Is there a difference in the chemical levels for your pool in the summer compared to the autumn? The answer is yes!
Here is a basic breakdown of the difference, as well as key things you can do to check and maintain your pool during the summer time as well as the cooler seasons.
Summer
During the summer, not only is it hot, but multiple people are using the pool on a regular basis. This means the water’s chlorine levels are changing at all times.
Additionally, the sun light decreases the life span of the chlorine. This means you have to test the water more often to make sure things like the pH level and alkalinity are stable.
You want to be testing the pool once a week. Depending on the size, you will have a certain range of results with the test kit to indicate whether the pool suitable for use.
As far as the summer chemicals you need to use, this can vary depending on the size of the pool.
But the regular list of chemicals is as follows:
- Chlorine – used to sanitize the water and keep it safe for people to swim in.
- Balancers – maintains the pH balance as well as the alkalinity levels.
- Algaecide – used to stop algae growing and turning the water to a nasty green colour.
- Flocculant/Clarifiers – used to clear the water if its cloudy.
Testing
When you test the pool using a testing kit, if certain levels are out of range, you need to add chemicals to stabilize these results. A good example of this is if the pH level is too high. A reading of 7.8, as an example, means the water will be too soft and will no longer disinfect properly.
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Water that is too soft will cause growth of bacteria, algae, and other harmful pathogens in the pool.
To lower the pH level, you want to add sodium bisulphate and muriatic acid. Both of these will lower the pH level and bring the pool back to a stable level for pH.
These are just some of the examples of why it’s crucial to check your pool once a week during the summer days. Excessive heat and sunlight, as well as regular use, can change the chemical balance of your pool quickly. Therefore, maintaining the proper chemical levels in your pool’s water is something you want to keep on top of.
Autumn
When it comes to the colder months, the pool won’t be used as much, and perhaps not at all for awhile. If your pool is covered, this means you need to add the right chemicals to keep the chemicals at a stable level to avoid breeding unwanted microbes in the still, dark water.
Even though it may be used less and less frequently as winter approaches, it is still important to monitor your pool’s pH and chlorine levels. Doing so will not only prevent slimy walls, but it will keep you from having a huge mess come springtime.
How to Prepare My Pool For Winter offers additional details on this topic.
You will still want to use the same testing guidelines mentioned above. However, there are some chemicals that are specialized for maintaining your pool during seasons of reduced usage.
Here are some helpful chemicals to utilize in the cooler seasons:
- Concentrated winter algaecide – a far stronger algaecide that will prevent algae growing as well as changing the water color.
- Chlorine shock – this raises the pH level of the pool to a much higher level compared to regular chlorine, which helps the pool stay chemically clean for the storage period through the winter.
Summary
No matter the season, it is important to keep your pool chemicals balanced. Doing so helps keep the water healthy, as well as maintaining the longevity of the pool itself. Follow these guidelines and you’ll easily avoid unsightly and expensive messes caused by algae and bacteria.