Maintaining your pool’s cleanliness relies on having the correct chemical levels. You’ll need pH products, alkalinity products, calcium products, sanitizers and more to keep your home swim system in top condition.
But there are other chemicals you should know and utilize when necessary. These substances come in handy when something unexpected occurs or you need to make a specific adjustment in your water.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a widely-used chemical, used for keeping your pool clean. It is one of the most common swimming pool chemicals, used in many different home and facilities. It also disinfects surfaces and can be found in water and wastewater treatment plants.
Though this substance may be toxic, it’s an essential element for keeping your swimming area clean and safe. This chemical helps eliminate bacteria and germs in the water as well as inhibiting algae growth.
An atom of this chemical contains 17 protons, making it a nonmetal element. Electrons (negative particles) also exist within the nucleus to form shells known as energy levels that make up its molecule.
In its most stable electron configuration, an atom of chlorine has eight electrons in energy level M – the outermost electron shell. This arrangement is less likely to break apart and form other chemicals like bromine.
This chemical is typically produced through electrolysis, a process in which salt solutions are passed through an electrical current. This divides the sodium ions present in the solution into chlorine atoms and other ions.
Bromine
Bromine disinfects water and is a widely-used chemical for swimming pools. It can also be found in spas and hot tubs due to its less corrosive nature and lack of strong odor.
In addition to sanitizing, bromine can reduce the oxidation of body oils and other organic matter in water, keeping it sparkling clear and free of pollutants. This helps ensure that drinking water remains free from impurities.
Another advantage of bromine is that it does not corrode metal like other chemicals do, making it the preferred choice for indoor swim systems. You can visit this helpful site for more information.
Bromine is not only used indoors for pool sanitation, but it can also be used outdoors to sanitize outdoor pools. Being less sensitive to ultraviolet rays than chlorine, bromine makes an ideal choice for pools in sunny locations.
Bromine can be added directly to swimming water through a chemical dispenser or feeder, while granules must first be dissolved in the liquid before use.
When disinfecting water, the amount of bromine required depends on both its type and temperature. Generally speaking, bromine has greater efficiency when exposed to higher temperatures than chlorine does.
Pool chemicals require proper use and testing in order to get the best results. This means using a digital tester that tests water for all necessary elements so you can guarantee optimal performance from your pool.
Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid (CYA), also referred to as pool stabilizer or conditioner, is a chemical that helps reduce chlorine loss from exposure in the sun. Additionally, it plays an important role in maintaining appropriate pH levels.
CYA works at the molecular level by attaching to 3 free chlorine atoms through a weak nitrogen-chlorine bond. This bond is protected from sunlight but still allows chlorine oxidization and germ killing.
This is essential in reducing chlorine loss from sunlight and keeping free available chlorine stable and effective.
Cyanuric acid comes in various forms, from granular additives to liquid slurries. Most are mixed with water and should only be added at small amounts to avoid clogging filter lines or leaving stains on pool surfaces.
Shock
Shock chemicals are used for many purposes, but the most popular is to oxidize and eliminate bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants in water. You can click the link: https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/why-do-algae-grow-in-pools to find out more. Additionally, shock chemicals help increase chlorine levels to restore them back into healthy ranges.
Knowing the appropriate shock type for your pool treatments is essential in getting optimal results. With this knowledge, you can ensure the most successful treatments possible.
Chlorine-free shock is an effective option for reducing chemical contaminants in your water. It also works great during winterization, helping remove any extra chlorine released by the pump during colder months.
Too much shock can be detrimental for swimmers, so it’s essential that you adhere strictly to all directions on the product label.
Shock treatments are usually applied at dusk or in the evening, before your pool’s filter runs to distribute them throughout the water. This allows the chemicals to work more effectively and not be affected by sunlight as quickly.
Before shocking your pool, it’s wise to check the chlorine levels. If they’re too low, adding some granular or liquid chlorine may help restore equilibrium.
Be sure to maintain proper levels for your swimming pool in order to ensure the best possible results.
