Category: Swimming pool water

How to lower chlorine in pool water

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During swimming pool maintenance, very often it is need to add chlorine. Sometimes the chlorine level becomes too much high. Therefore, it is need to lower swimming pool water chlorine level. Before, discussing “how to lower pool chlorine?” we discuss about why is chlorine used in pools water, how does chlorine work and dangers of chlorine.

how to lower pool chlorine

Table of Contents:

Why is chlorine used in pools water

Why is chlorine used in pools? Due to insufficient chlorine in pool water algae, micro-organisms and bacteria are growth rapidly. These causes cloudy water, waterborne disease, and unsatisfactory sanitation of the water.

How does chlorine work

Chlorine kills microorganisms and bacteria in water by the process of chemical reaction. When the chlorine reagents discharge into the pool water then, it break into various chemicals such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl–). Both these chemicals attack the lipids in the cell walls of bacteria and microorganisms and destroy the enzymes and structures inside the cell through the oxidizing reaction. Hypochlorous acid is more oxidizing agent then hypochlorite ion; normally it takes several second for this reaction in pool water whereas hypochlorite ion can takes up to 30 minutes. The production of HOCl and OCl– depends on pH level of the pool water; it is highest when the pH level of pool water is between 7 and 8. Too high pH indicates lower production of HOCl (hypochlorous acid) and OCl–. During cleaning the pool, they may combine with nitrogen compounds such as ammonia, or break into single atoms and deactivated. Moreover sunlight, water temperature also effects on the rate of this reactions. Therefore, more chlorine is required to the pool.

Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + HCl

Dangers of chlorine

Although proper dosages of chlorine is beneficial for pool water, but Extra chlorine is not good for human health. It has many side effects that can be aggravating to humans. Generally chlorine is a carcinogenic chemical. Additional chlorine in pool water can irritate the eye, nose and skin, creates coughing, wheezing, or even asthma. Here the chlorine is calculated with the combination of free and combined chlorine. Excess chlorine can also degrade the color of swimsuits and towels, damage hair, Pool surfaces and equipment. Therefore, it is essential to maintaining proper level of chlorine so that we can avoid the dangers of chlorine.

In The Swim Pool Water Chlorine Neutralizer – 2.25 lbs.

Swimming pool chlorine levels

Swimming pool chlorine levels should be kept at a certain range to ensure sufficient sanitation or avoiding dangers of chlorine. The desirable amount of free available chlorine in the pool water is 1.0-3.0ppm. It is better to keep 2.0ppm. In addition combined chlorine should be between 0 to 0.5 ppm.

How to lower pool chlorine

There are many easy way to reduce the chlorine level in pool water. Although indoor pool water can be more complicated to handle, but a lot of alternative are available. Some of them are described below:

1. Stop adding Chlorine:

If the chlorine level of your pool water is higher than 3ppm then, immediately stop adding more chlorine to the water until the level is suitable again. To stop adding chlorine, turn off automatic chlorinator, chlorine feeder or generator; remove the chlorine floater or chlorine tablet from the pool skimmer which system you are used.

2. By replacing existing pool water

By replacing some amount of pool water, someone can reduce the chlorine level; this may be one third. Then add same amount of fresh water, it will dilute the chlorine and you will able to lower the chorine level in pool water. This process is costly. Moreover, the water becomes out of balance such as calcium hardness, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels.

3. With natural sunlight

Sunlight can remove chlorine naturally. Uncovered the pool and permit the sunlight to enter the pool so that it can reduce the chlorine level of pool water. This process may take a few days. It is recommended that it should be monitor if the chlorine level is lessening. If you have enough time before using the pool again, then this process is very good. You can use UV lamp as an alternatives of sunlight. On the other hand if you have few times, then you can follow other process. But you have to aware, it can effect on the water balance of the pool.
chlorine neutralizer
In The Swim Pool Water Chlorine Neutralizer – 15 lbs.

4. With a chlorine neutralizer

Several neutralizing chemicals such as Sodium Thiosulfate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Metasulfite can reduce the chlorine in pool water. It is not wise decision to use too much chlorine neutralizer, it is also creates troubles.

4a. By using Sodium thiosulfate

The most common chlorine neutralizer is Sodium thiosulfate. Always discharge an accurate dose gradually; normally 75ml of sodium thiosulfate can reduce about 1 ppm of chlorine in 10,000 gallons of water. Since the Sodium thiosulfate is acidic, hence it reduces the pH level. Therefore, it is need to add pH increaser, after using this.

4b. By using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another chlorine neutralizer that can be used to lower the chlorine level. It works when the pH levels is higher than 7 and less effective at lower pH level. So if the pool has lower pH, then you have to adjust the pH before using hydrogen peroxide. It is a cheap chemical.

The other chlorine reducing chemicals are Sodium Sulfite, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Metasulfite. When you use any chemicals you should follow the instructions on the chemicals, otherwise it can lead to worse problems. Always test the pool pH after using these neutralizers.

In The Swim Pool Water Chlorine Neutralizer – 15 lbs.

Conclusion
So if the pool have high chlorine levels, you need not to worry, the above few steps will help you to lower pool chlorine level and back to normal.

How to remove algae from pool water

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The most common question from swimming pool owners are that “how to remove algae from pool water”. Reason, The development of algae is the general problem of them which is noticeable and looks ugly. They are single-celled organisms that grow quickly in the right conditions. Algae are microscopic size; hence they are invisible at naked eye, but visible when they accumulated. By keeping pool chemistry at right stage you can prevent their growth. On the other hand, if we are not able to control them, they will create slime, odor, discolor water etc. Here we discuss about the different types of swimming pool algae and how to prevent algae in pool.
remove algae from pool water

Table of Contents:

Types of swimming pool algae

A wide variety species of algae are found in the world. They may be aquatic or non-aquatic. Only few of colors and types of algae are shown in swimming pool. They produce their energy and food by using photosynthesis process. They can be found as free floating, or walls and floor or inside of pipes and filters. The common swimming pool algae are green, black, yellow, pink etc.

Green algae

It is the most familiar among all the swimming pool algae and creates the swimming pool water green cloudy. Lack of proper filtration and sanitation are responsible for development of it. It is very often seen floating on the water and occasionally seen cling to the wall of pool or at the bottom. By brushing, it can be easily free from the wall. Removing green algae from pool is easy by using the accurate amount of shocking, and pool algaecide.

Yellow or mustard algae

The mustard algae look like yellowish green color or brown color. It is seen on the wall or on the bottom of the pool as pollen or sand, where is the lack of sufficient amount of sunlight. When it is started to grow, then it is very difficult to eliminate completely. After elimination, re-infection is common practice. Even treats with normal dose of sanitizer or pool algaecide. They can become chlorine resistant and can exist without sunlight. To kill it you need to use the best pool algaecide and super shocking.

Black algae

Black algae are responsible for stain in the swimming pools walls and floor. They can also become chlorine resistant and can exist without sunlight. It is the most irritating strain of algae. It is extremely hard to remove compare to green or blue-green algae particularly in plastered pools. Even compare to yellow algae. The roots of it are strong and grow deep into the plaster of pool walls. Even if you are taking care and maintenance swimming pool properly. Normally it does not change the clearness of the pool water. The Black algae seem to be as like tiny dark black spots.

Pink algae

Pink algae are not actually algae at all, but is a fungus called Paecilomyces lilacinus that creates slimy white, pink or grey colonies. It is slow to multiply and unusual that it will bloom over the whole swimming pool.

