How Do I Maintain Proper Water Chemistry?

Maintaining clear water in a swimming pool may seem like a daunting task at first,  however, it can be made easy and stress free by following a once-a-week, 3 step chemical system. 

The 3 step system that we follow at 21^st Century Pools and Spas includes sanitizer to keep the water clean, shock to remove contaminants in the water, and algaecide to both kill and prevent algae.  

The 3 step system works in both inground and aboveground pools, of any surface type, that have water circulating through the pump and filter for 10-12 hours per day.   

Step 1 – Sanitizer 

• Sanitizing the water with a chlorine tablet is the primary method of keeping pool water clean.
• Chlorine tablets may be placed directly into the skimmer basket, or in a chlorine floater that moves around the pool. 
• Be sure that if you are using chlorine tablets that the pump runs for at least 10-12 hours every day.  Chlorine tablets continue to dissolve even if the pump is not running and sitting chlorine can potentially bleach the liner of your pool.
• Chlorine tablets that contain stabilizer (CYA) are formulated to last longer than regular chlorine tablets when exposed to the sun.
• Some chlorine sticks are formulated with a special film that covers them when the pump and filter are not running to prevent chlorine from pooling in high concentrations and staining the liner.  If your pump and filter do not run constantly, consider switching to chlorine sticks with this coating.

Step 2 – Shock 

• Shock works along with the sanitizer to destroy bacteria and other contaminants.
• Shocking a pool once per week eliminates the contaminants that the sanitizer collected throughout the week and rejuvenates the chlorine to allow it to continue cleaning the water    
• Some shocks contain algaecide and water clarifiers that contribute to maintaining water clarity.
• Make sure that you read the instructions on the shock that you are using.  Some shocks must be predissolved and others require waiting after shocking before swimming.  In order to keep your pool surfaces looking good, and your swimmers safe, you should make sure to understand how to properly use all pool chemicals.
• Be sure to remove the cover of the pool before shocking and keep it open for a few hours after shocking.  The chemicals in shock are very strong and can break down the solar cover material.

Step 3 – Algaecide 

• Algaecide can work as both an algae killer, and an algae preventative.
• It is important to remember that shock may halt algae growth, but algaecide is the product that actually kills and breaks down the algae spores.  
• The most effective algae killing treatments include both shock and algaecide within an hour of one another, to first stun the algae and prevent continuing growth, and then to kill the visible algae and any remaining spores.

In order to make sure that the levels in your pool are within acceptable ranges, you should test the water once a week with test strips, or bring a sample of pool water to a professional pool company for a comprehensive water analysis. 

pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels must also be balanced on an as needed basis.  These levels will change with rain, water addition or loss and with heavy swimmer loads.  Levels should be checked after each of these events in order to maintain steady chemical levels.

Be sure to ask your local pool expert about chemical interactions and proper chemical doses for your particular pool.