What Pool Chemicals Do I Need?
One of the most common questions new pool owners have is, “What pool chemicals do I need to maintain my swimming pool?” It’s a good question – the type and amount of chemicals you use greatly impact how much value and enjoyment you get out of your swimming pool.
Family Pool Maintenance is here to help. A sparkling clean and safe swimming pool provides a delightful oasis during hot summer days, and maintaining such a pool requires more than just regular cleaning. Appropriate amounts of pool chemicals are essential to keep your swimming pool sanitary, clear, and safe,
In this article, we’ll discuss the basic chemicals you’ll need to keep your pool clean and healthy. You don’t need to use all these chemicals regularly, but it’s helpful to have them on hand to deal with imbalances and other water quality issues.
1. Chlorine
Almost everyone knows that if you have a swimming pool, you need chlorine. Chlorine is without a doubt the most essential pool chemical for maintaining healthy water quality. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and algae, preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Chlorine comes in various forms, such as liquid, granules, and tablets. Each type mixes differently, so it’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations. Regularly monitoring your pool’s chlorine levels is crucial to maintain a safe and comfortable swimming environment.
2. PH Adjusters
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Maintaining the correct pH balance in your pool is vital to the health and comfort of pool users (when pH levels are too high, swimmers can experience skin rashes; low pH levels can cause a swimmer’s eye to sting). pH imbalances can also affect the operation and longevity of your pool equipment.
The ideal range for a pool’s pH is between 7.2 and 7.6, slightly on the alkaline side. pH adjusters, such as pH increasers (sodium carbonate) or pH decreasers (sodium bisulfate), help you achieve and maintain the desired pH level. Regular testing and adjustment of pH levels are essential for proper water balance.
3. Alkalinity Balancers
Total Alkalinity (TA) represents the pool water’s ability to resist changes in pH levels. It acts as a buffer to prevent rapid fluctuations in acidity or alkalinity. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used to increase pH and alkalinity levels, while muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate can decrease alkalinity if it is too high. Proper alkalinity levels (between 80-120 ppm) ensure that pH adjustments are more stable and effective.
4. Calcium Hardness Stabilizers
Calcium hardness refers to the level of dissolved calcium in the pool water. It helps prevent damage to pool surfaces and equipment caused by corrosive or scaling water. The recommended calcium hardness level varies depending on the type of pool surface. Calcium chloride is commonly used to increase calcium hardness, while dilution or a sequestering agent can lower it when levels are too high.
5. Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)
One of the problems with chlorine is that it rapidly breaks down when exposed to the Sun’s UV rays. Chemical stabilizers, like cyanuric acid, help to slow this process. Inhibiting the breakdown of chlorine, cyanuric acid, and other chemical stabilizers promote a more effective and longer-lasting pool sanitization process.
Chlorine stabilizers come in granule or liquid form, and their ideal range is typically between 30-50 ppm. However, it’s important to note that excessive levels of a stabilizer can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness, necessitating dilution or partial water replacement.
6. Shock Treatments
Shock treatments are highly concentrated doses of chlorine that help eliminate contaminants and rapidly restore water clarity and quality. Regular shocking of the pool is recommended after heavy pool usage, severe weather, or when chlorine levels drop significantly. Shock treatments quickly oxidize organic matter, such as sweat, urine, and bacteria, ensuring a safe and sanitary swimming environment. Different shock treatments are available, including non-chlorine shock options for those who prefer alternatives.
Need Help Balancing Your Pool? Call Family Pool Maintenance
Maintaining balanced pool chemistry can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of specialized knowledge and expertise. Proper pool maintenance is a job that’s best left to a professional. That’s why so many pool owners in Delaware turn to Family Pool Maintenance to keep their pools and spas in peak condition.
Our team of experienced, certified swimming pool technicians can take care of all your pool chemical needs, ensuring your pool remains clean, safe, and inviting throughout the season. We’ve been keeping pools in Delaware clean and safe since 2005. We know exactly what chemicals a swimming pool needs and at what levels to maintain the clearest and healthiest water quality.
With Family Pool Maintenance, you can kick back and enjoy the pool of your dreams without having to worry about chemicals, cleaning, and other maintenance issues. Contact us today to find out more about our Delaware pool maintenance and care services.
