Your pool might look clear, but will it cause discomfort, skin irritation or have other health risks for swimmers?
Check before swimming that the water is free of debris and the pool has appropriate chemical levels.
Beyond just making sure that chemicals are balanced, it’s important to check your filtration system for correct operation.
Regularly clean the pool walls & floor to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Ideal free chlorine is 2-3 parts per million (ppm), it’s the sweet spot where the water is just right for a safe swimming.
Below 2 ppm means bacteria may thrive and over 3 ppm can irritate your skin and eyes.
Chlorine levels at 4-5 ppm aren’t too far above the recommended range, but can still cause some problems.
Skin and Eye Irritation
Too much chlorine can irritate your skin and eyes, making swimming uncomfortable for people that have sensitive skin or with conditions such as eczema.
Respiratory Issues
High chlorine levels can also affect the respiratory system, especially for the young or old and people with asthma.
Swimwear and Hair Damage
Elevated chlorine levels can have a harsh effect on swimwear degradation or hair being discoloured.
Chlorine levels of 4-5 ppm aren’t usually harmful, it’s advisable to lower them back to be in the recommended range. If your pool’s chlorine levels are consistently high, check your maintenance routine or consult a pool professional.
Chlorine levels at 8 ppm or above are unsafe for swimming and can cause serious health issues.
Ideally total chlorine should match your free chlorine level for effective sanitation.
If total chlorine is higher than free chlorine, it indicates the presence of combined chlorine (chloramines), which isn’t ideal.
Understanding Combined Chlorine
Free chlorine is the amount of chlorine that’s available to do the job of sanitising and disinfecting your pool.
Combined chlorine refers to chlorine that is no longer effective as a sanitiser, because it has already reacted with contaminants. It includes chloramines, which are formed when chlorine in the pool water comes in contact with organic material from swimmers, including oils, cosmetics, perspiration or urine. Chloramines greatly reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, can cause eye stinging and irritate respiratory systems. If you smell chlorine from a pool, it’s usually combined chlorine, not free chlorine.
Safety and Comfort
A combined chlorine level of 0.5 ppm can lead to some discomfort for swimmers, including eye and skin irritation, as well as a strong chlorine smell. Health departments around the world recommended public swimming pools to keep combined chlorine levels under 0.2 ppm and ideally at 0.0 ppm.
Swimming Safety
Combined chlorine at 0.5 ppm doesn’t pose severe health risks, but it can make the swimming experience less pleasant and cause irritation, especially with prolonged exposure.
Steps to Improve Water Quality
Shock Treatment: Use a non-chlorine shock to break down and reduce combined chlorine levels. It may take more than one treatment to have combined chlorine levels back to under 0.2 ppm.
Regular Maintenance: Ensure chemical levels are properly balanced, especially pH and chlorine. Balanced water will optimise chlorine effectiveness and help minimise the formation of chloramines.
The ideal for pH is between 7.2 to 7.8. Keeping pH in this range helps chlorine do its job efficiently.
Below 7.0 can lead to corrosion and above 7.8 reduces the effectiveness of chlorine, which can lead to scaling and cloudiness.
For alkalinity the recommended range is 80-120 ppm. Keeping within this range stabilises pH and minimises pH swings.
Under 80 ppm can cause erratic pH levels, while over 120 ppm locks pH in place, making it hard to adjust.
An alkalinity level of 200 ppm in pool water is on the high side, but still within a range considered safe for swimming.
Impact on pH Stability
High alkalinity can help stabilise pH levels, preventing them from fluctuating too much, which is beneficial. However, when alkalinity is too high, it can make adjusting the pH more difficult if changes are needed.
Potential for Scaling
High alkalinity can lead to scaling, which is the build-up of calcium deposits on pool surfaces and equipment. This can affect the efficiency of your pool systems and the clarity of the water.
Comfort and Clarity
While an alkalinity of 200 ppm isn’t typically dangerous for swimmers, it can lead to cloudy water and might affect swimmer comfort over time, particularly in terms of water feel.
Optimal Range: The ideal range for total alkalinity in pool water is usually cited as 80-120 ppm. Maintaining alkalinity within this range helps ensure effective pH balance, optimal sanitiser performance and overall pool health.
If your pool’s alkalinity is consistently high, you might consider using a chemical reducer specifically designed to lower alkalinity without dramatically affecting pH levels. Regular testing and balancing of your pool’s chemistry are key to maintaining a safe and pleasant swimming environment.
Perfect calcium hardness is 200-400 ppm, it’s ideal for preventing corrosion and scaling.
Below 200 ppm can be corrosive and above 400 ppm might lead to unwanted calcium deposits.
