Whether your pool is installed in- or above-ground; regardless of fiberglass, concrete, vinyl, resin, or steel construction, every one requires routine upkeep.
Crystal clear water is non-negotiable, and this all comes down to your pool chemicals, with one main component reigning as king; sanitizer!
More than just tossing in a tablet or two, this water treatment guide is sure to help you discover what you’re missing out on.
Living the pool life can be easy, with these pool chemicals!
Pool Chemicals For Clean Water – Your Sanitizer Guide
Sanitizer is a hot topic in the pool industry, and over the decades, new and improved options have risen in popularity, offering a whole new swimming experience.
Below, you’ll find four of the most common pool sanitizers on the market, and discover what makes each one unique.
Let’s dive in!
1. Chlorine – The Most Common Sanitizer
When considering pool chemicals, it’s a well-known fact that chlorine is often used to keep pool water sanitary.
Finding the right balance of chlorine levels is a fine dance, and depends on a few different factors.
Water PH Levels Affect Pool Chemicals
Ideally, chlorine should comprise one and three parts per million.
Did you know?
The acidity and alkalinity of your pool water can affect the amount of chlorine you will need to use to keep things fresh.
A simple water-testing kit can tell you if you need to balance the pH in your water before you add chlorine.
pH levels should read between 7.2 and 7.8 for good conditions to add the right amount of chlorine to your water.
Unwanted Substances Need More Pool Chemicals
“Please keep the P out of our Pool” signs are no joke!
Urine in your pool water adds to something called “chlorine demand”, as well as other common wanted substances; such as perspiration, body oils, and lotions.
Fortunately, chlorine is a sanitizer that offers residual properties, making it a long-lasting solution to combat the day-to-day irritants that add to unbalanced pool water.
How Much Should I Use? – Pool Chemicals Volume
Follow the directions on your chlorine, specifically relating to the volume of your pool. In general, your pool water should comprise 3 to 5 ppm of chlorine.
Most chlorine is dispensed through pucks, so take that into consideration when you’re ready to dispense your sanitizer.
How Often? – Pool Chemicals Standards
Believe it or not, the activity in your pool is not the only factor you need to consider.
The sun’s UV rays can actually deplete chlorine levels, sometimes by as much as 90% in as little as two hours!
This is why a pool cover can be such an asset throughout the swimming season.
Furthermore. heat will also accelerate chlorine deterioration, so be sure to stay vigilant on those really hot summer days when there’s a lot of swimming activity.
Final Answer: Test your water at least once a week, but increase water testing during periods of heavy use, and especially when it’s a blistering hot summer day.
What About If I Have Sensitive Skin? – Pool Chemicals Can Be Irritants
Chlorine naturally dries out your skin, so if you have existing conditions that are sensitive to this sanitizer, you are not alone!
Fear not, there are other options to keep your pool water safe and healthy. Read on to learn more.
2. A Chlorine Alternative – Aqua Finesse
As much as chlorine is commonplace in the pool industry, a greater demand for non-chemical based sanitizers has led to some innovative products on the market.
Enter AquaFinesse–an environmentally sound disinfectant that not only promises to eliminate pool water bacteria, but also lends itself to pool equipment maintenance.
How Does it Help Pool Equipment? – Pool Chemicals Might Benefit You
Chlorine, over time, adds to the wear and tear of necessary pool mechanics, because it only fights water-born bacteria.
Unfortunately, it also isn’t a suitable solution to the ever-present microorganisms that accumulate into biofilm, the dreaded layer of slime that builds up on pool surfaces over time.
Even lime and calcium, major deteriorating elements that lead to damage in your pool equipment, are no match to AquaFinesse.
Pools that use this product can expect their equipment to last much longer.
How Often Do I Need to Use It? – Pool Chemicals Scheduling
Each AquaFinesse pool tablet is sufficient for one week’s treatment of 5000 gallons.
A double dose of AquaFinesse should be used during the first four weeks of opening, and during the four weeks prior to closing your pool.
As an added bonus, AquaFinesse tablets are not affected by the sun! Simply follow the recommended schedule, and spend more time enjoying your pool, rather than maintaining it.
Do I Still Need to Measure PH Levels? – Pool Chemicals Made Easy
AquaFinesse ensures that your pH remains stable.
