When people think about pool chemicals, most people think about chlorine. While chlorine is certainly a primary pool chemical because of its sanitizing properties, there are other chemicals in use in healthy residential swimming pools. If you are considering purchasing a home with a pool or adding a pool to your home, you should educate yourself on some of the other pool chemicals you will need.
Other Pool Sanitizers
Removing bacteria and other contaminants from pool water requires a sanitizer. Chlorine is the most common pool sanitizer, but bromine and alternative sanitizers are also available at pool supplies stores.
Stabilizing Agents
Stabilizer is used with chlorine to keep it from breaking down faster than it should. Stabilizer keeps you from spending more on chlorine than you should – if chlorine breaks down too quickly in your pool, you will end up adding more and more to keep up with chlorine demand, increasing pool maintenance expenses. Â
pH Increaser or Decreaser
If the pool water is acidic, the metal elements of the pool will etch, while water that is too alkaline can make the pool water cloudy and create scaling on the pool surface. Pool water requires a proper pH level to prevent these problems, which may mean using pH Increaser or Decreaser to keep an approximate 7-pH level.
Pool Algaecides
Algae can be a big problem with swimming pools, especially in hot, humid climates. Proper circulation, the right amount of sanitizer, and maintenance doses of pool algaecide help prevent algae. Treatment doses of algaecide are necessary when pool algae makes an appearance. Pool algaecides must be used precisely according to product directions. The staff at your local pool supplies store can help you decide which pool algaecide to use. Â
Pool Water Clarifiers
When pool water begins to look cloudy, the problem is usually that fine debris is passing through the pool filter. A pool water clarifier helps the fine debris clump together, which then is caught in the filter properly. Pool water clarifiers also make pool water shimmer and sparkle, creating a more beautiful appearance. Â Â
Enzymes
Natural enzymes break down organisms in pool water and can allow pool owners to use fewer pool chemicals.
There are many other pool chemicals available at pool supplies stores for treating pool stains and other problems that can occur. Pool chemicals are a necessary part of owning a swimming pool – in fact, you wouldn't want to swim in your pool without them! With a consistent pool maintenance program, however, you can keep your use of chemicals to a minimum, saving time and money.
Other Pool Sanitizers
Removing bacteria and other contaminants from pool water requires a sanitizer. Chlorine is the most common pool sanitizer, but bromine and alternative sanitizers are also available at pool supplies stores.
Stabilizing Agents
Stabilizer is used with chlorine to keep it from breaking down faster than it should. Stabilizer keeps you from spending more on chlorine than you should – if chlorine breaks down too quickly in your pool, you will end up adding more and more to keep up with chlorine demand, increasing pool maintenance expenses. Â
pH Increaser or Decreaser
If the pool water is acidic, the metal elements of the pool will etch, while water that is too alkaline can make the pool water cloudy and create scaling on the pool surface. Pool water requires a proper pH level to prevent these problems, which may mean using pH Increaser or Decreaser to keep an approximate 7-pH level.
Pool Algaecides
Algae can be a big problem with swimming pools, especially in hot, humid climates. Proper circulation, the right amount of sanitizer, and maintenance doses of pool algaecide help prevent algae. Treatment doses of algaecide are necessary when pool algae makes an appearance. Pool algaecides must be used precisely according to product directions. The staff at your local pool supplies store can help you decide which pool algaecide to use. Â
Pool Water Clarifiers
When pool water begins to look cloudy, the problem is usually that fine debris is passing through the pool filter. A pool water clarifier helps the fine debris clump together, which then is caught in the filter properly. Pool water clarifiers also make pool water shimmer and sparkle, creating a more beautiful appearance. Â Â
Enzymes
Natural enzymes break down organisms in pool water and can allow pool owners to use fewer pool chemicals.
There are many other pool chemicals available at pool supplies stores for treating pool stains and other problems that can occur. Pool chemicals are a necessary part of owning a swimming pool – in fact, you wouldn't want to swim in your pool without them! With a consistent pool maintenance program, however, you can keep your use of chemicals to a minimum, saving time and money.