Calcium hardness levels over 500 parts per million (ppm) in pool water are considered high and can pose some issues, but generally, they are still safe for swimming.
Scaling
High levels of calcium can lead to scaling, which is the build-up of calcium deposits on the pool surfaces, fixtures and inside plumbing pipe-work.
Cloudy Water
Excess calcium can cause the pool water to become cloudy, reducing water clarity and can detract from the overall aesthetic and enjoyment of the pool.
Water Feel
High calcium hardness can make the water feel harder, which some swimmers might find less pleasant compared to softer water.
While these issues primarily affect the maintenance and appearance of the pool rather than posing direct safety risks to swimmers, they can indirectly impact swimmer comfort and increase maintenance costs and efforts
Reducing Calcium Hardness
Dilution: One of the most straightforward methods to reduce calcium hardness is by partially draining the pool and refilling it with softer water, if available.
Chemical Treatment: There are specific chemicals available that can help sequester or bind the calcium, preventing it from forming scale and keeping it in solution.
Regular Maintenance: Keeping the pool’s pH and alkalinity within the recommended ranges can help manage problems associated with high calcium hardness.
Regular testing and balancing of all pool chemicals are crucial to prevent scaling, maintain clear and healthy water and ensure a pleasant swimming experience.
Just right for UV shield is 20-40 ppm. This level protects chlorine from burning-off under the sun.
Below 20 ppm, chlorine dissipates quickly, while above 40 ppm, chlorine’s effectiveness is reduced.
A stabiliser level over 80 ppm in a pool, specifically referring to cyanuric acid (CYA), is generally considered too high but not immediately unsafe for swimming.
Reduced Chlorine Effectiveness
Cyanuric acid helps protect chlorine from being degraded by sunlight, extending its effectiveness in the water. However, when CYA levels are too high, it can overly stabilise the chlorine, making it less effective at sanitising the pool. This means bacteria and algae may not be controlled adequately, which could lead to unhealthy swimming conditions.
Chemical Balance Challenges
High levels of CYA can make it difficult to maintain balanced water chemistry. This imbalance can affect the effectiveness of other chemicals and the overall clarity and quality of the pool water.
Potential for Algae Growth
With chlorine’s effectiveness reduced, there’s an increased risk of algae growth, which can make the pool unsafe for swimming if not properly controlled.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
Water Dilution: The most straightforward method to reduce high CYA levels is to partially drain the pool and refill it with fresh water. This dilutes the concentration of CYA.
Avoid Additional Stabilised Chlorine: If you need to add more chlorine, use non-stabilised chlorine until the CYA levels come down to the recommended range (usually 30-50 ppm for outdoor pools).
Regular Testing: Keep a regular schedule for testing your pool water, not just for CYA but for all chemical levels, to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.
While swimming in a pool with a CYA level over 80 ppm isn’t immediately hazardous in terms of acute toxicity, the reduced efficacy of chlorine and potential for uncontrolled algae and bacteria growth make it advisable to adjust the CYA level back to a safer range. This ensures that the pool remains both safe and pleasant for all swimmers.
Copper should be kept in the range 0-0.2 ppm, it’s enough to prevent algae without staining or turning hair green.
Above 0.2 ppm might cause stains and a noticeable green tint in hair.
Copper levels above 0.5 ppm in pool water are generally considered high and can lead to several undesirable effects, though they may not pose immediate health hazards for swimming.
Staining
Copper levels above 0.5 ppm can cause significant staining of pool surfaces and equipment. This usually appears as green or blue-green stains that are difficult to remove.
Hair and Skin Discoloration
Swimmers, particularly those with lighter-coloured hair, might experience green tints in their hair after swimming in a pool with high copper levels. Additionally, prolonged exposure to high copper levels can cause skin discoloration and irritation.
Corrosion
Elevated copper levels can also lead to the corrosion of metal components within the pool system, especially if the pool water’s pH is not well-controlled.
Health Considerations
While short-term exposure to high copper levels isn’t typically dangerous, long-term exposure can potentially lead to health issues such as gastrointestinal distress or more severe conditions depending on the exposure level and individual sensitivity
Actions to Take
Identify the Source: Determine where the excess copper is coming from, which could be from corroded pool equipment (like heaters) or copper-based algaecides.
Water Treatment: Use a metal sequestrant to bind the copper ions and prevent them from causing stains or discolouration. These treatments don’t remove copper from the water but can help manage its effects.
To permanently remove or reduce copper from the pool water, draining or part-draining is required.
Pool Equipment Check: Inspect and possibly replace any corroding copper parts in your pool’s circulation system.
Regular Testing and Maintenance: Continuously monitor your pool’s copper levels, along with pH and alkalinity. Keeping the water chemistry balanced can help minimise the dissolution of copper into the water.
