A Beginner’s Guide to Pool Chemicals
19 June, 2024
Owning a pool is all about fun, but it also brings along many responsibilities as a pool owner. People often say that everything always comes with a cost. That’s also true for your pool. You will be required to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your pool water and that really demands regularity in its maintenance. To learn the pool chemical basics for beginners, let’s talk about it all, and by the end of this blog, you’ll be a pool pro.
Understanding The Basics of Pool Chemicals
Pool chemistry can be complex, it is science after all. It’s all in the understanding and balancing the proper chemical relations to maintain so that the water remains clear of pollutants. Essential not only so that your water is sanitary but also so that the surfaces of your pool and equipment are protected.
Key Pool Chemical Terms and Definitions
- pH: A measurement of water’s acidity or baseness that is best kept within the levels of 7.4 to 7.6 on a scale of 0 to 14.
- Alkalinity: Gives water the ability to resist change in pH levels (i.e., it gives it the ability to neutralize acid) and have a proper pH; it should be in the range of 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
- Chlorine: This is the disinfecting agent for bacteria and other dangerous micro-organisms in the water body. The ideal level should be 1 to 3 ppm of chlorine.
- Calcium Hardness: This is the measurement of dissolved calcium in the water body, which minimizes corrosion and scaling. Usually, this range should fall within 200 to 400 ppm.
- Cyanuric Acid: This is a stabilizer that gives protection for the chlorine from sunlight degradation. The ideal ranges are 30 to 50 ppm.
- Algaecides: Chemicals used to maintain and control algae growth in the pool.
Essential Pool Chemicals
Chlorine
The most important chemical you can use in your pool is chlorine, a sanitiser to clean it. It cleans because it kills all the bacteria, viruses, and every other nasty organism in your pool that can bring about sickness for swimmers. There are many different forms of chlorine, such as tablets, granules, and liquids. You can use whichever you choose for your pool. Chlorine within the recommended level is pertinent for pool safety and cannot be overstressed.
Bromine
Bromine is used when you do not want to use chlorine. It is a substitute. The difference is, bromine is gentler for the swimmers. It does not cause any skin or eye irritation which chlorine might. Bromine is usually used in spas and pools that are indoor because it is stable when it is kept at elevated temperatures. Keeping bromine levels in a recommended range is just as important as well, the range should essentially be 3 to 5 ppm.
pH Increasers and Decreasers
Keeping the right balance of pH is important for swimming comfortably and cleanly. pH increasers, scientifically known as sodium carbonate are used to increase pH levels, while sodium bisulfate works as pH decreaser which is used to lower pH levels. Test your pools pH levels regularly and add either of those things to keep the ideal range.
Alkalinity Increasers
If you wish to raise the level of alkalinity in your pool, sodium bicarbonate will be useful. It performs as an agent that balances the pH levels to ensure that the whole chemical range in your pool functions effectively.
Calcium Hardness Increasers
For swimming pools where calcium levels are a concern, a better-known chemical called calcium chloride can take care of business as a calcium hardness increaser. It will buffer the calcium hardness for you to protect pool surfaces and equipment.
Stabilisers
Commonly known as cyanuric acid, it should be specifically dosed in outdoor pools to shield chlorine against breaking down through sunlight degradation. You must make sure that the chlorine in your pool stays effective in keeping your pool clean and sanitised.
Algaecides
Don’t forget to put algaecide to keep algae away, and always maintain a sparkling and clear swimming pool. Regularly using algaecides provides a cleaner, more sanitary environment, as most algae problems can be a headache to eliminate once they form.
Testing Your Pool Water Chemical Levels
Proper and regular pool water testing allows for the right balance and correct adequate chemical concentration levels for your pool. Doing your test regularly will enable you to identify imbalances long before they become major problems with an easy adjustment of levels. Water balance is achieving all the various chemicals which they must be for your pool water to stay balanced, clear, and pleasant for swimmers.
Different Methods of Testing
- Test Strips: Easy to use and provide quick results. Dip the strip in the water and compare the colors to a chart.
- Liquid Test Kits: More accurate than test strips. They involve adding reagents to water samples and comparing the resulting colour change to a chart.
- Digital Testers: Provide precise readings and are simple to use. They can measure multiple parameters quickly.
How to Interpret Test Results
Interpreting test results involves comparing your readings to the recommended ranges for each chemical parameter. If any levels are outside the ideal range, adjustments need to be made using the appropriate chemicals.
Balancing Pool Water Levels
Pool water balancing is the act of adjusting different chemicals to be within their recommended ranges to achieve safety, clarity, and comfort for swimmers
- Adjusting pH Levels
Add a pH increaser if the pool’s pH is low. If the level is too high, a pH decreaser is added.
- Maintaining Alkalinity
Alkalinity can be raised by adding an alkalinity increaser, provided it is not too high and, in any case, must be low enough to warrant an increase. A correct alkalinity would buffer pH changes so that water will become stable.
- Controlling Calcium Hardness
If the calcium hardness is low, add a calcium hardness increaser. If calcium hardness is at an extremely high level, it may necessitate partial draining and refilling.
- Stabilizing Chlorine with Cyanuric Acid
Add cyanuric acid to your pools outdoors. This stabilizer guards the chlorine from the sun. The levels should be tested more frequently, as excessive amounts will dilute your chlorine.
