Maintaining Proper Water Chemistry
“Why is my pool using so much chlorine?” – Random Pool Owner
Warmer days with longer hours of sunlight are the perfect conditions for algae growth. Algae LOVES warm weather; it will grow when the water reaches 60 degrees. We all know that maintaining proper sanitation (usually chlorine) and PH levels are crucial to a clean and safe pool free of algae. Come Spring, however, things can get a little wacky. Below are some things we will be doing to help you maintain proper water chemistry during this crucial time.
#1: Full Spectrum Water Analysis. Using the WaterLink® Spin Touch® photometer, we can get 100% accurate readings for free, combined & total chlorine/bromine/salt levels, PH, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, phosphates, copper, and iron levels in 60 seconds! Using this device, we can spot & fix any potential problems with your pool water chemistry, setting you up for an algae-free Summer. We will be providing this 10-point water chemistry test as a complementary service to all our customers.
#2: Cyanuric Acid. Cyanuric acid is a conditioner or stabilizer used to help the chlorine last longer, so you get more bang for your buck. You see, UV rays from the sun break apart sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) ions. In an outdoor pool without cyanuric acid, the chlorine will essentially evaporate within hours. And we all know what happens to a pool without chlorine, nasty. Maintaining proper cyanuric acid levels (30-50 ppm) will help your pool’s chlorine last 3-5 times longer! That being said, if cyanuric acid levels get too low, we could start seeing algae growth. If cyanuric acid levels get too high, your pool will get what’s called a chlorine block. As a result, your pool water will turn cloudy. At this point, one of your only options would be to dilute the cyanuric acid levels by draining a portion of the pool and refilling to proper levels. We check the cyanuric levels in each pool during March. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding this.
#3: Phosphates*. Autumn, Winter, and Spring see a lot of debris entering the pool. All that debris can lead to high levels of phosphates. Now, phosphates aren’t necessarily a big problem in themselves. However, it will take more sanitizer (chlorine, in most cases) to counteract phosphates’ effect on the pool water. In fact, at high enough levels, phosphates (combined with the warm weather) WILL feed algae growth. For this reason, we always check phosphate levels (and add phosphate remover if needed) before each bi-annual filter cleaning (usually in Spring & Autumn).
#4: Pool RX. So far, we’ve talked a lot about chemicals. PH balancing chemicals, sanitizer, cyanuric acid, phosphate removers all have a place in proper pool care. But let’s face it, chemical prices are only going UP. And it’s not just the price tag that can be alarming; in large quantities, all of these chemicals can be harmful to both humans and animals alike. That’s why we always talk to our customers about Pool RX. Contrary to the traditional array of chemicals used to maintain pools, Pool RX uses minerals to kill and prevent algae, allowing us to use less chlorine in your pool, which means a cleaner, safer, more fun pool for you to enjoy. We install the Pool RX at all pools directly into the pump basket each March. The mineral contents last for six months, after which we add a “booster”, allowing the product to last for up to a year. We charge 70 dollars to install a Pool RX#.
We want to make sure we give your swim season a good start (while saving you time & money) by providing your pool the attention it deserves before you even get in it. To inquire more about maintaining proper water chemistry, please email us at support@aquavistapoolservice.com. Look out for part 2 of this letter; “Maintaining Pool Equipment
Without proper preparation, you could endanger your guests by exposing them to unsanitary water. By letting us know ahead of time, you will be helping us help you prepare properly. We will be sure to add extra sanitizer to meet the increased need. We also recommend having a small supply of liquid chlorine and chlorine tablets on hand so you can chlorinate the pool after a party (all those people in the pool can quickly use up the available chlorine). This should help keep your pool water clear until we can service your pool next.
#4: After Swimming. Now that the party is over, let’s talk about your next steps;
#1 Remove ALL the pool toys.
#2 Reattach the pool sweep
#3 If necessary, add water to the proper level.
#4 Turn the equipment back on to its regular schedule.
#5 Make sure the equipment is working
#6 Check the chlorine & pH levels. Adjust as necessary
