In Pakistan where it gets hot for a big part of the year, having a pool is not fancy. So it is a thing that many people need to stay cool in the sweaty weather of Pakistan, especially in Karachi. But keeping the water in your pool super transparent, when it is so hot and dusty outside can be tricky. To ensure your pool stays safe for swimming, it is a must to know what to do and what not to do, specially when it comes to taking care of the pool chemicals, mainly considering the weather in Pakistan.
In this blog, we will discuss what things you need to look for in pool chemical’s dos and don’ts. Let us have a look at them.
Learn the Chemistry of the Pool
Pool chemicals are must to keep your pool clean. Therefore, in Pakistan, pool owners may use Chlorine as the cleaner. However, do you know its pros and cons? Before moving ahead, we will study the chemistry of the pool chemicals.
Keeping a pool clean and safe depends on using the right mix of chemicals to kill germs, stop algae from growing and keep the pH levels balanced. The main chemical you will need to know about is chlorine. It kills germs. In addition, there is a pH adjustor such as sodium bicarbonate and muriatic acid, to balance the acidity and algaecides to prevent algae growth. So having the balance right is critical to keeping the pool water sparkling and safe for swimming.
1. Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the commonly used pool chemicals. What is the purpose of it? It combats algae growth and bacteria. Therefore, many types of chlorine are accessible in the market with their pros and cons.
2. pH Level
You cannot add chlorine directly to the pool water. So here, one needs to look for the pH level of the pool. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. It shows whether the water is acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH for the pool is alkaline. If there is an imbalance in pH, then it alters the effect of chlorine and can irritate the eyes and skin.
3. Alkalinity
Alkalinity acts as a buffer. Hence, it helps to maintain a stable pH level.
4. Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness helps prevent pool liners and tools from corrosion.
5. Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid is also known as a stabilizer. It protects chlorine from degradation caused by sunlight. Yet high CYA levels can render chlorine ineffective.
The Dos of Pool Chemicals Management
1. Test Regularly
Testing pool chemicals level regularly comes first on the list, and you can’t ignore it. If you are the pool owner in Pakistan, then it is a must to keep the pH Test Kits with yourself. Keeping a log of the test results helps you find trends and adjust chemical levels accordingly.
2. Keep Proper Pool Chemical Level
The suggested chlorine level for pools in Pakistan generally ranges between 1.5 ppm and 3.0 ppm. So always, follow the maker’s instructions for dosage on your chosen chlorine product. Remember factors such as sunlight and bather load can affect chlorine levels. So adjust it accordingly.
3. Upkeep Your pH Level.
Remember that an imbalanced pH level can wreak havoc on the pool. If your pH is too high, chlorine becomes less effective. On the other hand, a low pH can irritate swimmers and damage pool tools. We advise you to use the pH increase or decrease to keep the ideal range of 7.2-7.8.
4. Do not Ignore Alkalinity.
While chlorine is the warrior against bacteria, alkalinity acts as its shield here. Proper alkalinity, 80-120 ppm, helps prevent rapid pH fluctuations, boosting chlorine’s effectiveness. Adjust alkalinity levels using the right increases or decreases.
5. Manage Calcium Hardness
Water of Karachi water may naturally have higher calcium levels. Keep calcium hardness between 200-400 ppm to prevent cloudy water, etching on pool surfaces and damage to tools. If calcium hardness is too low, use a calcium chloride increaser.
The Don'ts of Pool Chemical
1. Never Over Chlorinate
While pool chlorine is a must, too much can irritate the eyes and skin of the swimmers. Besides this, it also creates a strong chlorine odor. Stick to the recommended dosage based on the pool size and sanitizer type.
2. Never Mix Pool Chemicals Directly
Never mix pool chemicals directly in their concentrated forms. Why is that so? It can cause dangerous reactions. So, are pool chemicals dangerous? Yes, they are. Always add chemicals to separate water containers before adding them to the pool.
3. Neglecting pH Balance
Ignoring pH levels can lead to issues like cloudy water, scaling and equipment damage. To maintain optimal water balance, regularly test and adjust pH levels.
4. Mix Chemicals
Mixing different pool chemicals can result in dangerous reactions and release toxic gases. Never combine chemicals directly and always add them to the pool water separately.
The Things You Must Have
Indeed the pool chemical is a must for keeping the pool clean. However, there are certain dos and don’ts that you need to follow and study. Besides these, we advise you to have the following things if you have the pool.
1. PH Test Kits
At Water Solutions, you can get pH Test Kits. It is important to keep an optimum chemical level in the swimming pool. So, this helps prevent damage to skin, eyes and hair while keeping you informed about chemical levels. pH testing kit for swimming pools allows you a lot when adding chemicals to the pool.
2. Floating Chemical Dispenser
In the busy city of Karachi, you cannot keep a check on the chlorine level of your pool. However, you cannot ignore it. So what should we do in such cases? We have the solutions for you. Get the floating chemical dispenser for your pool from Water Solutions. You can place a chlorine dispenser in your pool, and it will do the job of keeping chlorine at the proper levels.
Conclusion
Keeping the pool water super clear in Pakistan requires you to be proactive and watchful and follow the best ways to take care of pool chemicals. By following the tips in this guide and adjusting them to fit Pakistan’ weather challenges, you can ensure your pool is safe, welcoming and perfect for swimming all season long.
