What chemicals should I be adding to my swimming pool?

You may have been sitting relaxing by the pool while the kids have a little splash around.  The water is glistening, the sun is shining and all those worries seem to disappear.  But then something springs to mind ‘When was the last time I added chemicals to the pool?’ ‘Is the pool water safe to be swimming in?’  Even if your pool water looks clean it doesn’t necessarily mean it is.  Just as you cannot judge a book by its cover, you should not judge your water quality without carrying out regular water tests.

Swimming pool test kits

Any pool owner should be equipped with a testing kit which tests for both chlorine and pH levels of the water.   You can purchase either the simple style kits, as Test Strips or where drops are added to a sample to the more expensive and complex electronic testing kits.  Either way, they will give you an indication of what is going on with your pool.  Testing your pool’s water weekly is preferable, but every 2-3 days is better.  Now if you are a new pool owner and don’t have a very good idea what your pool needs then it is important to call in the professionals to run you through the basics.  The company who built your swimming pool should have provided you with a “Good Pool Guide” which will run you through the basics when it comes to pool maintenance. Professional Swimming Pools does a one to one training course on your own pool to teach new and experience pool owners on how to develop their own POOL CARE SYSTEM and only costs £60.00.

Sanitising the pool water

Most people are aware chlorine is added to pool water but what exactly does it do?  Chlorine is now available on the market in many different forms and will keep bacteria and viruses at bay and keep algae growth to a minimum.  When chlorine compounds are added to your swimming pool they react with pathogens and bacteria producing various chemicals.  Once the chlorine has come into contact and reacted with these pathogens and unwanted matter, the chlorine becomes inactive and needs to be broken down with a weekly ‘shock’ treatment which is then removed by the filter.   Another alternative to using chlorine could be to use Bromine which is very similar to chlorine but reacts in a very different way.  Bromine is a lot more stable in warmer temperatures than chlorine, works better for a wide pH range and is now preferred by many pool and spa owners as it does not cause irritation to the skin and eyes that can be caused when using chlorine.  It can however be a little harder to wash the smell of Bromine off compared to chlorine after a swim.   If you follow the guidelines and keep your chemicals stored properly you can effectively add chemicals to your pool with few mishaps, but remember to use clean containers, only add chemicals to water and never mix different chemicals together as they can KILL.

Balancing the pool water

You may be thinking the pH level of your pool’s water doesn’t sound all that important and would it be that much of a problem if it wasn’t tested on a regular basis? Well the answer to this is yes, and it can and will cause problems if not kept between 7.2 and 7.6 which is considered the ideal.  If the level is left to rise or fall below these figures then the chlorine in your pool could disappear too quickly and become a lot less active.  If the pH of your pool water is left to drop and become too acidic, you will need to raise the pH level of your water by adding sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. If your pool water has gone the opposite way to become too alkali, you can lower the pH of your water by adding muriatic acid and sodium bi-sulphate.  More importantly, if the pH of your pool water is left to fluctuate it can cause corrosion of metal parts and pipe fittings and cause a perfect haven for algae and bacterial growth to flourish.  Changes in the pH of your pool water can also result in calcium build ups which will have a negative effect on the chlorine and can cause calcium build-ups in your pipes and on pool finishes. If this problem occurs you will need to add acid to your pool including liquid hydrochloric acid or sodium bi-sulphate.  In areas with soft water that is low in Calcium, a water hardener can be added which will prevent damage to the grouting and concrete.

Oxidising the pool water

At times your swimming pool may need what is known as a ‘shock’ treatment which is chlorine based and will break up any impurities that have accumulated in the pool water.  This can be done by using a strong dose of chemicals to clear out any unwanted chemical compounds.  In times of high use, a ‘shock’ treatment is advised weekly.  If mishaps do occur and the levels of chlorine and bromine are not maintained then algae growth can occur.  Algicides are now available which stop the build up of algae in the water and a weekly dose will keep you algae free.  Sometimes your pool water may appear murky and cloudy which can often be down to small particles which are just too small to be collected by the filter.  Adding a clarifier to your water will result in these smaller particles joining together to produce larger particles that can now be taken in by the filter, leaving your water crystal clear.

Adding chemicals to your pool water

Remember when adding chemicals to your pool that they cannot just be dumped in, they have to be added ensuring that they will not eat away at the pool finishes and cause damage to your pool pump and filter components.  What chemicals your pool needs and in what quantities also depends on which area you live in.  Just because certain chemicals worked for your friend’s pool doesn’t mean it is right for yours.  Water hardness and softness will have a big impact on your pool’s requirements.

If all safety guidelines are followed when stocking your pool you will have very few problems to face.  Maintaining a chemically balanced pool will not only prologue the life of your swimming pool’s equipment, but it will also save you hundreds of pounds each year as well as providing you with a safe environment to swim in.  Remember, if you are unsure of what chemicals to use with your pool and how to add them and in what quantities, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Then you can sit back and relax knowing not only does your pool look clean but that the water really is clean.

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