What causes algae in pools

The source of algae may be nearby stream, or a neighbor’s pool. The algae “spores” can dry out in the air and can be carried by the wind. The other sources of swimming pool algae are rain water, swimmer, swimsuits or equipment. If the conditions are in favor of algae bloom, then can occur within 24 hours. The suitable conditions are warm temperatures, sunlight, imbalance water, high pH level, low chlorine (level becomes 0.5 ppm or below) presence of nitrates and carbon dioxide. Organic substance and bacteria can also accelerate the development of algae in pool. July and August are suitable months for growth of swimming pool algae.

Is it safe to swim in a pool with algae?

Algae develop coloration of the water and make it cloudy. Moreover, it reduces the effectiveness of the filter by clogging up the pores. Therefore, it is needed additional backwashing or filter replacement. Swimming pool algae, itself is not dangerous. But it provides nutrients to bacteria (like E-coli) and micro-organisms with the help of sunlight and CO2. Therefore if we are not able to remove algae from pool water then the bacteria increases rapidly and cause disease.

How to prevent algae in pool

Properly swimming pool water maintenance (including regular circulation and filtration) and keeping minimum sanitizer levels will prevent any algae spores entering the pool water. Sufficient amount of free chlorine will help to prevent algae in pool from rising uncontrollable. If it is noticed that algae is growth then it needs treatment. It can be done with chlorine or pool algaecide. You can also remove algae from pool water by scrubbing the brush on the wall or floor where the algae grow. We should not allow blooming the algae in pool water.

Swimming pool algaecide

Algaecide is used to prevent or remove algae from pool water. Most of the pool algaecides are formulated such a way so that it can kill all types of algae. The most common type swimming pool algaecide are copper sulphate, chelated copper-based products, quaternary ammonia, benzalkonium chloride and simazine. It may create water foaming, increasing TDS and change total alkanity and pH. Although copper based algaecide is cheaper, but it is responsible for staining of the pool walls and floor and discolor of the water. So isolated copper based algaecide is recommended, even they are more costly. Quaternary ammonia type algae are fine but it has one problem that it creates foam which is annoying for some people.

Disadvantages of swimming pool algaecide:

  • The increase of copper in the sediments
  • It may clog the filters.

pool algaecide

The swimming pool water should not be operating until the toxins and odors decreases and becomes normal position. Before using the chemicals you should be conform which type of algae is in your pool. It is recommended that, always use rubber gloves, goggles and keeps pool chlorine out of reach of children and pets. If you remove algae from pool water then the swimmers will get a clear and healthy pool to enjoy throughout summer.

Swimming pool water problems and testing

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The contaminants are responsible for swimming pool water problems. Most of the problems are directly related to our health. Therefore, it is essential to testing and correcting the pool water regularly. Without testing you are not able to identify a particular problem accurately. The pool water maintenance is one of the biggest challenges for the pool owners or operators. Inadequate knowledge and careless would brings the result of pool water problems. If we are not able to maintenance properly, then the health of our families are in danger.

Swimming pool water problems

Common swimming pool water problems

Cloudy swimming pool water

The presence of small particles in the water can create cloudiness. The main problems of cloudy water are improper filtration, insufficient water circulation, reduce flow rate, looks ugly etc.

Algae problems

creates Green cloudy water, Black (spongy) spots, Pink or white slime etc. The algae itself is not dangerous but it provides nutrients to bacteria and micro-organisms that are responsible for different disease.

Chlorination problems

The chlorine level may be low or high. Low chlorine can create algae problem, bacteria or microorganism problem. On the other hand high chlorine level can creates burning eyes and nose.

Staining of the pool

Although staining is not harmful for health but it reduce the attraction of the swimming pool. Therefore swimmers do not feel comfort to swimming.

Dust, sand etc

It will creates brown cloudy water.

Iron and copper problem

If the copper level is high, it can lead to green hair, fingernails, pool walls and water, as well as pool staining. High concentrations of iron can damage or discoloration of the pool surface.

Manganese problem

It can create stains on pool plaster and tile grouting.

