We know you love your pool. We see you floating on that oversized pink flamingo with an ice-cold freshly squeezed handmade lemon spritzer by your side. And who has time for the technicalities when you’re enjoying your summer?
You look around and try to avoid thinking about what all those floaty things do and what all those pool terms your pool guy uses really mean. You’re thinking “I should research it now…but I just don’t have the time to pry myself away from this warm, sunny day to look each one up and understand its purpose.”
We get you, but the way you keep your pool maintained is of the utmost importance. You want a clean and clear pool for sanitary and health reasons, but also to keep it looking great. This requires certain pool chemicals be measured and added, filtering through your water for safe usage.
Let’s take a closer look at those, so you’re all caught up.
Pool Chemicals 101:
So here we have it: pool chemicals. All you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask. To start,here are actually three categories that these chemicals typically fall under. They are Sanitizers, Oxidizers and Water Balancers, as well as an extra category for miscellaneous Specialty Chemicals.
Sanitizers keep the water sanitized and disinfected. Most sanitizers are in the chlorine family. Keep this at a constant, consistent level in the water for best results.
Some of the common names include TriChlor, DiChlor, Bromine, and Cyanuric Acid.
Oxidizers work hand in hand with sanitizers, but used only every few weeks, in a process called “shocking”, to kill bacteria and algae. Some of the common names for these include Calcium Hypochlorite, Chlorine Free Shock and Lithium Shock.
Water Balancers are used to test the pH and chlorine levels of your pool water. These should be checked on a regular schedule, several times per week. Some of the common names for these include pH Increaser, pH Reducer, Alkalinity Increaser, Calcium Hardness Increaser, and Chlorine Neutralizer.
Within the Specialty Chemicals category, these products can either help with a problem or with keeping your pool looking its absolute best. These range from algaecides to cleaners to water balancing chemicals.
And there you have it: your homework assignment has been completed. No more thoughts about pool chemicals necessary. Now get back into the pool and enjoy some fun and sun. As always, consult with a professional if there are ever any questions about the use of any of these chemicals.
And for the very best in custom pool designs and builds, contact Artesian Pools, today!
