Cooling Your Pool Down
In hindsight, overly warm water seems like an obvious reason as to why your pool is burning through chlorine. What thrives in a warm and wet environment? Thats a right, bacterium!
So if your pool is feeling more like a hot tub, you may want to consider figuring out a way to lower the temperature to avoid using copious amounts of chlorine to keep the bugs away.
There are a number of great options including an aerator. An aerator is an attachment that is screwed into the side of your pool and sprays water back into your pool. This process introduces oxygen into the main body of water, bringing the temperature down a few degrees.
If youre looking for a bigger drop in temperature , then consider a pool cooler. A pool cooler cools water via a fan. The cold water is then pumped back into the pool.
The system is expensive, but if your guests start complaining that your pool is feeling more like a bathtub, its probably a good investment.
Use A Skimmer Against Floating Dirt In The Pool
Another method to remove the floating dirt from the water surface is the skimmer.
The surface skimmer is usually connected to the pool pump, but an edge skimmer is an alternative since you do not use a pump.
The skimmers with integrated pumps are even more practical they suck in the water and the dirt on it much better.
A skimmer doesnt cost a lot but will help against the dirt.
If you use a skimmer, the basket will need to be emptied daily.
If your pool is near trees and bushes, it will likely need to be emptied more frequently.
Tip: Although water beetles are sucked in by the skimmer, they can quickly free themselves from the basket. That is why skimmers with a flap are always preferable.
Recipe For A Chlorine Free Pool
Maintaining a clean, clear pool without the use of chlorine will require a bit more effort and expense, but it IS possible!
Were not talking about natural pools, those that are green, with aquatic plants. Im talking about a blue pool without chlorine.
Follow our recipe, and you can maintain a blue and sanitary pool without chlorine. You will use other chemicals, purifiers and oxidizers, along with improved filtration and circulation.
Don’t Miss: Pool Chiller Heater Combo
What Is The Best Sanitizing System For A Swimming Pool
When it comes to choosing a pool cleaning system, theres certainly no shortage of options! While chlorine-based systems are the most popular, technological advancements have brought a wider range of chlorine alternative choices to todays swimming pool owners. Here are just a few common examples of different pool sanitization systems that are available for residential use:
So, which of these options is best for your pool? The answer depends on the value you place on factors like cost, convenience and efficiency. For example, bromine generally has a milder scent and longer life than chlorine, but also costs more and tends to break down in sunlight more easily.
Whether youre using a chlorine based sanitizer or a chlorine alternative, consult with an experienced pool expert to make sure you choose the right system for your budget, pool type, climate and lifestyle. Your local Latham dealer can help you compare the benefits and drawbacks of each system in comprehensive detail so that you can make an informed decision about how to keep your swimming pool clean and sanitized.
You May Like: Btu Pool Calculator
Bonus: How To Make Your Kiddie Pool Last Longer
Your kids LOVE that splash pool, right? They would stay out there all day long if you let them. We also know that these cheap pools can sometimes spring a leak or otherwise end up failing before the summer season is over.
Most kiddie pool leaks are from punctures on the bottom of the pool. Stones, pebbles, and anything else that is trapped under the pool, can puncture the bottom.
One way to avoid this is to put something smooth under the pool to protect it. We suggest using interlocking foam tiles for this.
If you have an Intex kiddie pool, then you should check out our guide on what to put under your Intex pool.
Here are some that will work great. You will likely need about 40-60 square feet depending on how big the kiddie pool is.
Recommended Reading: Diy Swimming Pool Ideas
How To Keep Your Kiddie Pool Clean Without A Pump
Wondering how you keep a kiddie pool clean without a pump? With these easy tips and tools, you can make the most out of an inflatable kiddie pool without having to always dump the water!
When I stumbled upon the fact that a pool float could easily fit in our 10 ft kiddie pool, everything about my summer relaxation changed.
The problem was, I kept finding myself having to dump the water every week because the water would get so slimy and stinky after a few days of super hot weather.
Talk about a health hazard and a giant waste of water!
Not only that, if kids were in the pool a lot they inevitably dragged in piles of grass and dirt. Despite having a foot rinse off bucket.
And THEN I got smart and finally learned how to turn my kiddie pool into an adult oasis with sparkling, clean water all summer long without a pump!
Remove Debris With The Pool Skimmer
Use the hand pool skimmer as needed to remove pool debris.
The sooner you remove the debris, the less chance it has to break down. The less its broken down, the easier it is to scoop it out.
If you have dirt and debris that has sunk to the bottom, use the skimmer to stir the water up so you can scoop underneath it to lift it to the top.
Recommended Reading: Automatic Vacuum For Intex Pools
The Fine Print For Biguanide Pools
If you use biguanide, youll also have to make sure you have the right pool filter. Diatomaceous earth or cartridge filters arent typically recommended by biguanide manufacturers, so youll want to opt in for the classic sand filter, though its recommended you replace your sand media every two years. Plus, test strips for biguanide arent considered accurate, so it might be tough to figure out your waters chemical levels.
