Swimming Pools For Dummies - Pool Chemicals, Chlorine & Maintenance
Swimming pools can turn backyards into private
paradises. While
sparkling blue water can beckon to you on a hot summer day, cloudy or
dirty water can make you want to close the blinds. The solution is
swimming pool maintenance, which will keep the water
crystal clear.
Pool Maintenance for Dummies
Beautiful water is always the result of a well-balanced chemical environment, which you can maintain with pool chemicals and swimming pool tools, like filters. Together, these elements can do the following things:- Prevent the development of dangerous disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria;
- Protect swimming pools from damage;
- Help swimmers avoid skin or eye irritations; and
- Control the pH, the total Alkalinity and the calcium hardness levels of swimming pools.
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Pool Water Balancing
Pool testing kits can help you determine what swimming pool chemicals you need to add during your pool maintenance routine. Most of the chemicals will fall into one of the following categories:
You will need to add some type of sanitizer to your swimming pool to kill harmful pathogens. Most people use chlorine to perform this task. As a disinfecting agent for swimming pools, chlorine comes in two basic forms: the solid form, calcium hypochlorite, or the liquid form, sodium hypochlorite. Alternative pool sanitizers work in a similar way and include the non-halogen class of sanitizers known as biguanides and bromide, which works better in hotter temperatures. When you perform swimming pool maintenance, you should only use one type of sanitizer to avoid swimming pool problems, such as discolored water.
Pool Chemicals – Stabilizing Agents
While chlorine can kill bacteria, it often becomes unstable in the water. This can occur when UV rays penetrate the water. Chlorine can also combine with other pool chemicals to create new compounds that will negatively affect the water in swimming pools. Many sanitizers come with pool stabilizing agents included, but you may need to add a stabilizer like cyanuric acid.
Pool Chemicals - Shock Agents
You may need to add a pool shock agent to the water when chlorine or other sanitizers combine with ammonia or nitrogen compounds and create chloramines. When this occurs, the sanitizer loses its ability to kill pathogens. You can use a high dose of chlorine, designed to raise the chlorine level up to 10 times its current level; a non-chlorine shock, such as monopersulfate-based oxidizers; or other alternatives like lithium hypochlorite.
Pool Chemicals – Algaecides
Algae does more than turn swimming pools green! The bacteria can make the walls and floor of a pool slippery, increasing the risk of an injury related to a fall. While sanitizers help reduce the buildup of algae, you may need to add a pool algaecide as part of your pool maintenance routine. The most popular and least expensive algaecide falls under the Quat category, which uses surfactants to prevent algae development. Polyquats can work on a variety of algae, including yellow or black variations, and are a better option for people who are trying to clear up an algae infestation. Other alternatives, such as copper salts, are available; however, they can stain swimming pools over time.
Pool Chemicals – Water Clarifiers
Sparkling clear water doesn't happen overnight, but cloudy or hazy water can. Pool water clarifiers are pool chemicals that you can add to improve clarity. Many work by bonding to debris particles, making them easier to see. The increased size allows you to use pool tools, like skimmers, to remove the debris from the pool. Most water clarifiers will not affect a pool's pH level or other chemical balance levels.
Pool Chemicals – Pool Stain Removers
Sometimes the preventive measures you take during your swimming pool maintenance routine will lead to unsightly stains on your pool. You may find it necessary to use pool stain removers to restore your pool to its original condition. When you shop for pool chemicals, look for ones that will work on the type of surface you have. For example, you may need a cleaner that will not damage a vinyl liner. You can also use stain products to help prevent the development of discoloration.