Your Guide to Pool Cleaning Chemicals and What They Do
Having a pool is a blessing, especially when the sun is beating down. Without the right care and attention, though, your pool could become a health hazard. Whether you hire a pool cleaner or you do the job yourself, it's worth understanding the different types of pool cleaning chemicals available and what they do.
Shock Treatments
Shock treatments are heavy doses of cleaning fluids that blast clean your pool. In a lot of cases, pool cleaners use chlorine as their chemical of choice. Rather than using a mild amount, they use a high dose that banishes dirt and algae. Shock treatments are usually necessary if you don't clean your pool for a while. However, some owners try them after periods of heavy use too. You'll need to test the pool's chlorine levels before you return to swimming in it, as too much chlorine can cause damage to your skin.
Sanitiser Chemicals
Chlorine and bromine are the most popular forms of sanitiser chemicals. However, as bromine tends to break down more quickly under UV light it's more commonly used in spas rather than pools. Once chlorine is in your pool, it forms a very weak acid that kills off bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. When it's working, it reduces the likelihood that you or someone else swimming in your pool will develop a stomach upset as a result of bacteria. Always use pool chemical testing kits to ensure you get your sanitiser chemical balance right.
Stabilising Chemicals
When your pool encounters a lot of UV light, there's a chance the chlorine will destabilise. As such, you'll need stabilising chemicals that keep the levels in check and allow chlorine to do its job. Additionally, you may need pH balancers to ensure the water in your pool doesn't have a harmful effect on those who swim in it. The type of balancer you use will depend on whether it has a tendency to become alkalotic or acidotic.
Pool Algaecides
As a backup to your usual sanitising effort, algaecides ensure algae doesn't get the opportunity to wreak havoc with your pool. You should use it on a weekly basis, as well as after every shock treatment you perform. As too much algaecide can cause eye and skin irritation, it's important to get the balance right each time you use one.
If the thought of balancing pool chemicals makes your head spin, turn to a team of professionals instead. With a routine pool cleaning service, you can enjoy all the fun aspects of your pool without too much hard work. Contact a pool cleaning service to learn more.