Chlorine For Pools
Pools are wonderful fun, but it is very important that they be well maintained to be healthy. Everyone loves a nice inviting place to relax – even germs do! Warm water has proven to be a nice habitat for several types of bacterium and viruses to grow. These microorganisms can make you and your family very sick. The illnesses are referred to as RWIs (recreational waterborne illness) and they are caused by coming in contact with these germs in the water, such as splashing in mouth or nose, or some you get into your system just by being in the water. Your pool may look sparkling clean, but that doesn’t always mean it is. A good method to eliminate these “bugs” is to use correctly use chlorine for pools. Be advised that this is not the chlorine bleach you use in your laundry. It is specially formulated for the use in swimming pools, hot tubs and other recreational water areas.
Some of the bacterium and viruses found in swimming pools and hot tubs are:
· Pseudomonas aeruginosa – flourishes in warm water, and leaves you with a urinary tract infection or even pneumonia
· Staphylococci – comes from human nasal passages and can cause respiratory infections
· Legionella – this can cause a fatal form of pneumonia and can survive in very warm water
· Shigella – causes large intestine infection
· Cryptosporidium – contagious microorganism needs high levels of chlorine for long periods of time. This is often found in drinking water.
· Adenovirus – causes conjunctivitis and ear infections
From the partial list above, you will agree that swimming pool owners have a responsibility to know how important pool maintenance is. It affects the health of family and friends. Chemical levels must be monitored often and adjusted as needed. If you are in doubt how this is done, contact a pool service provider and they will help you with information regarding pool chemical test kits.
But, fear not. As previously mentioned, there is an easy fix to be certain your pool is clean. If not THE most important, it is ONE of the most important chemicals that must be used – chlorine for pools. It is a chemical disinfectant used to eliminate the growth of bacteria, pathogenic microorganisms, as well as many, many other “undesirables” found in your pool water. RWIs are generally caused by overall improper pool maintenance, and the most important one is lack of disinfectant.
The way that chlorine for pools works is that it inactivates organic matter. Then the pool’s filtration system will clean out the matter preventing any “home” for the pathogens. Correct pH levels are important for the success of killing the bacteria. For chlorine for pools to work, pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
Also, be aware that the more you use your pool, the more often you should monitor your chlorine and pH levels. More people in the pool will also increase the likelihood of an increase in organic matter, and the effectiveness of the chlorine will diminish quickly. High temperatures in the pool or hot tub will also decrease the chlorine levels needed to control the bacteria.
Remember. This is a situation that can be easily controlled and should not interfere with the enjoyment of your swimming pool. Chlorine for pools. It will work.