While we often dwell on the idea of a crystal-clear swimming pool at the heart of the summer seasons, one of the things we may not consider is the harmful chemicals in the water in which we swim and yet still have a good time.
Most of us emphasize staying safe from the sun and wearing copious amounts of sunscreen or preventing any unsightly dilemmas around the poolside such as drowning. But rarely do we think about the harm that some pool chemicals can do to our health and our skin.
This article will dive into the most common pool chemicals used by many pool companies and which ones have been deemed the safer option so you can use them.
Chemicals Most Often Used in Swimming Pools
If you don’t do the proper research into which pool cleaners and disinfectants to use and grab the first one you see in the store or online, you may be disappointed. Especially for those who have just moved into a new home or built a new pool, you must need a clean-up frequently, mainly if it will be used often.
Certain chemicals help to keep you safe from certain types of bacteria and germs that fester in stagnant water. Two of the main ones are Bromine and chlorine.
Bromine
As one of the more reactive chemicals used in the pool business, Bromine, discovered in the 1820s, is a rare element found in nature in the earth’s crust. It is also found in regions such as the dead sea and the ocean’s water. More about this naturally occurring chemical can be found here.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the second most abundant mineral on the earth and is used in many products, including those that clean bodies of water, such as swimming pools and hot tubs. When used appropriately and in minimal quantities, it can help prevent potential health problems and outbreaks. More information about chlorine can be found online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine
There are a few things you can do to maintain safe practices when cleaning your pool.
Safe Practices When Cleaning a Pool
PH Levels
According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), the amount of chlorine or Bromine you use when cleaning or disinfecting can affect the water and you as a user. As much as it can remove any dirt, bacteria, and viruses in the water, it can also harm your skin cells and hair when overdoing it.
The pH level of the water should always be checked. This will determine whether your new pool startup chemicals are doing their work. If the water has too high a pH level, the chemicals will find it difficult to clean the surface areas. Your body has a natural pH of between 7.2 and 7.8; if the water is not within that range, your eyes and your skin will be irritated.
Many people also suffer from earaches, congestion, and coughing if the water gets in their mouth, and they may have trouble breathing if there are too many chemicals in the space. Thus, checking and adjusting it is key to a healthy and safe environment. Ideally, you should be able to smell the chlorine or ‘chloramines’ while swimming.
Wear the Right Gear
Another way of keeping things from harm is wearing the appropriate clothing and headgear, such as swimming caps and swimsuits. This also goes for taking a shower before and after using the facilities.
You should also always wear swimming goggles, mainly if your children use the area. When using them, you should also wear the right gear such as gloves, goggles, or face gear to avoid smelling it or letting it touch your skin.
Add Powder to Water
When mixing the cleaning solution, which would most likely be in powder form, never add water to the powder, but instead add the powder to the water, mix it properly and then pour it into the filter or system.
Some chemicals go through a ‘wetting process’ when mixed incorrectly. This is a dangerous interaction that can risk combustibility.
Keep Things Dry
When storing your cleaning chemicals and equipment, always store them in a dry and airy facility, as you should never keep them in a damp region. Also, check the container they are in; they don’t have any cracks or leaks. They should always be tightly sealed once you’ve used them.
In addition, always use products that have been approved and certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), as not all products are compatible with one another and may cause disastrous results when mixed.
With these few precautions, you could ensure a happy and healthy, as well as the safety and enjoyment anyone can have in your new pool.