Pool Chemicals
Welcome to Allstar Pools, your go-to source for all things swimming pool maintenance. Keeping your pool pristine is essential not only for aesthetic appeal but also for the health and safety of everyone who takes a dip. One of the big questions many pool owners ask is, "What chemicals do I need for a pool?" Let's explore the essential pool chemicals you need to shock and maintain your swimming pool effectively.
Essential Swimming Pool Chemicals
In recent times, saltwater swimming pools have gained popularity, and most homeowners are showing interest in installing a saltwater pool in their homes. A Saltwater pool is not chlorine-free, but the chlorine is generated in the pool itself by using some special chemicals. The chlorine generated in the pool helps kill bacteria, algae, and other viruses that could be harmful to your family. If you are a homeowner looking to have a saltwater pool in your house, read this article to know more about the chemicals used for any saltwater pools.
What Are Salt Water Pools?
A Saltwater pool is a pool that uses a machine called a salt-chlorine generator to convert the salt added to the pool to chlorine for the proper functioning of swimming pool water. It’s called a saltwater pool because you add salt to the water at a level high enough to allow the machine to function, making the water feel silkier. The salt in saltwater pools is about 1/10th of the salinity level of ocean water. The amount of salt is about 3000 to 4000 ppm, and the taste is very mild and enjoyable.
What Is Salt Chlorine Generator?
A Salt chlorine generator uses its primary components, the cell, and board, to control water salt levels in your pool. Inside the cell, a series of metallic grids with a low-voltage current creates a reaction that converts the salt down to tiny little bubbles of pure chlorine.
Chemicals For Salt Water Pools
Below are some of the important chemicals that are to be used for your saltwater pool for perfect maintenance and also have a relaxing day at the pool
Salt
Salt is the normal chemical used for any saltwater pool, which gets converted into chlorine after the reaction in the chlorine generator. For your saltwater pool, it is necessary to maintain the correct salt level range so that the system can continue to generate the required chlorine and keep the pool sanitized. Too high a level of salt can damage the metallic parts of the pool, while at the same time, low levels of salt can cause difficulty in producing the required chlorine. When adding salt to your pool, ensure that an adequate amount is added and, if needed, seek the advice of a professional.
Adjusting Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid is a mild acid that helps prevent the breakdown of chlorine due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Cyanuric acid is a stabilizer essential for the proper functioning of the chlorine generator used for your pool. For cyanuric acid, the ideal level for outdoor pools is 70-80 ppm, while 20-40 ppm for covered pools. The ppm for indoor pools should be 0, as there is no need to add a stabilizer to a pool not affected by the sun.
Algaecide
Algaecide is a simple chemical used in pools to kill the algae formed in the pool. Lack of chlorine results in Algae development in the pool. Algae in your pool can cause many infections and also cause skin diseases for family members. Algaecides are mostly available in concentrated form and should be used as directed on the packet or as told by a professional.
Total Dissolved Salts(TDS)
When chlorine kills contaminants in the pool, they dissolve, and while many will get removed by the filter, many remain in the water. Inorganic salts and organic materials increase as more chemicals are added to the pool. TDS can be removed from the pool by draining water, refilling it with fresh water, and regularly backwashing or rinsing your filter to get rid of contaminants.
Balancers For Pool
For enjoying the full benefits of your pool, it is important to maintain the salinity, alkalinity, and hardness levels in the pool. Saltwater pools are most stable, with a pH of 7.6 and alkalinity of 70-80 ppm. Chlorine-tablet treated pools tend to gravitate towards the low end of the pH and Alkalinity scale, while saltwater pools tend to rise in pH level, requiring a pH reducer slowly.
pH Increasers and Reducers
Keeping the pH level balanced in your pool is key. You’ll need a pH increaser (sodium carbonate) and a pH reducer (sodium bisulfate) to keep levels between 7.2 and 7.6.
Alkalinity Adjusters
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels, preventing drastic changes. Use alkalinity increasers (bicarbonate) to maintain levels between 80-120 ppm.
Calcium Hardness Increaser
Calcium hardness helps prevent your pool water from becoming too aggressive, which can erode plaster and damage pool equipment. Aim for a range of 200-400 ppm.
Stabilizer
Cyanuric Acid, or Stabilizer, protects chlorine from being degraded by sunlight, extending its effectiveness. Keep levels between 30-50 ppm.
