Pool Water Chemistry Explained

You don’t have to be a water chemistry professional to understand that chemicals keep your pool water clear and healthy. Adding the appropriate chemicals to your pool is vital because they keep the pool water balanced and sanitized while also improving water quality, stopping corrosion and scaling of equipment, and preventing algae growth. By carefully managing the chemical balance in your pool, you protect your pool and your swimmers. Read on to learn more about basic pool water chemistry and how to keep your pool water in the best shape possible. 

Sanitize

To eliminate unwanted pathogens and bacteria, the first step is to add a disinfecting agent to the water. The most common way to handle this is with chlorine as a solid in calcium hypochlorite or a liquid in sodium hypochlorite. When you add these compounds to your pool, chlorine kills any bacteria that might be lurking in the water. 

You can add chlorine to your pool using a chemical feeder right after filtering. If you don’t use a chemical feeder, you can add it directly to the pool by placing chlorine tablets in skimmer boxes. However, this method is generally not as safe because it makes the chlorine levels much more concentrated in the area around the box. This can be harmful to your swimmers as well as your pool’s interior and equipment.

Most standard pool chlorines are created with a stabilizing agent like cyanuric acid. This helps to prevent any reaction from exposure to sunlight and it keeps the chlorine from degrading as quickly.

Know Your pH Levels

Another important element of pool chemistry is the pH level. You can use simple strips to test the water’s pH levels and decide whether you need to adjust the amount of chlorine. If the water is too acidic, it can cause corrosion of your pool’s interior and equipment and it can also lead to skin irritation for swimmers. On the other hand, water that has high alkalinity levels can become cloudy and lead to scaling on the surface of the pool.

Regularly testing the pH level of your pool water allows you to easily see whether your chlorine is doing the job or if you need to adjust the amount you add.

A Few Things to Remember

1. Improperly stored or mixed pool chemicals can pose significant health and safety hazards.

2. Rain, dirt, debris, and even your bather load can also alter your pool’s water chemistry. Be sure to clean your pool and test your water chemistry after significant rainfall or after a pool party. 

3. Extreme heat and long periods of strong sunlight can reduce chlorine’s effects in your pool water and cause evaporation. It is important to pay close attention to your pool’s water chemistry when experiencing heat waves.

Your Virginia Beach Pool Care Experts

When it comes to keeping your pool in the best shape, understanding and implementing proper water chemistry is your best bet. If you have any questions about your pool water chemistry contact the pool care professionals at Aqua Leisure Pools or stop by our pool supply store in Virginia Beach today. We’re here to help you with all of your pool care needs. 

About the Company

Aqua Leisure Pools is the leading pool and hot tub supply store and service company serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Since 1985, Aqua Leisure Pools offers a number of pool and hot tub services, including inground vinyl liner replacement, weekly pool service, pool repair, and pool openings & closings, and much more. 

Aqua Leisure Pools has five conveniently located pool and hot tub stores throughout Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to help make pool ownership easy and stress-free. Our stores are stocked with reliable pool chemicals, energy-efficient equipment, pool toys and floats, pool cleaners and more. We also offer complimentary water testing to ensure your water is well balanced and healthy. We are a Hayward Platinum Dealer and Totally Hayward Warranty Service Center. 

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