Keep Your Pool Clean and Useable with These Chemicals

Last updated 3 months ago

Taking a dip in the pool can be a great way to cool off and relax during the summer. However, algae and harmful bacteria can thrive in pool waters, if given the chance. That’s why all pool owners treat their pools with certain chemicals. Here’s a brief guide to the various chemicals that keep pools clean and safe:

Chlorine/bromine

The most widely used pool chemical, chlorine, is responsible for getting rid of bacteria, ammonia, algae, and other unsavory elements that may turn up in a pool. Bromine is also commonly used for the same purpose, though it is usually more expensive. Both chlorine and bromine are most frequently administered in tablet and granule form. However, not all tablets and granular are created equal. Quality and potency are factors that should be considered. Many inert ingredients including animal fats, glues and other unwanted components may be found in tablets and granular that can actually attribute to algae problems and cloudy water. Therefore, know what you are buying.

Cyanuric acid

Unfortunately, chlorine and bromine are known to degrade when exposed to sunlight. That’s why many outdoor pool owners also add a stabilizing agent called cyanuric acid. Though many chlorine tablets include cyanuric acid, at times in may be necessary to add an extra dose. This is especially true for pool owners using chlorine salt generators, as these generators produce chlorine only but no cyanuric acid to keep the sun from degrade the chlorine produced.

Shock treatment

Over time, the chlorine is bound to recombine into unsavory compounds called chloramines, which irritate the skin and give off strong odors. In order to protect against chloramines, a pool owner needs to periodically shock treat the pool by adding a large dose of chlorine. Since every pool is different, you should consult an expert before shocking your pool.

Adjusting pH & Alkalinity

In order for pool water to be swimmable, it has to maintain a certain pH, or the measure of acidity verse alkalinity along with the measure of buffer capacity. If the pH is too alkaline, pool owners add sodium bisulfate; if the pH is too acidic, they add sodium bicarbonate, or perhaps sodium hydrogen carbonate, depending on the need.

If you have any questions about pool maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Paradise Pools and Spas. For more information, call us at (601) 519-4744.