Chemistry of Pool Water What You Need to Know
Good pool chemistry is essential to prevent bacterial growth, algae growth, pool health and optimal safety for people swimming in the pool. So what do you need to know about the chemistry of the pool water?
picking and use of chlorine
The first step in maintaining a healthy pool chemistry is choosing the right type of chlorine.
When it comes to choosing chlorine, you really get what you pay for. You can buy cheaper chlorine sticks that can look a lot like the expensive ones, but once they are used, you will notice a big difference.
The high quality chlorine dissolves very slowly in the pool. On the other hand, poor quality chlorine dissolves much more quickly and will be gone in about three days. The stick may seem to be the same size, but it is largely loaded.
The most economical type of chlorine comes in the form of 3-inch tablets. However, if you operate a smaller pool, you can choose a 1-inch tablet. Try to get a table containing at least 85% trichloro-S-Triazinetrione.
chlorine supply system
The system you use to introduce chlorine into your pool is very important. If you simply place the chlorine in your pool or in a skimmer, your chlorine level will be much too high. This level of chlorine will corrode your pump and circulation systems.
Instead, opt for the purchase of an autoloader or a chemical loader. Both work very well to disperse the chlorine in the pool slowly.
have your ph level
If your pH is lowered, your swimmers will feel like their eyes are burning when they swim in your pool. In order to manage your pH, you will need a pH test kit.
The ideal pH for a pool is 7.4, plus or minus 0.2 pH. If you have a pH of 1, the chlorine in your pool will not do its job. Bacteria and insects can freely invade your pool.
It is rare that you have a low pH problem. As a general rule, your challenge will be to lower the pH of your pool. You can do this using granular acid (slower) or muriatic acid (faster but more dangerous.) Make sure your pump is running fully when you add these chemicals.
Modify your pH slowly and continue your tests. Do not add a ton of chemicals just to get past your goal, but to use more chemicals to restore pH.
Here are some of the most important factors to know to maintain a healthy pool chemistry.