There’s a wide range of waterborne diseases from dirty pool water. To keep your pool water clean and free of bacteria, algae, and other contaminants, you’ll need to use a variety of chemicals.
If you have a new pool built in Dallas and wonder what kind of chemicals you need to maintain it, this article is for you.
Pool Sanitizers
Sanitizers are chemicals that kill algae and other organisms in the water. Several types of sanitizers are available, including chlorine dioxide, ozone, and bromine.
- Chlorine dioxide: This pool chemical is a powerful sanitizer that is effective against bacteria and algae. It keeps your water disinfected and prevents algae buildup. It is available as a tablet or liquid. It can also be used in both saltwater and freshwater pools.
- Ozone: This is another chemical sanitizer that’s effective against bacteria, viruses, and algae. Ozone is an excellent alternative to chlorine since it’s doesn’t irritate human skin and leaves no noticeable odor. It is available as a gas or liquid product.
- Bromine: This sanitizer is also effective against bacteria and algae. Bromine is usually the best option for those sensitive to the strong chemical odors left by sanitizers like chlorine. Unfortunately, bromine is easily broken down by sunlight, making it a poor choice for outdoor pools. It is available as a tablet, in granular form, or liquid.
Algaecides
Algaecides are chemicals that specifically kill algae in pool water. Several different algaecides are available, including copper sulfate, quaternary ammonium compounds, and polyhexamethylene biguanide.
- Copper Sulfate: This type of algaecide is effective against green and black algae. It is available as a powder or liquid, and it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater pools.
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: This is a type of algaecide iseffective against all types of algae. It’s often used in liquid form and can be used for any kind of pool water.
- Biguanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide): This is another type of effective compound against all types of algae. It is available as a liquid product and can be used in saltwater and freshwater pools.
Water Balancers
In addition to sanitizers and algaecides, you may also need to use water balancers to keep your pool water healthy. Water balancers are chemicals that help maintain the pH and alkalinity of the water.
- pH Increasers and Reducers: To maintain the pH balance of your pool water, you’ll need to use increasers or reducers. pH increasers like granular soda ash are chemicals that raise the pH of the water. Meanwhile, pH reducers like sodium bisulfate are chemicals that lower the pH of the water.
- Alkalinity Increaser: To maintain the alkalinity of your pool water, you will need to use an alkalinity increase. Alkalinity increasers are chemicals that raise the alkalinity of the water. This chemical should be used if the alkalinity levels fall below 80 ppm.
- Calcium Hardness Increaser: Maintaining calcium levels are another integral part of pool maintenance. Once the calcium levels fall below 150 ppm, you’ll need calcium hardness increments to balance everything.
- Chlorine Neutralizer: If you add too much chlorine to your pool, you’ll need a chlorine neutralizer to remove it. Chlorine neutralizers like sodium thiosulfate bind with chlorine and effectively remove it from the water.
Always Keep Your Pool’s Chemicals Balanced
Maintaining a swimming pool requires the use of a variety of chemicals. Balancing your pool’s chemical levels can be overwhelming. However, this article should be enough to help familiarize you with the various chemicals involved and make it easy for you to easily maintain your pool.
If maintaining your pool chemical levels proves too much, you can always rely on experienced professionals to help you.
Weber Pools is a trusted pool service and maintenance company that can help keep your pool regularly clean. If you’re interested in our services, contact us today and our team would be glad to answer any of your questions.