Cleaning your swimming pool might not be a glamorous job and one that you didn’t expect, but this is something crucial that you need to do all year round. Whether you’re just opening up your pool after the snowy months or hosting a barbecue party, you’ll need all the chemicals available to keep the water clean and safe. See more about the safety of the chemicals on this page.
There’s nothing worse than getting into a pool and finding out that it’s not as clear as you thought. The water may have an algae problem, or there might be a lack of chlorine. It sounds simple, but water chemistry can get complicated for those who aren’t knowledgeable about pool maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the essential solutions that you need to maintain your pool.
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is an essential solution that many homeowners use because it disinfects the water and kills bacteria. It acts as a sanitizer that’s often persistent and rapid, and it effectively kills bacteria and algae. This is an all-out solution to keep the water safe, clean, and clear for you to swim, and it keeps the chemistry in the ideal condition possible when you know how to use chlorine.
You might also try shocking the pool with chlorine when you want to close it for the winter. There are winterizing pool chemicals available if you’re going to try this method which can be applied a week before you close everything. Also, a chlorine floater or tablet may be ideal if you want to dissolve the chemicals all winter slowly.
pH Increaser or Decreaser
Making the pH balance is crucial for the other solutions to do their jobs properly. The pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water and is an essential factor in maintaining a balanced chemical profile.
If the pH gets too high (above 7.6), the water can become cloudy, and scales can form on the surfaces. This may also cause redness in the eyes. On the other hand, a high pH can also cause skin and eye irritation. If the pH gets too low (below 7.2), the chlorine will become less effective, and the water can become more acidic, which isn’t safe for anyone to swim in. Fortunately, there are kits that you can get to make sure that you’re getting the solutions in their proper amount.
Maintaining a proper pH balance in your pool is essential for comfort and sanitation. You can adjust the pH levels with chemicals like increaser or decreaser. Increasers are often in the form of soda ash mixed into large buckets of water. On the other hand, a decreaser may consist of muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate that can quickly drop the pH levels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding any chemicals to your pool.
Role of Alkalinity in a Pool
Most owners know that chlorine is an essential chemical for keeping their pool clean and safe. However, many don’t realize the critical role that alkalinity plays in maintaining healthy water. Alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to neutralize acids.
It’s essential to maintain the proper alkalinity level because if the level is too low, the pH of the water can become too acidic, which can lead to corrosion of the pool surfaces and equipment. Conversely, if the alkalinity level is too high, the water can become too basic, making it challenging to maintain a consistent chlorine level.
Increasing your total alkalinity can be achieved by sodium bicarbonate, especially when it falls below 100 ppm.
What are Balancers?
Balancing chemicals are the key to keeping your pool water clean and clear. Without them, you can find your amenity a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Prevent the growth of microorganisms by having the right kits on hand. The two main water balance chemicals are alkalinity and calcium hardness.
Alkalinity measures how well your water can resist changes in pH. You can read more about alkalinity on this site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkalinity. The ideal range for alkalinity is 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million). If your alkalinity is too low, it can cause your pH to fluctuate. If your alkalinity is too high, your chlorine can be less effective.
Calcium hardness measures how much calcium is dissolved in the water. The ideal range for calcium hardness is 200 to 400 ppm. If your calcium hardness is too low, it can cause corrosion and etching of surfaces. If your calcium hardness is too high, it can cause scale build-up on surfaces.
There are a few essential chemicals you need to keep your pool clean and healthy. Chlorine, increasers, decreasers, and pH balancers are crucial factors in keeping your pool water safe. Keep your swimming area safe and clean by using the right chemicals.