When it comes to owning a swimming pool, maintaining proper water chemistry is not an easy task. The article will discuss the importance of pool maintenance and common misconceptions owners have about pool maintenance.
With so many pool sanitizers, algicides, enzymes, and balancers on the market, it can be hard to determine what is needed for proper upkeep. Making mistakes can really impact your pool’s health and more importantly your weekend barbeque! In this article we’ll discuss common pool sanitizer mistakes and misconceptions as well as how to avoid them.
1. Do I have to use chemicals in my pool?
The short answer is “no”, not unless you don’t mind swimming in pea green, bacteria laced water. We too would love to NOT use sanitizers, but study the science for a little, and it’ll become obvious why we need them. Chlorine has been the go-to sanitizer since we discovered it. Honestly, it’s amazing and there is no real substitute for it. The issue is that chlorine must be constantly monitored and replenished. Let’s face it, no one has time for that on a busy weekday morning! That is why hiring a local pool professional like Alligator Pools, is a good move.
2. Do I need to add chlorine if I have a Salt Water pool?
The short answer is “it’s complicated.” Salt is comprised of two elements, chlorine and sodium (NaCl if we’re using the periodic table). A salt chlorine generator sanitizes your pool with chlorine by removing the ‘Na’ and releasing the Cl (chlorine) into your pool. Specifically, your generator creates Hypochlorous Acid (HClO), the most potent sanitizing form of chlorine. That said, if you do not have the proper size salt system or have an over active pool pump, you may run into the situation where your generator is unable to produce ENOUGH chlorine for your pool. In addition, weather and how often the pool is used will also influence the amount of chlorine you need.
3. Am I allergic to Chlorine? It burns my eyes and dries out my skin!
A lot of people claim to be allergic to chlorine. However, that is unlikely the case. Chlorine in your water will combine with other contaminants such as sweat, oil, urine, and other ‘stuff’, which creates chloramines. It is the chloramines that cause the irritated eyes, and dry skin as well as that awful chlorine smell! Want to avoid this? You can either purchase a UV sanitizer which will breakdown the chloramines or simply shower before entering your pool!
4. Do I need to brush my pool if I use Chlorine?
The short answer is “yes, definitely!” We know, we know. It’s not as fun or cool to brush your pool like it is to vacuum the carpet. BUT, by brushing you’re getting rid of any algae that has started growing on the surface as well as your gross biofilm. The brushing helps break up your biofilm and removes the algae off the walls where the chlorine destroys it, keeping your pool clean!
5. Salt Systems are maintenance free, right?
Salt systems work great! But they do require regular checks and balances. If you don’t maintain the levels of salt, it can become depleted or too concentrated which both have a negative impact on your pool’s health.
In conclusion, owning and maintaining a swimming pool brings plenty of opportunity for error. Reach out to Alligator Pools for all your Miami pool cleaning needs!