TDS problem

TDS means total dissolved solids including debris, salts, chemicals, body fat etc. It increases with chemical addition in the pool. Higher TDS can create water clarity problem, stains on tile and plaster, scaling, salt taste, trouble to keep chlorine level and disturbance in water balance.

Others problem

Sources of the swimming pool water problems

There are many sources that create problems of pool water. The Water problems and pollution is interrelated which comes from environment, animals, wildlife or chemicals into the pool or carried by the swimmers. Some sources of the swimming pool water problems are described below:

Swimmers

Human body may contain microorganisms, sand, dusts etc. Moreover they use different types of cosmetics, oils. When they are swimming in the pool, then these unwanted contaminants get entered into the pool water. Human urine may also the pollutants of the water.

Environment around the pool

The environment around the pool can pollute the pool water. It contains different sorts of debris like dust, sand, leaves, grass, pollen, spores which can easily go into the water by the wind or other ways.

Animals and wildlife

Many animals including pets and wildlife may also the source of the pool water pollution. Occasionally the wildlife like frogs, lizards or insects may die in the swimming pool and would pollute the water.

Lack of proper maintenance

Lack of proper swimming pool maintenance, uses of over doges and poor quality chemicals are another source of swimming pool water problems.

Source of fresh water

Sources of water may be another source of contaminants in pool water. Sometimes the pool operators have to take some fresh water. If this water contains different contaminants, then it will also reduce the water quality of swimming pool.

Swimming pool water quality

It is recommended that your Swimming pool water should to maintain that are suggest as below:

  • Smell: water should not contain any bad smell.
  • pH value: The optimum pH value for pool water is 7.4; so try to maintain within the range 7.0 to 7.6. The pH value indicates the acidity or alkalinity of pool water. Both the lower or higher pH value can damage pool equipment, cause skin discomfort, and irritate the skin and eyes. Moreover it can effects on chlorine consumption.
  • Free chlorine: It should be keeping between from 0.5 to 1.5 ppm
  • Total alkalinity (TA): for public pools 80-120 ppm. It acts as a buffer and prevents the pH from fluctuation. These ranges of total alkalinity value may also increases equipment life and help the sanitizers so that they can work effectively.
  • Hardness (calcium hardness): acceptable range 100 – 300 ppm. The range can varies depends on the type and surface materials of the pools. High hardness is responsible for scale formation and circulation distress whereas the lower hardness can responsible for corrosion.
  • Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): 25-50 ppm
  • Total Bromine: 2-3 ppm
  • Temperature: 21 ⁰C to 32 ⁰C
  • TDS level: The maximum acceptable level is 1,500 ppm
  • Copper: maximum level 1.0ppm
  • Iron: maximum 0.3 ppm

swimming pool water testing

For maintaining water quality properly, testing is part and parcel of every pool owners. They have to test pool water regularly (daily, weekly or monthly) to avoid unwanted swimming pool water problems. It should be ensure that the chlorination, pH level, total alkalinity, TDS, iron, copper and calcium hardness level are exact as quality water rages. If your pool is salt water pool, then you also have to test salt levels. All the parameter should have not to check daily, some of them have to check weekly whereas some of them need to test monthly. Consequently you can able to detect the changes of water quality before problems develop. The water quality may differ from state to state. It is recommended that the pH and chlorine levels check daily basis before the first swim of the day. Rests of the parameters of pool water have to test weekly. If your fresh water sources are free from any metals and there is no possibility to entered, then the tests for those metals are unnecessary.

You will get many good pool water test kit at different market places but it should be reliable. It is advice that always keeps the pool kit in a cool dry place, out of sunlight and outside the reach of children. You can buy following swimming pool water test kit at Amazon.
pool water test kit

Most of the swimming pools water problems can be avoided by maintained water quality. If you not able to maintained water quality then it would be harmful to the pool materials and equipment above all simmers health.