AntiFreeze Chemicals
If you are a resident of a colder climate, there may be a chance that your pool water might freeze later on in the season. For any saltwater pool, it is recommended to add antifreeze chemicals via the skimmer when water levels drop and a freeze seems imminent. The antifreeze chemical and a special plug-in unit added to your skimmer can help prevent water from causing damage due to expansion from freezing.
Shocking Your Pool
Shocking is the process of adding a large amount of chlorine or other chemicals to sanitize your pool deeply. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it:
- Test the Water: Before shocking your pool, use a testing kit to check your pool's current chemical levels.
- Choose the Right Shock Treatment: Based on your test results and pool needs, choose a shock treatment—calcium hypochlorite or lithium hypochlorite are popular choices.
- Add Shock at Night: Add the shock to your pool at night to prevent UV degradation. Turn on the pool pump to circulate the water.
- Wait Before Swimming: Allow the chlorine levels to return to a safe range (1-3 ppm) before swimming, usually within 24 hours.
Opening and Closing Your Pool
When it's time to open for the summer or close for the winter, you'll need specific pool opening chemicals and pool closing chemicals:
- Pool Closing Chemicals: Include algaecide, pool enzyme products, and a winterizing chemical kit.
- Pool Opening Chemicals: Start with a good shock, followed by a clarifier, stain prevention, and algaecide.
Step-By-Step Pool Opening Chemicals – What You Need, In What Order
Opening a saltwater pool for the season involves several steps, including cleaning, balancing water chemistry, and ensuring the salt generator is functioning properly. Here's a step-by-step guide on the chemicals needed and how to use them:
- Test Water Chemistry
Chemicals Needed:
- Test Kit or Test Strips: Test for pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid (CYA), and Salt levels.
Task: Test the water and note the results.
- Balance pH and Alkalinity
Chemicals Needed:
- pH Increaser (Sodium Carbonate) or pH Decreaser (Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate)
- Alkalinity Increaser (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Task: Adjust the pH to between 7.4 and 7.6.
Task: Adjust total alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Adjust Calcium Hardness
Chemicals Needed:
- Calcium Chloride
Task: Ensure calcium hardness is between 200-400 ppm. Add calcium chloride if necessary.
- Check and Adjust Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
Chemicals Needed:
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Task: Maintain CYA levels between 30-50 ppm to protect chlorine from UV degradation.
Tip: If CYA levels are too high, you may need to partially drain and refill the pool.
- Add Salt
Chemicals Needed:
Pool-Grade Salt
Task: Check the salt level and add salt as needed to reach the manufacturer’s recommended range (typically 2700-3400 ppm).
Tip: Pour salt evenly around the pool and brush to help dissolve it.
- Shock the Pool
Chemicals Needed:
- Pool Shock (Sodium Hypochlorite or Non-Chlorine Shock)
Task: Shock the pool to eliminate any contaminants or bacteria that may have accumulated.
Tip: Use a non-chlorine shock if you prefer not to raise chlorine levels too high.
- Run the Pump and Salt System
Task: Turn on the pool pump and allow it to run continuously for 24-48 hours to circulate the water and fully dissolve any added chemicals.
Task: Activate the salt chlorine generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Final Checks
Task: Ensure that the filtration system is working properly, the salt levels are optimal, and the water is clear.
Tip: Clean or backwash the filter if necessary.
Timing Concerns When Adding Pool Chemicals
How long to wait between adding pool chemicals?
When performing pool chemical maintenance, it’s recommended that you wait at least 4 to 6 hours between adding different doses or categories of pool chemicals, to allow them to circulate and mix thoroughly and prevent any potential reaction with other chemicals in use.
The salt used for your pools plays an important role in generating the required chlorine for your pool. For the perfect maintenance of any saltwater pool, you should use make use of all the chemicals recommended for your pool type. These chemicals will aid the chlorine generator to help maintain your swimming pool, keeping the pool water clear and healthy with very little effort.
By following this guide and using the right swimming pool chemicals, you can enjoy a clean and safe swimming environment all season long. For more advice, visit Allstar Pools today!
At Allstar Swimming Pools, we strive to provide the best in information and assistance to help you maintain a safe and enjoyable pool owner experience.
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