By Alicia Stephens
Many chemicals are involved in maintaining a safe and clean pool. They can be divided into four categories: sanitizers (oxidizers), algaecides and ancillary chemicals. Each chemical plays a different part in pool care’s “Three Ps”.
- Preventing disease
- Protecting your equipment
- Provide the swimming environment you expect
All of these chemicals are combined to make a pool care program that is successful. The categories of sanitizers and oxidizers as well as algaecides, are not negotiable. They are essential for pool maintenance regardless of their form. Others, like ancillary chemicals are “negotiable.” Although they may not be necessary, these products play an important role in maintaining the quality of the pool’s water. They also save time and money and provide a better experience for swimmers. All four categories work together with proper circulation to ensure pool care is as efficient and easy as possible.
Sanitizers
A sanitizer’s primary function is to kill bacteria and prevent disease. Pool care starts with maintaining a residual sanitizer in the pool. For the prevention of diseases, it is essential to keep your pool clean. There are many products that can be used to clean pools. Although they are applied in different ways, all of them do the same thing: kill bacteria. Each type of chlorine has a different effect on the water and that is something pool professionals need to be aware of. Liquid chlorine, for example, is an effective disinfectant and can be applied easily. However, it can cause the pool to have a higher pH if used regularly. You can apply Trichlor tablets in many ways, but they cannot be directly added to the pool. The chlorine level provided is more stable than liquid chlorine and is therefore easier to maintain. Salt as a sanitizer can reduce maintenance and provide a steady chlorine residual. However, the equipment needed to do so is costly and will need replacement periodically. All of these options can be used for sanitation.
The post The essential three Ps’ in pool care was first published on Pool & Spa Marketing.