Biguanide sanitizers are also incompatible with ozone, detergents, ionizers, and other common chemicals. Heres one last fun one: adding chlorine to a biguanide pool will turn your water bright orange.
Looking to get all those tight cornerswithout hurting yourself in the process? Try the patented 360-Degree Bristles Blue Torrent Pool Brush, developed by long-term pool professionals. As customer Scott Hinds notes, Definitely the best pool brush I have ever owned. Far superior to other brushes. Check out this user review to learn more.
Cover Your Pool When It Is Not In Use
The most important tip we can give you is to cover your pool when you are not using it. By doing so, you can prevent many problems, no dirt such as leaves and insects get into the water. You also protect the pool material with a cover.
The SunnyTent can be used perfectly for this. The additional advantage of the SunnyTent is that it is foldable and that the SunnyTent not only ensures that your water temperature is maintained, but that it even heats the water.
Recommended Reading: Pristine Blue Dealers
Keep Pool Cleaned And Covered
The last step is to simply clean out any dirt and debris that has built up inside the pool. The filter pump should take care of most of this, but it wont get everything. Keeping dirt, leaves, and other debris out of the pool will allow the chlorine to do its job better, and last longer.
Keeping the pool covered will help the chlorine last longer as well. Chlorine can be eaten away or burnt up by the sun. Covering the pool when its not in use can extend how long your chlorine works, and reduce your maintenance time and costs.
What Does Chlorine Do Anyway
Chlorine is often assumed to be synonymous with sanitizerand thats a testament to how popular this nifty chemical is. Chlorine is the win-win chemical that is both effective and inexpensive, so its no surprise its become a household name. Plus, its safe in the right doses, which is why you might find that your local drinking water is both deemed safe and is treated with chlorine.
Chlorine is actually a catch-all term for five different types: dichlor, trichlor, sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite. While they all have different forms and different price points, when theyre used correctly they all work the same way: chlorine deactivates the bacteria in your water. This can include pathogenic microorganisms that can make you sick, as well as organic material such as the oil that swimmers introduce into the water. But just because chlorine neautralizes bacteria doesnt mean that bacteria is officially removed.
Looking to extend the swim season as much as you can, so that you can get the most fun for your buck? A heat pump is the answer for youbut youll want a powerful unit that will save you on your energy bill every month, like the Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 110,000 BTU to heat25,000 Gallons. According to customer Steve, Simple install and simple set up. Heated my pool from 66 to 82 degrees in about 2 complete days.
You May Like: How To Repair Concrete Pool Deck Deterioration
Start With Fresh Water
If youre trying to fix already slimy or green pool water, save yourself the time and multiple chemicals and start with fresh water.
Make sure the pool itself is also scrubbed clean before filling. You should be able to do this with Dawn dish soap and a wash cloth. Rinse well before refilling.
Then, fill your pool with fresh, clean water.
How Can You Safely Use Chemicals In The Kiddie Pool
According to experts at Pool Solutions, you need four things to keep your kiddie pool clean and safe swim after swim after swim:
-
A stabilized form of chlorine thats 55% to 62% active strength. The chemical name youre looking for here is either sodium dichloroisocyanurate or sodium dichloro-s-triazine trione. These Aqua Chem Sanitizer Chlorinating Granules are 55% chlorine and formulated for small pools with a capacity between 200 and 1,000 gallons.
-
Algaecide thats 60% active strength. The mile-long chemical name to look for is poly. The algaecide offers backup protection in the event the chlorine gets low, and it controls some of the bacteria thats resistant to chlorine, including the little bastards that cause nasty ear infections. The Pool Breeze Algicide 60 has the right strength and the right chemical name, and its non-foaming.
-
A box of borax, which you can find in the laundry detergent aisle of the grocery store. The only brand Ive ever seen is 20 Mule Team. Borax is non-toxic in normal, everyday amounts.
-
Plain old, regular bleach, 6% active strength.
-
A water testing kit.These easy-to-use water testing strips will analyze the chlorine level, along with the pH, bromine, and alkalinity.
Pool Solutions has a pool chemical calculator for kiddie pools that will help you figure out the volume of water in your pool and how much of each chemical to add. Read their directions very carefully.
So, our pool has a 264-gallon capacity, which requires:
Bleach: 6.4 tablespoons
Read Also: Aria Pool Hours
Pool Ionization Of The Water
The last method to maintain your pool without chlorine is pool ionization.
With the help of electrolysis, copper, zinc, and silver ions are released that disinfect your pool water.
But again, there is the problem that no disinfection takes place when the system is inactive.
As already mentioned with the ozone generator and the UVC clarifier, an additional disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide must be used in addition to the system.
In addition, there are the relatively high costs of purchasing a suitable system.