Common Issues and Trouble Shooting Tips
The problems that pool owners usually face with their pool are these three, its either that their water seems cloudy, there’s algae in it or swimmers feel eye irritation after swimming. If any of these problems occur, the solution is simple now that you know about all the chemicals. First and foremost is the regular testing of your pool water to understand what’s wrong, secondly, balance out the chemicals that you think need to be balanced, make sure you take good care of the cleaning part as well.
Sanitising Your Pool
To remove the bacteria and micro-organisms that are infesting your pool, two stabilizers can be used, bromine or chlorine. A good level of these sanitisers has to be balanced in order to keep your pool safe enough for swimming.
What Type of Pool Cleaner is Better – Chlorine or Bromine?
To remove the bacteria and micro-organisms that are infesting your pool, two stabilisers can be used, bromine or chlorine. A good level of these sanitisers has to be balanced in order to keep your pool safe enough for swimming.
How to Properly Add and Maintain Sanitiser Levels
Follow manufacturer instructions for adding sanitisers. Regular testing and adjustments are necessary to maintain effective levels. Shock the pool periodically to eliminate buildup of contaminants.
Pros and Cons of Chlorine and Bromine
- Chlorine: Effective and affordable but can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Bromine: More stable in high temperatures and less irritating but more costly.
Shock Treatment
What is Pool Shocking and Why is it Necessary?
Shocking involves adding a large dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to quickly raise sanitiser levels, destroying contaminants that regular levels can’t handle. It’s necessary after heavy pool use or when water appears cloudy or smells chlorinated.
Types of Pool Shock
- Chlorine-Based Shock: Strong and effective but can temporarily increase chlorine levels significantly.
- Non-Chlorine Shock: Oxidizes contaminants without raising chlorine levels, ideal for regular maintenance.
How and When Should I Shock My Pool?
Shock your pool at night or when it’s not in use. Follow manufacturer instructions for the amount to add based on your pool size. Regular shocking every 1-2 weeks is recommended, or after heavy use or rainfall.
Algae Prevention and Treatment
Common Types of Pool Algae
- Green Algae: Most common, makes water look green and cloudy.
- Yellow Algae: Also known as mustard algae, clings to pool walls.
- Black Algae: Toughest to remove, forms black spots on pool surfaces.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Algae Growth
You will need to maintain sanitiser levels, scrub and vacuum the pool as necessary, and keep good circulation using algaecides for prevention
How to Treat and Remove Algae If It Occurs
- Green Algae: Shock the pool and brush surfaces.
- Yellow Algae: Use a higher dose of shock and specialized algaecides.
- Black Algae: Requires heavy brushing, high chlorine levels, and possibly draining and scrubbing the pool.
Pool Chemical Safety
Handle and store pool chemicals as recommended by the manufacturer. Protect everyone involved by keeping them in a cool and dry place, not in the sun and out of reach by pets and children.
Important Safety Tips to Prevent Chemical Accidents
- Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles) when handling chemicals.
- Never mix different chemicals together.
- Add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.
What To Do In Case of Chemical Exposure or Accidents
Flush your skin of pool chemicals by flooding the area with water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on spills, dispose of them, and ventilate the area to a safe level. And remember if its serious, please seek medical attention immediately.
Seasonal Pool Maintenance
Pool chemical needs vary with the seasons. Higher temperatures and increased use in summer require more frequent testing and adjustments, while winterisation involves preparing the pool for minimal use.
Summer (High Pool Usage)
Test water frequently, maintain proper sanitiser levels, and shock the pool more often due to higher bather loads and temperatures.
Winter (Low Pool Usage)
Winterise your pool by ensuring your water is balanced and the proper winterising chemicals have been added.
Tips for Maintaining Pool Chemical Balance All Year Round
Regular testing and adjustments are essential to keep your pool in top condition throughout the year. Keep a log of your chemical levels and adjustments to track trends and anticipate needs.
Eco-Friendly Pool Chemical Options
Regular testing and adjustment of pool water chemistry is essential for good swimming pool maintenance during all months of the year. Track all chemical levels and adjustments of chemicals over time to see trends and anticipate need. As you keep your swimming pool at appropriate chemical levels for family and friends’ health, consider using eco-friendly chemicals for the best interest of your environment and others. Alternative selections include mineral sanitisers, saltwater systems, and natural enzyme treatments. Their advantages are that they reduce chemical exposure, are friendly to the environment, and are gentle on the eyes and skin. However, they may need different maintenance routines and can be expensive initially.
Conclusion
Just look forward to keeping your pool safe, clean, and enjoyable. You will need to put into practice the pool chemistry basics, like consistent testing and maintaining correct chemical levels, in addition to safety protocols, to keep it in good shape for all seasons. You might prefer traditional chemicals to “greener” ones, but what is most important here is the information and staying consistent with your maintenance routine. So kick back and enjoy your clean and safe pool with the whole family.
References
https://blog.watsons.com/blog/above-ground-pool-chemicals-guide-new-owners
https://www.wikihow.com/Properly-Maintain-Swimming-Pool-Water-Chemistry
https://www.thespruce.com/above-ground-pool-chemicals-7089704
https://www.choice.com.au/outdoor/pools/cleaning-and-maintenance/articles/pool-maintenance-guide
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/pool-maintenance-tips
https://www.astralpool.com.au/pool-and-spa-guides/chemicals-overview
https://www.angi.com/articles/how-choose-right-pool-cleaning-chemicals.htm