CRYSTAL CLEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MAINTAIN SPARKLING, PURE POOL WATER
Swimming weather is something to enjoy. But for pool owners, few things are more of a headache than wanting to jump into the pool only to find that the water is cloudy, green and uninviting.
Clean pools are safe, and that safety requires periodic maintenance. Homeowners may need to periodically revisit pool-water chemistry and cleaning techniques to maintain clean, healthy and safe pools.
“Balance is important,” said Donald Stille, owner of Conway Gardens & Pools in Conway. “Swimmer comfort is greatly impacted by good water balance, not to mention, protection of the equipment and pool liner. Good water balance protects your investment and your family.”
Disinfectant levels
Maintaining a satisfactory level of disinfectant will help prevent the multiplication of bacteria and algae in the pool. Many pools are kept clean through the use of chlorine products. The ratio of chlorine to water needed to maintain the clarity of the water depends on the size of the pool, the sanitizer used, weather, sunlight and evaporation, and the pH. In many instances, the available free chlorine in a pool when tested should be between 3 and 4 parts per million to offer adequate sanitation. Frequent testing will help pool owners gauge how well the pool water is holding chlorine and how to compensate if extra is needed.
Maintain pH
Maintaining the proper chemical balance of pool water will help keep it clean and protect system components from damage. The pH level of pool water measures its acidity or alkalinity. The pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6 for best results. Water that is too acidic can cause eye and skin irritation and damage liners or equipment with corrosion. High pH may cause cloudy water and make chlorine less active. Again, frequent testing helps pool owners understand their water chemistry better and make adjustments.
“A high pH or a low pH can result in cloudy water, can create swimmer discomfort, and it can throw off the chlorine residual if the pH is too high,” Stille said. “It will mask some of the other test results. It’s pretty important to keep [pH] where it needs to be.”
Filtration
For cleanliness, water circulation and filtration is essential. This helps spread the chemicals to all areas of the pool and helps to remove debris. Filters come in different types, including sand, diatomaceous earth (or DE) and cartridge. Each has its pros and cons. How long to run the filter depends on water temperature, gallons of water in the pool and the estimated water-turnover rate of the filter. Pool owners can start with longer filter run times and gradually cut down until they find the right rate based on water appearance, according to pool forum Trouble Free Pools.
Stille said that frequent testing is important for the health of the pool, as well as having a local pool professional who can help if there are issues.
“We’d rather have our customers come in smiling, saying they’re having a good time and that they enjoyed everything than come in here with a headache and pulling their hair out saying the pool is green and nothing’s working,” he said.
Pools can be great places to spend warm, sunny days. With care, pools can remain clean and clear throughout warm-weather seasons.