Reducing copper levels below 0.5 ppm is advisable to maintain pool aesthetics, protect equipment and ensure swimmer comfort and safety. Regular water testing and maintenance are key to achieving this.
Copper levels above 0.5 ppm in pool water are considered very high and can lead to several serious issues that affect both the pool’s condition and the safety of swimmers
Keeping phosphates in the range of 0-100 ppb minimises algae risks.
High phosphate levels can turn your pool into an algae hotspot.
Phosphates above 1000 parts per billion (ppb) in pool water are not immediately harmful to human health, but they can significantly impact the water quality and maintenance of your pool.
Algae Growth
Phosphates are nutrients that promote algae growth. High levels of phosphates provide the ideal conditions for algae to thrive, which can lead to frequent and severe algae blooms. This not only affects the appearance and clarity of the pool water but can also create conditions that demand more intensive chemical treatment and cleaning.
Increased Maintenance
To combat the algae growth fuelled by high phosphate levels, you’ll need to use more sanitiser and algaecide. This increases the chemical demand and ongoing maintenance costs of your pool.
Water Quality
While phosphates themselves are not directly harmful to swimmers, the resulting algae blooms can decrease the overall quality of the pool water. Algae can make the water murky and slippery, potentially obscuring visibility and leading to a less safe swimming environment
Steps to Manage High Phosphate Levels
Test and Treat: Regular testing of phosphate levels can help you manage them more effectively. If levels are high, use a phosphate remover product specifically designed to reduce phosphates in pool water.
Remove Debris: Keep your pool clean by regularly removing leaves, dirt and other debris, as decomposing organic matter can contribute to phosphate levels.
Maintain Proper Filtration: Ensure that your pool’s filtration system is working efficiently and is cleaned regularly to help remove phosphate sources from the water.
Balance Pool Chemistry: Apart from focusing on phosphates, maintaining balanced pool chemistry with proper pH, alkalinity and sanitiser levels will help prevent algae growth and keep the water clear.
Routine Maintenance: Regular brushing and vacuuming of the pool can physically remove algae and reduce the likelihood of it taking hold, even in the presence of phosphates.
While phosphates themselves do not make the water unsafe, their impact on algae growth can indirectly lead to a pool environment that requires more chemical treatment and maintenance. Managing phosphate levels is crucial for maintaining clear and healthy pool water and ensuring an enjoyable swimming experience.
Salt ideal is between 2500-5500 ppm, depending on your chlorinator model.
Too little salt can impair your salt cell’s chlorine generation, too much can be corrosive and leave your pool tasting like the sea and can damage the chlorinator cell.
Salt levels over 6000 parts per million (ppm) in a saltwater pool are considered high and may not be safe for swimming for several reasons.
Corrosion Risk
High salt concentrations can lead to corrosion of metal components in and around the pool, such as ladders, pumps, heaters and other hardware. This can reduce the lifespan of your pool equipment and fixtures.
Water Balance Issues
Excessive salt can affect the overall balance of the pool water, making it more challenging to maintain proper pH and alkalinity levels.
Discomfort for Swimmers
High salt levels might cause discomfort for swimmers, including eye irritation or a more pronounced salty taste, which could detract from the swimming experience.
Potential Damage to Pool Surfaces
Prolonged exposure to high salt levels can also deteriorate pool surfaces, particularly if they are not designed or treated to handle high salinity.
Optimal Salt Levels: For most saltwater pools, the ideal salt concentration is typically between 2500 and 5500 ppm. This range helps ensure that the saltwater chlorinator, which generates chlorine from the salt, operates efficiently without the negative effects of too much salt.
What to Do: If your pool’s salt level is over 6000 ppm, consider the following steps.
Dilution: Partially drain the pool and add fresh water to dilute the salt concentration. This is often the most effective method to quickly reduce salt levels.
Check Equipment Settings: Ensure that your saltwater chlorinator settings are adjusted correctly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Regular Testing and Maintenance: Continuously monitor your pool’s salt levels along with other chemical parameters to maintain a healthy, balanced and safe swimming environment.
Addressing high salt levels promptly will help maintain the integrity of your pool’s structure and equipment, while also ensuring a comfortable swimming environment.
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Simplify your pool maintenance routine with POOLWATER-PRO.
Our software turns test-strips into accurate digital readings, right from your phone.
Get instant alerts to know if your pool is safe to swim, plus any chemicals needed.
By embracing effective pool maintenance practices and utilising POOLWATER-PRO.COM, you can overcome chemical balancing challenges and easily maintain a clear and inviting pool.
Spend less time worrying and more time splashing with your own pool expert on hand.
Visit POOLWATER-PRO.COM to learn more and embark on your journey to pool clarity today.
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