How Much Chlorine Is Necessary
We know that swimming pools need chlorine. How much and how often you will need to add chlorine depends on how your pool is used as well as environmental factors. The rate at which chlorine is used up in your pool is called chlorine demand. Some chlorine is used up as it reacts with microorganisms and oxidizes them. But chlorine can also be used up when it reacts with other contaminants that are brought into the pool by unhygienic swimmers. Contaminants such as sunscreen, body lotion, and hair products add to chlorine demand. Human contaminants such as sweat, body oil, and urine also increase chlorine demand.
Swimmers can help reduce chlorine demand by showering before entering the pool and not peeing in the pool. Children should take regular breaks from swimming to use the restroom, and any diapers should be changed away from the pool to avoid contamination.
Recommended Reading: Cleaning Concrete Pool Deck
How To Keep Inflatable Pool Water Clean
Whats better than having a splash in your swimming pool during the summer days? The only hurdle is that crafting a swimming pool is tedious and takes labor, more importantly, it is expensive. As alternatives, inflatable pools are taking over the market.
Inflatable pools are portable air-filled tubes that hold water in vast quantities. For backyard pool parties it can be a decent choice. As for kids, they love inflatable pools. These types of pools come in various sizes and shapes.
To beat the melting heat simply put on the inflatable pool and relax with your family and friends. Having a pool in your backyard can be fun, even though it is a portable one, it is likely to catch debris and dirt from the surroundings and contaminate the water. You must know how to keep inflatable pool water clean.
In this article, we will be discussing ways to keep your pool water immaculate.
So How Safe Is Kiddie Pool Water For Kids
Thats a hard call. Youve got to take the science into account, of course, and the fact that it is possible to get sick from the water. But how common is it for kiddie pool water to make kids sick? I couldnt find the exact statistics for that, but in my own completely non-medical and unscientific experience, your kid is probably more endangered by the sun than by the water in the kiddie pool.
But then again, no one wants to risk explosive diarrhea or screaming earaches in the household, so its probably a good idea to do what you can to maintain a safe pool for everyone who swims in it.
Read Also: Building An Inground Pool Yourself
Tips To Keep Your Pool Clean
If you have a swimming pool in the garden, you know that it must be constantly maintained to ensure that you can continue to enjoy beautiful clear and safe water. However, the importance of keeping the pool clean is often underestimated, and there is a lot involved in keeping a pool in top condition.
To make this job perhaps a little easier, we have collected seven tips for you. From tips regarding pH value to automatic cleaning. However, not all tips will apply to every swimming pool, large swimming pools require a slightly different regime than smaller swimming pools.
How Many Days Can You Leave Water In A Kiddie Pool
For most inflatable pools or plastic kiddie pools following my guidelines above, the water should still be changed every two weeks. If you are not adding chlorine to kill bacteria, the pool should be drained every other day. Stagnant water without chlorine, can become unhealthy water in just 24-48 hours.1 2020 .
Also Check: How To Repair Cracks In Pool Deck
Natural Alternatives To Pool Chlorine
The best way to naturally keep your pool sanitized is to reduce the amount of oils or bacteria that enter your pool by showering before swimming. One way to sanitize your pool without adding chemicals is to create your own chlorine with a salt water generator. In addition, there are several ecologically-friendly products on the market that could work well with your pool. Make sure to consult a local Latham dealer before making any drastic changes to how you treat your pool.
No matter how you choose to sanitize your pool, keeping your water balanced and your pool free from dirt and debris will reduce the amount of sanitizer used.
Vinyl Liner Pool | Custom in Disco Pearl
Ways To Save Your Pool Chlorine This Summer
One of the hottest news stories this summer is the chlorine shortage. Here at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool, we understand that as a pool owner, you have concerns about having enough chlorine by the end of summer. While we have plenty of chlorine in stock, we also wanted to share five ways to save your pool chlorine this summer to make it last through the season.
You May Like: Calcium Dust In Pool
Use A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Advancement in technology continues to surprise us day by day. Now, there are robotic pool cleaners that you can use to keep your pool clean without chemicals and filters. Robotic pool cleaners are smart, brilliant, and efficient in ensuring the pool remains clean. These machines can walk in the pool without much assistance from you. All you have to do is sit on your chair and enjoy reading your magazine while the robot does the job for you.
The robot goes over the floor and walls. It uses a brush to scrub the tiles and the vacuum system absorbs and collects dirt in an inbuilt filter. When it completes the task, the pool remains sparkling clean and the tiles shiny just the way they ought to be.
There are many pool cleaners in the market but not all are built for your pool. So, before you commit to buying, consider the type of surface your pool has. Some cleaners work on specific types of floors. There are those that clean the walls and floors but not the steps. The surface of your pool along with other many aspects dictates the type of robotic cleaner you should use in your pool. So make sure you do thorough research to ensure you get the best robotic cleaner to help keep the pool clean minus the use of chemicals and filters.
You may also like: 5 Best Boat Macerator Pumps For Saltwater
