Residential Swimming Pools: Simple Guidelines on Maintaining the Water Quality

4 December 2017
 Categories: , Blog


Proper maintenance of the swimming water is an essential practice in the long-term management of your residential pool. In general, if the quality of the water declines, harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi will thrive. Over time, people who come in contact with the water could become infected. Also, a neglected pool will become cloudy and unattractive for use. If you would like to avoid these detriments, you should consider using the below guidelines to promote better water quality.

Balance the Chemicals

The swimming pool water should have the right pH level, hardness and alkalinity for ideal health, safety and clarity. Also, the proper balance of these swimming pool chemicals ensures that the metal components of the pool, as well as the attached accessories, are not corroded or etched. Additionally, the risk of scale formation on the walls will be lower. You should test the pH and alkalinity of the pool regularly using DIY kits from supplies. If the alkalinity is high, you can add muriatic acid. If the water is too acidic, you can neutralise it using sodium carbonate. Water hardness issues can be resolved using scale control or calcium hardness increasing products. 

Chlorinate the Water

Chlorine is a critical element for the sanitation of your pool. If your pool is not disinfected, dangerous microorganisms will grow and have an unfavourable impact on the pool users. There are multiple types of chlorine products which you can use in your pool. The right option will depend on your preferences, availability and maintenance habits. Chlorine tablets are favoured because they are slow-dissolving and stable. Moreover, they have a long shelf life. Liquid chlorine products are easy to apply and highly efficient. However, they have a short storage life. You can also choose granules if they are available in your local stores. You should note that you can substitute chlorine with bromine. However, the cost of purchase will be higher. 

Shock the Swimming Pool

Finally, you should shock your swimming pool on a regular basis, as recommended by your pool contractor. The shock treatment is designed to remove contaminants which cannot be removed by the water filters. For example, when people use the water, there will be many residues left such as lotion, cosmetics, sweat and general soluble waste in the pool. The shocking process will break down these chemicals as well as the microorganisms in the water. Also, most shock products will reduce the chlorine order, restore water clarity and prevent the irritation of eyes. 


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