When purchasing an above ground pool, we often do all sorts of research into which is the best and most durable. We rarely do the research required for upkeep and maintenance. The problem occurs a few weeks after set-up when the water turns green and the algae growth is so bad you can’t even see the bottom of what was once your shiny new pool.
All of them require maintenance and upkeep, even the above ground ones. For novice pool owners, it can seem like a lot to keep up with. Once you get the proper chemicals and their basic uses down, it becomes just another part of your routine. Armed with your new knowledge, you can spend the summer worrying less about keeping the water clean and more time playing in it.
Table of Contents
Pool Shocks
Extremely powerful oxidizers, shock chemicals are used for their contaminant killing power, usually when first opening for the season or after heavy use. These super chlorinating chemicals are some of the most important parts of your routine. They destroy and deactivate bacteria and other organic contaminants by oxidizing them. There are chlorine free pool shock options, you can read up on the different kids here, and decide which one is best for you.
Sanitizers
Sanitizers are used for purification. These are some of the most important and best above ground pool cleaning accessories to keep around. There are several options for sanitizing chemicals, but the most popular are:
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Chlorine
- The most commonly used chemical, chlorine comes in many different forms. Most popular is the tablet form, but it also comes in liquid, granular, and stick forms. This is the most inexpensive tool to use for sanitization.
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Bromine
- For folks who feel that chlorine is too harsh, bromine is another option. It isn’t as harsh on the skin or as smelly as other chemicals and is less likely to irritate the eyes. It is sold in one-inch tablets and is much more expensive than chlorine, though many people find the benefits worth the price.
There are also natural, enzyme-based sanitizers and natural chemistry water treatment systems if you want to avoid using as many harsh chemicals.
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Biguanide
- This is a hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizing alternative. It is much gentler on the skin but is only compatible with Baquacil pool chemicals. It requires carefully researching the specific chemicals to ensure the best for your water.
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Salt
- This option is for saltwater systems. They are much more natural but are also not compatible with other chemicals. The system and measurements are entirely different than a stereotypical pool system.
Stabilizers and Balancers
Several different factors regularly change the chemical balance in your pool. Rain, sunshine, evaporation, and even skin oils can affect the pH balance and alkalinity. Water balancing chemicals are intended to help mitigate some of these changes. Products called pH increasers and reducers help keep pH and alkalinity at just the right levels to maintain clean, healthy water. Visit https://poolonomics.com/pool-ph-level/ to learn more about balancing the pH of your water.
They interact with the sanitizer, boosting its performance and reducing the amount of chemicals necessary. When choosing what chemicals to use, it’s good to remember that Chlorine can be extended using a stabilizer, also known as a conditioner, but bromine cannot. A stabilizer protects the molecules from being destroyed by UV rays, making the last longer and saving money in the long run.
Algaecides
Keep your beautiful crystal-clear water from turning a nasty green or brown by using algaecides. A microscopic plant life that grows in water, algae cause a lot of issues with the filtration system and the rest of the pool. The water gets cloudy and turns gross colors when the algae bloom, growing at a rapid rate. The chemicals designed to kill these little troublemakers are called algaecides and shouldn’t be skipped over when stocking up for your new pool.
Removal and Prevention of Stains
In any type of pool, you are going to struggle with stains and water lines. Different metals like iron, silver, copper, lead, nickel, cobalt, and manganese- all cause discoloration and scaling in the pool water. Stain removers help remove these metals from the water, preventing future issues. Stain removal chemicals are necessary if you were unaware of the need for prevention ones to begin with. They often require some firm scrubbing to remove the makes and leave the surface sparkling again.
Order of Use
It is also absolutely essential that you NEVER mix the chemicals together. It may seem like you are saving time that way but mixing substances like that before adding them to the water can create dangerous chemical reactions. Envision high school chemistry class gone wrong, with clouds of toxic fumes and small explosions. The pool water dilutes the substances enough so it will no longer react in such a way.
When you are applying the products to your pool, it is important to ensure you are using them in the right order. First use your balancers like alkalinity, pH, and water softener. Then use the sanitizer, such as chlorine, and after that you can add the stabilizer. Used in the correct order and the correct amounts and these products will keep your pool swim ready all summer long.
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