Pool Chemicals for Dummies
Most people are familiar with the idea of pool chemicals, but few know how to properly use them. Here’s an introduction to the basics of swimming pool maintenance, from the use of chemicals to preventing pool problems.
What Chemical Should I Use?
When it comes to keeping your pool in good condition, you can’t do it without pool chemicals. Here’s a quick overview of the most common chemicals used in swimmingpools, and what they do:
- Chlorine: Chlorine is added to keep your pool clean and free of contaminants. It kills bacteria, algae, and other tiny organisms that can cause illness when they enter the pool.
- pH Balancer: The pH Balancer is used to keep the pool water in a neutral range, between 7.2 and 7.8. This ensures that the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline, making it less prone to staining from other chemicals.
- Algaecide: Algaecide works to prevent algae growth, by inhibiting its growth and reproduction.
- Stain and Scale Remover: These chemicals are used to remove stains and scale buildup on the sides and bottom of the pool.
- Shock Treatment: Shock treatment is used once a week to restore the chlorine levels in your pool after they have been depleted due to heavy usage or rain.
- Clarifier: Clarifier helps to keep the water in your pool crystal clear by removing suspended particles from the water.
FAQ
Q. How often should I add chemicals to my pool?
A. The frequency of chemical additions depends on a number of factors, including pool traffic, amount of sunlight, and weather conditions. Generally, it is recommended to add chlorine and pH balancer weekly, shock treatment once per month, and algaecide every 5-6 weeks.
Q. How do I know if my pool needs more chemicals?
A. Pay attention to the visual appearance of your pool. If the water becomes cloudy, green, or cloudy with a green tint, it’s a sign that your pool needs more chemicals. You can also use a test kit to check the levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other factors.
Q. What should I do if I accidentally over-treat my pool?
A. If you accidentally over-treat your pool, it’s important to immediately reduce the concentration. This can be done by performing a “super chlorination”, in which you add shock treatment or chlorine to reduce the levels of existing pool chemicals. You can also partially drain the pool and add clean, untreated water to dilute the chemicals.
Related Examples:
- To ensure that your pool is in good condition, it is recommended to periodically check the chlorine and pH levels of the water. If either of these is outside the recommended range, you may need to adjust the levels by adding more chemicals.
- If you’re dealing with a buildup of calcium deposits on the walls of your pool, you should use a stain and scale remover to break them down and restore the pool’s appearance.
- If you begin to notice that your pool is not as clear as it once was, try using clarifier. This helps to remove suspended particles from the water, resulting in crystal-clear pool water.
