Before selecting a pool disinfectant, make sure you understand what it can and cannot do for you. The following information will help you to make wise choices when it comes to selecting pool chemicals.
Although there are numerous swimming pool disinfectants, chlorine is still the chemical of choice. Chlorine disinfection has been used successfully throughout the world for the treatment of drinking water and is popular for swimming pool use (you may even have more chlorine in the water you drink than in the water in your pool) because it disinfects and oxidizes simultaneously. Not all chemicals accomplish that. Because some people believe that chlorine is the cause of eye irritation and itching skin (it is not: chloramines and unbalanced water cause these problems), there has been an increased interest in using chlorine alternatives. Although numerous pool disinfectants are available, many of them do not provide oxidation, so more chemicals are necessary when using them.
The Pool Pump • The Filters • Sand Filtration • D.E. Filtration • Cartridge Filtration
Water Chemistry • Popular Disinfectants • Chorine • Calcium Hypochorite • Sodium Hypochlorite • Stabilized Chlorines •
Bromine • Other Disinfectants • Water Balance • pH • Total Alkalinity • Calcium Hardness • Total Dissolved Solids •
Balancing Pool Water • Water Testing • Pool Vacs & Sweepers •
Pool Maintenance • Daily Chores • Weekly Chores • Solving Common Problems • Cloudy, Milky Water • Malodorous, Irritating Water
Green Water • Red or Brown Water • Blue - Green Water • Blue or Black Water • Pump Problems • Sand in Pool •
Excessive Water Loss • Excessive Foaming