1. What is the difference between pH and Alkalinity?
pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline water is.
Alkalinity (also known as Total Alkalinity) is the capacity of water to resist change in pH.
2. Why do my children's eyes burn after they swim in our pool?
Three possible reasons.
The pH of the water is low, usually below 7 making the water aggressive and acidic.
The chlorine level is higher than 3 ppm.
Combined chloramines are present.
3. Why should I use chemicals even though my pool water is very clear?
Algae and bacteria are constantly entering the water from dust that settles, to wind, to rain and even bathers that leave these spores in the water. With constant treatment any new growth that develops is immediately killed. Preventing expensive problem solving when the water goes green.
4. If I top up my pool with tap water, should I put chemicals in?
Tap water has been treated but the pH may be high. Check the pH, Alkalinity and chlorine levels after topping up.
5. If it rains should I put more chemicals in?
Rain brings down the dust, spores and other chemicals that are in the air. During the rainy season it is a good idea to use an algaecide to help maintain the water, because chlorine generally dissipates quickly during rain.
6. I have a floater, why must I put extra chemicals in the pool?
A floater helps keep a constant chlorine level but when the chlorine demand increases for example when there is heavy bathing or a downpour of rain the floater is not able to maintain the chlorine level. A regular boost of chlorine is a good idea to boost the chlorine level and kill algae spores.
7. What does it mean to ‘shock' the pool?
A 'shock dose' means an extra cup or two of granular chlorine in addition to the normal dose that one gives. This helps burn off oils and other chemicals that build up in the water from bathers and rains.
8. What does stabiliser mean/do?
Stabiliser is cyanuric acid. It prevents the chlorine from being dissipated by the sun.
9. How do I get my pool to have additional sparkle?
Additional sparkle can be achieved by using a flocculant. These come in the form of tablets, liquid, gel or powder form.
10. I used an algaecide but the pool stayed green?
The algae has been killed but remain on the walls or in suspension. Firm brushing of the pool walls and then using a flocculant should remedy the problem. It is good practice to use a flocculant in conjunction with the algaecides to help remove the dead algae from the water.
11. What does a flocculant do?
A flocculant has a positively charged molecule, which attracts the suspended particles, which are negatively charged thus making them heavy enough to drop out, and settle on the floor or get trapped in the filter .
12. Is it necessary to brush the algae off the walls or will the chemicals remove it?
It is necessary to regularly brush pool walls, particularly before the addition of chemicals.
13. How often should I backwash?
Depending on weather conditions, either every week or every second week.
14. What is the purpose of backwashing?
Backwashing is the reverse of filtration and clears the sand in the filter of debris, pumping it into waste.
15. Should I rinse after each backwash? Why?
Yes, during backwashing the sand is churned up and some debris still remains in the sand. The rinsing helps remove this debris so that it does not land up in the water.
16. Why should some chemicals (like acid) be mixed with water before putting it in the pool?
Pre-mixed chemicals are preferable (always add chemicals to water, not the reverse) because a better dispersion rate is achieved, thus a quicker action takes place. It's also a safer method.
17. Can any of the chemicals stain the bottom of the pool?
Copper containing algaecides can stain the floor and walls of the pool. It is necessary to regularly brush pool walls, particularly before the addition of chemicals.
Other products like Soda ash if used in a fiberglass pool can also cause the fiberglass to stain a brown colour. A good policy is to use the products as directed by the manufacturer.
18. How come the chemicals don't remove pool stains?
Fresh stains are easier to remove than older stains. Metal removers are used for metal staining, while hydrogen peroxide can be used for organic staining from rotting leaves that are left on the floor or from algae stains. The older the stain the more embedded the stain becomes in the surface.
