Swimming pools are great additions to any home, but there are some things you'll want to consider before buying one. Chlorine is probably the best-known type of
pool cleaning chemical, but it's not the only option out there. There are several pool chemicals to choose from, each with different benefits and drawbacks. Having the correct chemical levels is vital.
1. Get the water balance right
The main thing to remember when choosing what type of chemicals to use is that you're trying to achieve a balance between clean and safe. If you go too far towards either side, you could have issues like algae blooms, cloudy water, or even dangerous levels of salt build-up. This is true of every facility, including concrete and indoor pools.
2. Use chlorine to kill bacteria and keep the pool clean
Chlorine is often recommended because it kills bacteria and viruses, which makes it safe for people and pets to swim in. However, it tends to make the water look dirty and unpleasant. The best way to add chlorine to an outdoor pool is to use a mechanical system known as a chlorinator, which measures specific quantities of the chemical.
3. Consider a combination of chemicals
Using too much chlorine, however, will have a detrimental effect on the pool. To avoid cloudy water yet still have enough chemicals to kill off bacteria, use a combination of chlorine and bromine. People who opt for a combination tend to have more balanced water content. Bromine tends to give the water a clearer appearance while still being effective against bacteria.
4. Make sure you use the correct type of chlorine
When you buy chlorine, you'll want to make sure you choose a product that says "swim". Some stores sell regular household bleach as swimming pool chlorine. These are fine, but they aren't optimised for swimming pools. Regular household bleach doesn't contain enough active ingredients to do the job properly. It's often the case that getting the balance right is trial and error for both outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
5. Find the chlorine tablets that suit your needs
You'll find chlorine tablets at almost any pool supply shop. They come in different strengths, ranging from 10 ppm to 50 ppm. Most people recommend starting with 20 ppm. Once you've got the hang of things, you can slowly increase the concentration over time. If you're worried about the cost of chemicals, remember that it's cheaper, in the long run, to invest in quality products. Over time, the savings will add up.
6. Know how to protect your salt pool
Salt pools are becoming increasingly popular because they can save homeowners money over traditional chlorinated pools. But there are some drawbacks to owning one. First off, you have to buy salt and chemicals every month. And while they do make the water cleaner, they aren't like swimming in the ocean - you still have to test and maintain the system. That being said, salt pools do offer several advantages over traditional pools. For starters, you won't have to worry about testing or adding chlorine. You can leave the pool unattended for longer periods of time without worrying about damage. In addition, salt pools require less maintenance than traditional pools.
7. Consider the benefits of UV water purification
Less prevalent as chlorine or salt, ozone oxidation and ultra-violet water treatment are recent additions to pool maintenance technology. It's becoming more popular in home pools and helps owners reduce their usage of chemicals. Ozone oxidises contaminants in the water and shocks them, while UV kills off potential contaminants. There are some disadvantages to this, but there are benefits, too.
8. Carry out visual checks to ensure the chemicals are right
There are visual signs that the chemical balance in your pool is working effectively. Clear, silky pool water is a good indicator of this. If your pool water looks cloudy or has a lot of floating particles, it could indicate that your filter isn't working properly and that the chemical balance isn't quite right. A strong chlorine smell indicates that there is too much chlorine in your pool water. Too much chlorine can also cause eye irritation and skin rashes. Check your pool chemicals regularly, and pay attention to what your eyes and nose are telling you.
A domestic swimming pool can be a major asset to the home, and pool owners will know that it can make summer afternoons particularly enjoyable. But as any pool professional will tell you, the chlorine level and the overall chemical balance are crucial. Keeping a clean pool is a must to prevent algae growth and maintain the ideal level of comfort for all pool users.