Testing and adding chemicals to balance your pool water are necessary to maintain a healthy swimming environment.
You should test the pool water weekly during the summer and at least monthly during other non-swimming periods.
Careful handling of pool chemicals is necessary for your safety. When adding chemicals, wear protective gear, avoid mixing and store them properly afterwards.
Wait one hour between adding different chemicals and run the equipment during this time. Avoid adding chemicals immediately after each other, as this can cause reactions or cloudiness, depending on the chemical being added.
Add chemicals to your pool in the same order as listed below.
Sodium carbonate, known as soda ash is used to raise the pH of your pool water.
Hydrochloric and muriatic acid are both liquid products and must be handled with care. They are used to lower pH and alkalinity.
Dry acid also known as pH down or pH minus, is made from sodium bisulphate.
They’re safer and less corrosive to use than muriatic or hydrochloric acid and also used to lower pH and alkalinity.
Chlorine is the most common santiser used in pools, because of its effectiveness in killing bacteria and preventing algae growth.
Liquid chlorine is a better option to use than granular chlorine, because it doesn’t cloud the water or leave residue on the floor of the pool.
Shock treatment, also known as super chlorination is used to raise the chlorine level quickly in a pool to kill bacteria, algae or other contaminants.
It is recommended to add other chemicals after shock treatment, once chlorine is back into range.
If you need to vacuum the pool to waste to remove any dead algae or other debris from the floor of the pool, it will save unnecessarily removing recently added chemicals during this process.
Test the water 24-48 hours after treatment.
Chlorine levels should be back within the recommended range of 1-3 ppm before allowing swimmers back into the pool.
Potassium monopersulphate is used to lower combined chlorine levels in the pool.
Buffer also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, Bicarbonate of Soda or Baking Soda, helps to maintain the stability of your pool’s pH levels.
There are various products available to increase alkalinity such as Buffer, Alkalinity Increaser or Alkalinity Up.
To increase calcium hardness, calcium chloride is added to the water. Products available are known as Calcium Increaser, Calcium Up or Hardness Increaser.
Reducing calcium levels in your pool is either done by part-draining your pool or using a calcium reducer or calcium hardness decreaser product.
Cyanuric acid is a chemical compound that is used to increase stabiliser levels in swimming pools.
Algaecide is available from several different manufacturers.
It’s normally used to help prevent algae in your pool and is not effective once algae have begun to develop.
Copper-based algaecide can be used to kill algae, but use in moderation to avoid excessive metals in your pool that can cause staining.
Salt is sodium chloride, which produces chlorine through an electrolysis process in a salt water chlorination system.
Minerals usually contain magnesium and potassium chloride, both of which are also used to produce chlorine through an electrolysis process and chlorinator cell.
Several chemical manufactures produce phosphate remover. Using this product removes phosphates from the water, which is the primary food source for algae.
Various products are available that bind the metal ions in the water, preventing them from causing staining or irritation.
In addition to the basic steps outlined above, here are some additional tips to ensure successful chemical treatment of your pool.
When adding chemicals to your pool, always dissolve them in a bucket of water first, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This helps prevent chemical reactions and ensures even distribution of the chemicals throughout the pool water.
When diluting chemicals in a bucket, always add chemicals to the bucket first, then add the water.
Granular chlorine should always be pre-dissolved in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool.
Before adding chemicals to your pool, remove any automatic pool cleaners or robotic cleaners from the pool.
Never pour chemicals directly into the skimmer box of your pool.
If you’re using chlorine products in your pool, be mindful of the copper levels in your water.
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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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