Most swimming pools used today use a combination of chemicals like chlorine, algaecide, and more to keep the water clean, clear and safe to swim in. Knowing the right combination of chemicals to use and when to use them is key to keeping your pool cared for.
Chlorine comes in a number of applications, including tablets, bottled form, and powder. A common ingredient in tablet or stick form is called Trichlor, compared to the ingredient of the powder, Dichlor (which contains sodium). Chlorine sticks are commonly used, because of being slow to dissolve after application over a number of days. Powdered chlorine also works well, but be aware that certain types of chlorine need to be dissolved in a bucket of water first. Another chemical found in chlorine tablets is cyanuric acid, but you should be careful about how much acid is in the product. Chlorine can become ineffective if too much acid is present in the water.
One method for adding chlorine to your pool involve chlorine feeders, which float on the surface of the pool and apply the chemical gradually over time. Once the feeder is adjusted correctly, it can last for a week at least. Don’t ever dump chlorine tablets into the pool or leave them floating in the water, as this will create a high concentration of chemicals that might damage your pool’s pump or circulation system.
The final step to handling your pool’s chlorine level involve the occasional “shock treatment,” which get rid of any lingering chlorine molecules that have bound themselves to unwanted chemicals, such as ammonia. Shock your pool once a week in order to keep the chlorine levels at peak efficiency.
