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How many gallons of water does your pool
hold? The answer determines the amount of chemicals you will need to
add.
A pool supply store can tell you the
number of gallons your pool holds if you provide the size and shape
of your pool (for example, 24-foot round or 24-foot oblong). You
must use the right amount of chemicals for your pool size to avoid
bacteria buildup. Too small an amount, and the chemicals will be
inefficient. Too large an amount is a waste; it will not make the
pool any cleaner than the correct amount. Also, an
over-concentration of chemicals can sting swimmers' eyes and fade
bathing suits in addition to not having any benefits. Read the
directions included with your pool chemicals. They will specify the
correct amount for the number of gallons in your pool.
Chemicals need to be added to pool water on a weekly and monthly
basis. Pollutants from perspiration, suntan lotion, cosmetics, and
plant debris can build up in the pool water and be a source of food
for bacteria and algae. The right levels of chemicals will dissolve
their food source as well as kill them.
Algae makes pool water green and slimy. Every week, for both types
of chemical systems, you should add a bacteria/algae killer.
Monthly, you should add what is called a “shock” chemical, or higher
concentration of the bacteria/algae killer, to keep the water clear.
Run your filtration system about six hours a day to circulate the
chemicals throughout the pool water. Each type of pool chemical
comes with instructions for the exact steps to follow. Maintaining
the pH level of your water and making sure it is balanced is also
important because water that is too acidic will corrode your pool
liner over time. Water with a low pH will cause a scaly buildup on
your liner and steps.
You can check the pH level of your water in two ways. You can take a
sample of the pool water in a clean container to your pool supply
store, as most stores will check the chemical levels for free and
offer suggestions on what to do to correct any problems. Or you can
buy testing strips and test it yourself. Just dip a testing strip in
your water then check the color on the strip against the color chart
that comes with the strips. Check the pH level about once a month;
some sources suggest twice a month. It should be no lower than 7.0
and no higher than 7.5. If it is too low or too high, go to your
pool supply store to find out which chemicals you should add to
adjust the level for the chemical system you are using. Once you
have corrected the pH level, it should be easy to maintain. However,
a heavy rain can change the pH overnight. Check your pH level again
if this occurs.
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