clean will not only give your pool that glow, but it will also enhance its longevity. Pool chemicals are must-haves to get that sparkling look and keep it safe for swimmers. You need not worry about where to get these chemicals. You can purchase them from the Mr Pool Man online shop, and the results will wow you. Happy swimming!