Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Pool opening involves removing winter covers, inspecting equipment, reconnecting plumbing, and balancing water chemistry. Start with equipment inspection, fill and reconnect systems, then shock and balance chemicals before swimming.
Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
Yes, green pool water can make you sick with infections, gastrointestinal illness, and respiratory problems. The algae indicates dangerous bacteria and parasites are present, making swimming unsafe until properly treated.
Pool algae can cause skin rashes, irritation, and other health issues through direct contact or by creating conditions that harbor harmful bacteria. The key is eliminating algae through proper SLAM treatment and maintaining balanced water chemistry.
Salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance, including pH adjusters, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine, not other essential chemicals needed for safe swimming water.
Yes, you can swim during your period safely. Proper menstrual protection and maintaining balanced pool chemistry ensure hygiene and comfort for all swimmers.
Pool algae itself cannot kill you, but certain types like blue-green algae can cause serious illness, and algae creates slippery, dangerous swimming conditions that increase drowning risk.
Pool chlorine can make you sick when levels are too high (causing irritation) or too low (allowing harmful bacteria). Proper chlorine levels of 1-4 ppm based on your CYA level prevent illness.
Swimming in a cloudy pool is not recommended as it poses safety risks due to poor visibility and indicates potential chemical imbalances or contamination that could cause illness.
Cloudy pool water can be dangerous to your health as it often indicates the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, and contaminants. Never swim in cloudy water - clear it first using proper shock treatment.
You need a pool heater if you want to swim comfortably outside of summer months, live in a climate with cool nights, or have family members who prefer warmer water temperatures above 78-82°F.
You can swim after shocking once free chlorine drops to 4 ppm or below, typically 8-24 hours depending on shock type and dosage. Test water before entering and ensure pH is balanced.
No, you should not swim in cloudy pool water as it poses safety risks including poor visibility for drowning prevention and potential exposure to harmful bacteria or contaminants that cause the cloudiness.
Yes, you absolutely need chlorine for your above ground pool to kill bacteria, algae, and other harmful contaminants. Without proper chlorine levels, your pool water becomes unsafe for swimming and will quickly turn green.
