The Necessity of Pool Chemicals

There are two main pool chemicals you can choose from to maintain the water in swimming pools today. They are chlorine and bromine. Without one or the other you risk having contaminated water not fit to swim in which can cause disease or infection. You could also begin to see some algae growth. However each chemical has its own restrictions and uses so let's look at those and then we'll discuss some less popular pool chemical supplies.

Chlorine is used most widely in private and public swimming pools. It is easy to use and highly effective in eliminating bacteria and foreign contaminants. It oxidizes the cells of organisms and then destroys them once they become vulnerable. However, it is harmless to humans as once the foreign organism is invaded it neutralizes the chlorine compound too. There are some people that can be a little sensitive to chlorine and will get itchy skin and red eyes but this is a mild side effect that goes away quickly.

Bromine has a higher temperature resistance than chlorine which makes it ideal in heated pools, hot tubs and spas. It is also less harsh on the skin and eyes than chlorine. It does have a chlorine base though. As far as how it works it does the same thing chlorine does but it lasts long after eliminating contaminants which makes it cost effective in the long run as you won't have to add as much to the water like you do with chlorine.

Alternatives to these two pool chemicals are ozone generators which is a pump of sorts that infuses ozone into the water to sanitize it. Mineral sanitization is a copper solvent that kills bacteria via an ionizer. There are also catalytic sanitizers which use minerals and oxidation to sanitize the water. These are all environmentally safe alternatives to chlorine and bromine.

Regardless of the chemicals you use you need to balance that with a stabilizer. A stabilizer will help keep the water healthy and will supplement the job the chlorine or other pool chemical does. Maintaining the pH level in the water is critical to pool safety and will often tell you what kind of chemical would work best to balance the purity of the water. These stabilizers and chemicals can be in the form of algae remover should you find the water too alkaline and starting to produce algae. Enzymes have a similar effect.

Peter Flaherty has been involved with home improvement for seventeen years. He knows all the tool and techniques for the DIY crowd and loves to share his knowledge with the general public. If you are interested in learning more about pool chemicals or are looking for other kinds of pool maintenance equipment like pool cover, follow the links and you will find all the information you need.