4 Important Pool Water Treatment Products and How to Use Them
24th Mar 2023
As a pool owner, there’s a lot you need to know about pool maintenance. All those chemicals you add to your pool water, for instance. What are they for and when do you use them?
To help keep your pool water clean, clear and healthy, you will use four main products:
These are all distinct and separate pool maintenance products, each with a specific purpose:
Pool Water Clarifiers
These products are used to improve the clarity of pool water by gathering and settling suspended particles and debris that cloud the water. Pool water clarifiers work by causing small particles to clump together into larger clusters. These clumps will either be removed by the pool's filtration system or sink to the bottom of the pool. Clarifiers do not affect the chemical balance of the pool water.
Pool Water Balancers
Balancers are used to adjust the chemical balance of pool water to ensure it is safe and comfortable to swim in. The three primary water balance factors are pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. pH measures the acidity or basicity of the water, alkalinity measures the ability of the water to resist changes in pH, and calcium hardness measures the concentration of calcium in the water.
Pool water balancers are used to adjust these factors to their optimal levels, which helps prevent corrosion, scaling and other problems.
Pool Shock
Pool shock is a powerful oxidizer that is used to kill bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms in pool water. It is often used as a treatment for algae blooms, cloudy water and other pool water problems.
Shock treatments typically contain high levels of chlorine or other sanitizing agents, which rapidly raise the level of free available chlorine in the water to destroy contaminants. Shocking the pool is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and healthy swimming environment.
Chlorine
Regular use of other water treatment products does not necessarily replace the need for chlorine, a powerful disinfectant and sanitizer that is specifically designed to kill harmful microorganisms in pool water.
By using chlorine in combination with pool water clarifiers, balancers and shock treatments, you can ensure that your pool is both clean and safe for swimming.
Keep in mind that chlorine should be used in moderation to avoid over-chlorinating the water, which can lead to skin and eye irritation, unpleasant odors and tastes in the water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using any pool maintenance products, including chlorine.
In addition to these four products, you may occasionally need to use an algaecide, cleaner or stain remover to keep your pool looking its best.
By regularly testing and adjusting your pool water, you ensure clean, contaminant free swimming for your friends and family.
You may also like: