Gaining an understanding of the various pool chemicals individually is fairly straightforward. Where it gets a bit more challenging, though, is that there is a relationship between and among the various chemicals. To maintain optimal water chemistry, then, you not only need to understand the individual chemicals, but you also need to know how each of these various chemicals react in the water as well as interact and react with other chemicals.
All of the chemicals that will be discussed and explained in this manual are the chemicals that you will need to know and use in your pool.
When chemically-treating a pool, the water must be sanitized, oxidized, and balanced. The addition of some maintenance-based chemicals is also recommended. But, even with sanitized, oxidized, and balanced water, it is possible that you will experience problems, such as algae, cloudy water, discolored water, stains, scale, a build-up at the waterline (surface) of the pool, or perhaps other problems. There are just too many variables and circumstances that can lead to water clarity problems, even for the most experienced and diligent pool owners. You must be able to troubleshoot any problem with the chemicals and then use the correct chemical(s) to treat and remedy the problem.
To be a successful pool owner, you must be able to maintain optimal water chemistry. To maintain optimal water chemistry, you must understand pool chemicals.
The following chemicals will be discussed and explained in great detail:
- Cyanuric Acid
- Chlorine
- Salt (via a Salt Generator)
- Bromine
- Mineral-Chlorination (via a Mineralizer)
- UV-Chlorination (via a UV Sterilizer)
- Ozone-Chlorination (via an Ozonator)
- Ion-Chlorination (via an Ionizer)
- Biguanides
- Shock
- pH
- Alkalinity
- Hardness
- Algistats
- Algaecides
- Sequesterants
- Clarifiers
- Enzyme Cleaners
- Filter Cleaners
- Combination Chemicals
- Specialty Chemicals
- Start-Up Chemicals
- Winterizing Chemicals
It probably seems like there are so many pool chemicals to consider. There are. But not all of them are for your pool. And not all of them will be used at all times.
Please remember that maintaining proper chemical levels not only helps ensure the cleanliness and clarity of the water - and therefore the health, well-being and comfort of swimmers - but it also protects the longevity of your pool structure, waterproofing, equipment, and plumbing. In fact, a pool having sustained periods of improper water chemistry - whether it be its structure, waterproofing, equipment, plumbing, or a combination thereof - will fail at a rate of 2-3 times faster than a pool with consistent and proper water chemistry. The pool chemicals are relatively inexpensive. Major pool repairs that are required due to chemical neglect, however, can be very expensive.
Within this pool manual, the following information is available about pool chemicals: