It’s important to sanitize your pool water
Your pool and/or spa are constantly being exposed to harmful bacteria. This increases if your pool is outside. For this reason, it is crucial to maintain a sanitary pool to prevent illness and keep your water looking sparkling. Keeping your pool water in good condition will also help lengthen the life of your pool and equipment!
The number one reason to sanitize your pool water with sanitizing chemicals is to prevent the growth of bacteria. This will ensure your pool is safe to swim in for both you and your family. Many illnesses can be caused by pool bacteria. These include:
- nose and throat infections
- rashes
- respiratory infections
- swimmer’s ear
- diarrhea
It is important to keep your water chemically balanced; with the right amount of sanitizer, pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels. Keeping your pool in balance will allow the sanitizer to work correctly and prevent corrosion of pool equipment.
The most common form of pool sanitizer is chlorine. Add chlorine regularly and pass the water through a filter to remove the dead bacteria.
Curious as to where this bacteria comes from? Unfortunately it is introduced into your pool mostly by its swimmers. Other factors can add bacteria to your pool water as well: debris, leaves, grass, dust, bugs, and animal contributions.
There is good news! Most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a ‘free chlorine residual’. ‘Residual’ means it can remain in the water while the pool is in use and will be used to protect against bacteria. If you regularly test your pool water and add the right amount of chlorine to your pool, you will easily maintain residual levels.
Heated Pools/Spas
Heated pools and spas will require more sanitizer than a regular temperature pool. Bacteria THRIVES in warm water, so be cautious. Chlorine is used up much quicker in a heated pool, therefore it needs to be added more regularly.
Stabilized chlorine products are not advised to be used in heated pools. This greatly reduces their effectiveness.
Easy to Follow Tips:
- Maintain a chlorine residual of 1.0 to 3.0 PPM (parts per million)
- Choose the right product, the best product for your life and your pool
- If you smell chlorine, it usually means there is not enough chlorine
- Heated pools or spas require more chlorine
- Never mix chemicals!
Contact a technician at Ask the Pool Guy for regular maintenance tips!