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Pool Maintenance
Balancing the Pool
The swimming pool needs to be correctly balanced to ensure that the chemical requirements have been adequately met. A chemical level that is too low will see the pool surface and equipment being attacked by the pool water. This can result in corrosion. Chemical levels that are too high, on the other hand, can lead to scale forming on pool surfaces and equipment. Three things need to be kept in balance – the pH, the total alkalinity and the calcium hardness.The pH Level
The pH level can be changed by things such as topping up the pool, rainwater, heavy swimming and the addition of chemicals so it is important that the level is checked regularly.
Total Alkalinity
If the total alkalinity is too low, the surfaces of concrete and painted pools will become eroded and the pH level will become very unstable. The total alkalinity can be changed by adding a buffer such as bi-carbonate of soda to raise the total alkalinity; adding acid to lower the pH and therefore the total alkalinity; and by topping up the pool.
Calcium Hardness
Sanitizing the Pool
The pool is sanitized mainly to ensure that swimmers do not become sick when using the pool as sanitizers prevent the growth of bacteria. The most common sanitizer is chlorine which kills the bacteria and the bacteria is then removed by a filter. Any new bacteria entering the water need to be able to be killed by residual sanitizer. The residual sanitizer level should be between one and two parts per million.
Chlorine
Salt water chlorinators generate chlorine in the pool water by using electrolysis to convert sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid (chlorine). These units are available in a range of sizes to suit your pool.
It is commonly believed that a pool that smells of chlorine has too much chlorine in it. In actual fact, it is a sign that the chlorine levels are too low. Low levels of chlorine can also cause sore eyes and itchy skin. If this occurs, you will most likely need to superchlorinate your pool. Your local pool shop or professional can give you more details.
Also be aware that heated pools use chlorine faster than a non-heated pool. Stabilized chlorine products should also not be used.
Pool Covers
Pool covers are a vital addition to the pool. If your pool is heated, the pool cover will minimize cooling by stopping evaporation and convection heat loss. You will also save water as it will not evaporate as fast. Less evaporation means less use of chemicals. Pool blankets also stop debris from entering the pool, making them a lot cleaner and ensuring that the load on the pool cleaner is lighter. Most pool cleaners will work underneath a cover. If the pool has a sunny aspect, simply having a pool blanket means that the swimming season will be extended as the temperature increase in the water is anywhere from six to eight degrees.
Spa Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance requirements for a spa differ from the swimming pool because spas use hot water and hot water requires different treatment to ensure that viruses, bacteria and algae do not grow. You will need to check the pH level, the total alkalinity and the sanitizer level regularly – daily if possible.
Spa water should be changed every three to four months or a third of the water removed and replaced every three to four weeks. Total alkalinity should be in the range of 90 to 150 parts per million. To raise the total alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate. To lower, add acid in small quantities.
If the pH level of the spa water is incorrect, the efficiency of the sanitizer is affected, eye and skin irritations may occur, metal fittings may corrode, the water may appear cloudy and the spa walls and fittings may scale. The pH level should be between 7.0 and 7.8. To increase pH, add soda ash. To decrease pH, add acid.
Chlorine and bromine are the two most common sanitizers for spas. The exact amount required depends on the temperature of the water, how often the spa is used, and how many people are using the spa. It is vital to keep the sanitizer level at two to three parts per million. In hot water, the sanitizer can be used very quickly and so it is important to keep checking the levels. After heavy use of the spa, or on a weekly basis, shock dose the spa with chlorine or bromine to ensure that levels remain at an optimum. Even if the spa is not being used daily, sanitizer should be added daily to avoid contamination.
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Pool Builders
Spas