Maintaining the chemical balance in your swimming pool is essential for clean and healthy pool water. Without the proper use of chemicals your water becomes a breading ground for harmful pollutants and bacteria. These can cause illness, algae growth, and corrosion of your liner. Following is an overview of the types of chemical systems available and the steps necessary to maintain healthy and balanced pool water. This information applies to all pools whether above or below ground.
The first step to maintaining a good chemical balance is to choose the type of chemical system to use for your pool. There are two types of pool chemical systems available to maintain your water, chlorine and non-chlorine based. They both work equally well in keeping your water clean and healthy. Chlorine systems use chlorine to kill bacteria and keep the pool water clear. Some people find the chlorine odor strong and offensive. It can fade bathing suits as well as color treated hair, and sting eyes. The non-chlorine systems use a chemical called polyhexamethylene to keep the water clean and clear. This is a harmless chemical that is also used for contact cleaning solutions. It does not have the odor and fading qualities of chlorine. Generally non-chlorine based chemical systems are more expensive than chlorine based ones. It is important to note that you cannot mix products from the two systems. You must choose one and only use the products in that system. However if you wish to switch from chlorine to non-chlorine chemicals or vice versa you may. Check with your local pool supply store on the steps necessary to complete the switch.
To maintain the right amount and balance of chemicals in your pool you need to know how many gallons of water the pool holds. The size of the pool determines the amount of chemicals to be added to the water. A pool supply store can tell you the number of gallons if you provide the size and shape of your pool (24 foot round, 24 foot oblong, etc.). It is important the have the right amount of chemicals for your pool size. If not enough chemicals are added they will be inefficient and harmful bacteria can build up in the water. Adding too many chemicals for the pool size will not make it any cleaner. The over concentration of chemicals can sting swimmers' eyes or fade bathing suits without adding any additional benefits. The directions included with pool chemicals will tell you the amount to add for the number of gallons in the pool.
It is necessary to add chemicals to your pool water on a weekly and monthly basis. Pollutants from suntan lotion, cosmetics, and perspiration can build up in the pool water. These pollutants provide a food source for harmful bacteria and algae. Keeping the right level of chemicals will prevent the bacteria from growing by dissolving their food source as well as killing the bacteria. Killing algae prevents green and slimy pool water. For both types of chemical systems you will need to add a bacteria/algae killer once a week. Both chemical systems have a "shock" chemical that is added monthly. This is a higher concentration of the bacteria/algae chemicals that will assist in keeping the water clear. It is important to run your filtration system approximately five to six hours per day so the chemicals will be circulated throughout the pool water. Each brand of pool chemicals will come with a set of instructions for the exact steps to follow.
The other important component to a balanced pool is maintaining the pH of your water. The pH tells you the degree of acidity in the water. This is important because water that is too acidic can corrode your pool liner over time. Water with a low pH can cause a scaly build up on your liner and steps. There are two ways to check the pH level of your water. You can take a sample of the water (in a clean container) to your pool supply store. Most stores will check the chemical levels of your sample for free and give you suggestions to correct any problems. The other way is to purchase testing strips which you dip in your water then check the colors on the strips against the chart provided. You should check the pH level about once a month. A balanced pH level is between 7.0 and 7.5. If it is too high or too low your pool supply store can tell you the proper chemicals to add to correct the level for the chemical system you are using. Once your level is adjusted it should not be a problem to maintain. However an extremely heavy rain can change the pH so it is a good idea to check your pH level if this occurs.
You also need to maintain a chemical balance in the water over the winter when your pool is closed. If the proper level of chemicals is not added before closing the pool your pH level can change and algae can form causing a massive clean up when the pool is opened next season. Generally a pH stabilizer to maintain the pH level needs to be added before closing. Also an algaecide to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and algae over the winter months is required. Most pool stores will provide you with a print out of all the necessary steps and chemicals needed to close your pool for the specific system you are using.
With the proper maintenance and balance of chemicals in your water during the swimming season and over the winter your pool water will stay clear, clean, and healthy. Investing a small amount of time checking and adding chemicals will save you a great amount of work. Opening the pool each year will be a breeze when the cover comes off to reveal clean, clear water that lasts throughout the swimming season.
