Chemicals Support Area

Pool Chemical Advice

Looking after your pool need not be a chore

Clear, clean and sparkling water is easily achieved but there are several key points to consider:

1. Maintaining Clean and Hygienic Pool water.
   
   It is of vital importance to keep water clean and free from the developments of algae, bather pollution and bacteria etc. If left untreated, these pollutants build up in the water to cause discomfort and risk of infection to the bathers.
   With regular dosing and testing, your pool water should be safe and fresh at all times.
   
   
2. Pool-water Circulation and Filtration
   
   Swimming-pool water cannot be regarded as satisfactory for use, however adequately disinfected, if the water becomes cloudy due to an excess of organic matter or particles in suspension.
   
   Good filtration will remove any small particles from the pool but larger particles and debris etc will be removed with a strainer basket
   
   Circulation is also necessary to ensure that all water in the pool is balanced not just the area that you dosed. So regular circulation is needed in the pool.
   
   
3. Preserving the Lining and Structure of your Pool
   
   After investing money in your pool, you will want it to have a long lasting life! There is a possibility that you will experience some damage due to the tap water used to fill your pool (see section on TOTAL ALKALINITY / WATER HARDNESS) but this is easily countered by regular water testing.
   
   Maintaining the correct conditions in your pool will ensure that it is safe from water corrosion.
   
   Further Points to Consider.
   
   External influences such as rain, sunlight and air pollution can affect the balance of your pool-water.
   
   The number of bathers using the pool can alter the balance of the water dramatically. Various lotions, cosmetics and perspiration can make the water cloudy or irritable to eyes and skin.
   
   The information contained on this site should be all that you require to successfully maintaining a clean, safe and sparkling pool!

Pool Chemical Safety

Chemicals needed for clean, sanitized water are potentially harmful when stored or used improperly.

Follow these simple rules for use, storage and handling swimming pool chemicals:

• Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
• Chemical reagents for test kits should be replaced each year.
• Keep the original lids on all chemical containers and make sure the lids are closed tightly when not in use.
• Do not stack different chemicals on top of one another.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area preferably off the floor.
• Do not store your pool chemicals where other flammable items may mix with them.
• Before using chemicals, carefully read the label and follow manufacturers' instructions.
• Always add chemicals to water -- never add water to chemicals.
• Never add chemicals to the pool water while swimmers are using the pool.
• Test the water in your pool with a reliable test kit regularly. As a rule, the more people who use your pool, the more frequently you should test the water.
• Never reuse old chemical containers.
• Handle all chemicals, both liquid and dry, carefully.
• Never mix chemicals together. Explosions or fire can occur.
• Do not inhale dust or fumes of chemicals.
• Do not smoke when using chemicals.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using chemicals.
• Do not allow chemicals to contact your eyes, nose or mouth. (In case of contact or if a chemical product is swallowed, follow the manufacturer's label or advice. Call your doctor or your local hospital)

Initial Start-Up

The correct start can make a big difference. The simple steps that follow will help you avoid potential problems.

Cleaning your pool:

1. Leaves and debris must be removed with a strainer basket.
   
   
2. The sides and bottom of the pool should be brushed, using a soft brush on liner pools.
   
   
3. Special cleaning agents can be used on drained, concrete pools. Liner pools should be emptied under the supervision of your pool dealer.

Check and Balance Chemistry

Use a good quality pool water test kit. Replace test kit reagents annually. Follow pool water test instructions carefully to obtain accurate results.

• Alkalinity first. If below the range of 80-120 ppm, add H2ofun Total Alkalinity Increaser (Sodium Bicarbonate ) to raise Alkalinity levels 10 ppm.
• Calcium level should be 180-220 ppm. Add H2ofun Calcium Hardness Increaser (Calcium Chloride) to raise Calcium levels 5 ppm.
• Test pH level after water has circulated 8 hrs. pH level should be 7.4-7.6 - Add H2ofun pH Increaser (sodium carbonate) if the water is acidic / corrosive (below 7.4). Add H20fun pH Minus (sodium bisulfate) if water is scaling (above 7.6).
• A clarifier may be used to help filter efficacy.
• After chemicals have been circulated for 8 hrs, shock or superchlorinate the pool. Add H2ofun granular Shock Treatment (Calcium Hypochorite).

Always read instructions on packaging for proper handling, treatments and application of the pool chemicals. Distribute them broadly and never mix chemicals. Test water daily and adjust if needed. Backwash filter after 24 hrs. If algae is still present, re-shock pool, or add H2ofun algae eliminator. Your pool is ready for use when chlorine level drops below 3.0 ppm, and water is clear.

Water Balancing

Controlling the pH of your Pool.

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of water is measured by it’s pH value. A pH of 7 is neutral; a fall below 7 indicates increasing acidity, and a pH rising above 7 indicates an increasing degree of alkalinity.

For healthy pool-water, a pH of around 7.2 – 7.6 should be maintained. The pH of the water should be measured regularly and adjusted accordingly.

Alkaline Conditions - High pH

A pH of above 7 indicates the presence of alkaline substances. If the pH value rises above 8, the effectiveness of the disinfection process is reduced and the water has an increase tendency to precipitate hard salt. The water can become cloudy and the filter capability reduced, due to blockage.

Acidic Conditions - Low pH

A pH value below 7 indicates the presence of acidic substances. If the pH falls, the water becomes increasingly corrosive to metals and the chlorine level decreases, weakening the disinfection process.
Finally, and most importantly, if the pH is too low or high, irritation of the eyes and skin may be caused by the water.

