If you own a pool, you know that keeping the pH and chlorine levels balanced is key to maintaining clear, clean water. But did you know that the weather can have an impact on your pool’s chemistry? Hot days can cause evaporation and chemical loss, while heavy rains can add unwanted contaminants to your water. So how do you adjust your pool care routine to account for the weather? Keep reading to find out!
The Impact of Weather on Pool Chemicals
When pool opening season arrives, pool owners must be mindful of the weather and its effects on pool chemicals. Hot days can cause pool chemicals to rapidly evaporate in the heat and humidity, making them virtually useless. Similarly, rain can also dilute pool chemicals and make them ineffective. Indeed, sudden changes in weather can even alter the pH level of pool water which requires regular pool chemical balancing.
Airborne fertilizers from your neighbor’s gardens and yards have every possibility of getting into your pool’s water. These fertilizers not only hamper the pH balance of the pool’s water, but also facilitate the growth of algae and such plants in your pools as these species thrive on the phosphates that are often found in such fertilizers. Just like air, rainwater also brings in dirt, grime, bacteria, algae spores and various other particles into the pool. Next, let us consider the UV rays that a bright sunny day subjects your pool to diminishing the effectiveness of the pool water.
Now why exactly are we worried about these weather-borne elements and impurities? Well, such elements mar the effectiveness of the chlorine, consequently leading to a loss in the chemical’s sanitizing power. Outwardly, you shall see your pool water getting green and cloudy.
To prevent pool chemical waste as well as safety risk related to incorrect pool chemical balance or lack thereof, it is essential for pool owners to monitor the weather in order to maintain a safe swimming environment.
How to Adjust For It
When opening a pool for the season, it is important to adjust pool water chemistry correctly. Since pool water can become imbalanced due to different factors, pool owners should be mindful of how they adjust pH and other pool chemicals when opening. It is recommended that pool owners use pool opening chemicals to successfully jump start pool season by pre-treating pool water or increasing chlorine levels through shock treatments. Using pool opening chemicals ensures that total alkalinity and pH are properly balanced at safe levels right away, minimizing damage to pool equipment such as liners, pumps, filters and heaters in the long run. Adjusting for it correctly will result in a crystal clear and worry-free swimming experience.
Apart from that, consider getting a pool cover to reduce evaporation of chlorine and water. Using an algaecide keeps the algae away (but does not hamper the chemistry of the pool water). Running the main pump for at least eight hours in a day keeps the water clear. This is especially recommended if you have a saltwater pool. A clean pool would also need clean filters for proper functioning – debris naturally is never any help in this case. It is suggested to run the filtration system for a minimum of six hours per day. Moreover, you should always keep a tab on the proper chemistry and properties of the pool’s water – test it once a week to ensure it is always at its best.
The importance of keeping your pool clean and safe
Taking care of your pool is essential to ensure a safe and healthy swimming environment. Proper pool maintenance includes brushing pool walls and vacuuming pool floors at least once a week during the active season. In addition, pool owners should also check their pool chemical levels regularly and use pool opening chemicals to prep the pool chemistry before the beginning of each season. By ensuring that your pool is properly cleaned and balanced with the right chemicals, you will have a swimming pool that is safe for you and your loved ones to use all summer long!
To sum things up, weather can have a significant influence on swimming pool chemistry and the necessary maintenance it requires. It is best to take extra precaution during extreme cold or hot conditions in order to keep your pool clean and safe. Be sure to invest in a high-quality filter as well as check and adjust the chemical balance of your swimming pool regularly. Even if you take small steps like this, you are doing your part to protect yourself and others from hazardous bacterial development. These simple actions go a long way when it comes to maintaining a healthy swimming environment for everybody’s safety. Learning about how weather affects pool chemistry will help you become more aware of what needs to be done so that you can enjoy clean and safe waters all year round!