When using AquaFinesse, the pH will be between 7.2 and 8.2, so you don’t have to do anything.
Will it Irritate my Sensitive Skin? – Pool Chemicals Can Be Soothing
As an alternative-chlorine sanitizer, AquaFinesse does not cause skin irritations, nor does it lead to typical pool water “red eyes”.
Even better, there is no chlorine smell, so your pool water will be fresh and inviting.
The benefits of choosing AquaFinesse speak for themselves. But, if you’re still not sure, consider other chlorine-alternatives, such as Revacil.
3. Salt Water Systems – The Other Other Chlorine Alternative. Kind of…
Kind of?
Well, yeah! What if you could use chlorine to sanitize your pool, without having to buy chlorine and add it?
Well, the Pentair Intellichlor Salt Water System offers just that kind of pool chemical solution.
Imagine being able to convert regular, everyday, table salt into the chlorine sanitizer you need to keep your pool water happy and healthy!
This fully self-reliant system uses innovative technology by utilizing electrolysis–a method of making your pool water interact with the chloride ions in table salt.
This Pool Chemicals Alternative Makes Life Easy
No more pH fluctuations to monitor, because this system maintains perfectly balanced acidity levels all by itself.
Also, because the chlorine levels in your pool are always perfect, there’s less risk of chemical degradation to your pool equipment, and can actually solve skin and eye irritation issues for most people.
The Pentair Intellichlor Salt Water System boasts an impressive range of functionality, such as:
- Full diagnostic capabilities, including cell-life tracking that communicates the remaining hours of cell life in real-time
- Push-button operation and easy-to-view displays enable fast checking of salt level, system status, and chlorine output
- An automatic shut-off feature protects the unit and prolongs cell life under low-water-temperature conditions
- On-time cycling prevents calcium and scale buildup, maximizing cell life
All you have to do is push a button to select one of five levels, and you’re done. Easy peasy.
Still not sure? See it in action here.
4. Mineral Systems – Discovering Nature2®
Nature2® is a mineral sanitizer that works to provide a silky smooth swimming experience by keeping harsh chemicals out of the water.
The Nature2®️ has been proven to destroy bacteria and control algae, without relying on traditional treatment chemicals.
This ensures you get the cleanest swimming experience possible.
It should be noted that some chlorine is needed with this system, but Nature2® has thought of that already!
Offering multiple methods of delivery, from complete fusion systems to drop-in cartridges, Nature2®️ takes the thinking out of pool water maintenance.
Finally, a Pool Chemicals Choice That Offers the Best of Both Worlds
By utilizing simple elements such as silver and copper, this mineral sanitizer system will drastically reduce the amount of chlorine pool chemicals you need to use–by up to 50%!
Put the power of minerals to use in your pool. Simple and effective, Nature2® easily works in conjunction with your pool and spa’s filtration system.
Here’s How it Works:
- Nature2® pool mineral cartridges quickly install inside Nature2 vessels or your pool’s existing cartridge filter.
- Controlled Release Technology automatically dispenses the right amount of mineral ions into your pool water. With its gradual release, you can avoid minerals overloading or staining your pool.
- The powerful minerals fight bacteria and control algae, making pool maintenance simpler than ever.
Pool Chemicals Combined With Minerals – Overview
- Saves money using up to 50% less chlorine
- Proven control of bacteria and algae
- Decreases pool and spa maintenance
- Helps maintain a neutral pH for softer, more balanced water
- Easy to use
- Reduces faded swimsuits
- Guaranteed not to stain pool surfaces
With Nature2® you’re just a few simple steps away from naturally clean pool water!
Let the Experts at National Pools and Spas Take Care of Your Pool Chemicals!
Regardless of the pool chemicals you decide to use, shop local and guarantee quality selections.
National Pools offers the highest quality chlorine and non-chlorine based pool chemicals on the market.
Their professional staff will help you find the perfect mix of pool chemicals to keep your water clear and your family swimming in healthy waters.
With four convenient locations to serve you better, National Pools and Spas is your neighborhood all-in-one pool supply store.
Need more help? Check out our Pool Service Solutions! Anything you need to maintain your pool, from opening and closing your backyard oasis, to adding water care products for you; National Pools has a team of friendly and experienced service technicians that will take care of everything.