Ideal pH

A pH in the range 7.2-7.6 is the ideal value for healthy pool-water.
In practice, it is sufficient to keep the pH value within an optimum range for each different disinfectant

pH Adjustments

The chemical(s) needed to adjust the pH depends on the disinfection being used.
Chlorinated isocyanurates (H2ofun STABALISED CHLORINE GRANULES) and chlorine gas (which produce acidic reaction products) are acidic and require the addition of alkali, usually sodium carbonate (H2ofun pH plus).

Calcium or sodium hypochlorite (H20fun GRANULAR SHOCK & H2ofun QUICK DISSOLVE GRANULAR SHOCK) are alkali and require the addition of an acid, normally sodium bisulphate (H2ofun pH MINUS).

pH Testing

A simple to use kit is available within the H2ofun range of chemicals.

Water Hardness

Tap water may not be ideal pool-water for the following reasons:

The quality and properties of tap water depend on the area that you live in. For example, water in Scotland is very “pure” due to the ground consisting of predominantly hard, granite rock. Hard rock does not readily dissolve on contact with rainwater. So, the water remains relatively unaffected, only collecting minor material after it hits the ground.

This is given the term soft water and will have a slightly low pH value (acidic). If left untreated, this will lead to corrosion.

In Kent, with the chalky white rock, the rainwater picks up “impurities” such as calcium salts that increase the alkalinity of the water. This hard water can be cloudy and cause limescale formation.

Total Hardness

The “Total Hardness” (calcium hardness) of water is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium salts such as the carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphates and chlorides present. This is usually expressed in parts per million (ppm)

Water hardness is aided by water evaporation. If water evaporates, the dissolved minerals in the water remain behind and thus, the concentration is increased.

Water hardness is important due to the water’s “hunger” for calcium. If there is a lack of calcium (below 200ppm), the water will seek it out from the pool’s surroundings and fittings. This causes erosion problems.

An excess of calcium, however, leads to scale formation (calcium deposits). The ideal calcium hardness level is between 200 and 300 ppm.

Alkalinity

The “Total Alkalinity” of water is a measure of the amount of carbonates, hydroxides and bicarbonates present.

This has an essential role in the control of pH in your pool. The higher the alkalinity, the more resistant the water is to changes in pH: the alkalinity “buffers” the water

Common problems are limescale and cloudy water.

When the total alkalinity drops too low, rapid changes in the pH can occur which could cause corrosion and harmful or disagreeable swimming conditions.

You can monitor the total alkalinity with a test kit. The alkalinity should be maintained within a range of 80 to 120 ppm.

If alkalinity is too low, add some sodium bicarbonate (H2ofun T.A. PLUS). This increases the alkalinity without affecting the pH value. If the alkalinity is too high, add sodium bisulphate (H2o PH Minus). Full instructions are on the labels of these products to help you.

Pool Chemical Trouble Shooting

Shock Treatment / Super Chlorination

In addition to your usual chlorine dosing schedule, you can shock treat the pool-water. (H2ofun Granular Shock and H2ofun Quick Dissolve Granular Shock)

This removes organic wastes that can cause eye and skin irritations and produce unpleasant odours, and restores water clarity.

Algae Control

Occasionally, you will find some algae in your pool, despite the regular additions of chlorine that should kill most bacteria and algae.

This is easily removed by using an ALGICIDE (H2ofun Algicide & H2ofun Algicide Eliminator) and should find that persistent algae growth will only be a problem if you don’t treat and test your pool on a regular basis.

Water Clarity

The pool-water will, at times, become cloudy due to small particles in the water that were too small to be removed by the filter.

To restore your pool-water, simply add H2ofun Concentrated Water Clarifier, H2ofun Granular Floc or Clear Tabs – the choice is yours.

Your pool-water will soon be clean and sparkling again so that you can relax and enjoy.

Winterising Outdoor Pools

When closing down your outdoor pool in preparation for the winter, you will need to ensure that you protect it from the weather.

By taking correct steps, your pool will be ready to re-open and enjoy as soon as the weather is warm again.

There are two main ways in which to winterise your pool although you should always follow the manufactures guidelines.

• Option 1
  
  Thoroughly clean and vacuum your pool. All pool accessories i.e. covers, reel systems and ladders should be properly washed and then stored in a safe place.
  
  Contact your local electrician and request the installation of a “frost protection thermostat” (FROSTAT). This should be set at approximately 3 – 5 c above the point of freezing. This will enable the filtration system to start running should the temperature fall to that point.
  You now need to balance your pool-water by checking the pH, total alkalinity and total hardness, shock dosing if needed.
  
  We also strongly advise that you dose the water with our Winterlong solution, which will help prevent algae build up during the winter period.
  
  The pool should now be covered with an adequate winter debris cover. Your pool is now properly prepared for the winter months.
  
  
• Option 2
  
  Thoroughly clean and vacuum you pool. All pool accessories i.e. covers, reel systems and ladders should be properly washed and then stored in a safe place
  
  You now need to balance your pool-water by checking the pH, total alkalinity and total hardness, shock dosing if needed.
  
  We also strongly advise that you dose the water with our Winterlong solution, which will help prevent algae build up during the winter period.
  
  Lower the water level to beneath the skimmer and drain the heater, pump, filter and any other water accessories. We also suggest that you fill the skimmer with polystyrene or a similar material.
  
  The pool should now be covered with an adequate winter debris cover.
  
  You must inspect the water level on a regular basis, especially after heavy rainfall, to ensure the level of water does not rise above the skimmer.
  
  You will require a submersible pump, or a similar device, to remove excess water. Your pool is now properly prepared for the winter months.