Swimming pool chemicals

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Swimming pool chemicals are absolutely necessary if you want to be able to keep your pool in useable shape. However, just because they are necessary, they are still chemicals and must be used with educated caution.

In order to avoid potential problems, follow these guidelines when storing and using pool chemicals:

• Store the chemicals in a cool, dry place – By storing the chemicals in a place that is cool and dry you reduce the potential for a harmful accident. Heat makes the chemicals more active and dangerous. Any kind of moisture could also ruin the chemicals and make them even more dangerous.
• Store them out of reach – You already know that if you have young kids you constantly need to make sure that you are keeping dangerous items away from them. But, if you have pets that tend to get into things they shouldn’t be in, you need to be cautious with them as well.
• Follow the instructions – Those who handle swimming pool chemicals are sure to get some official manufacturer’s instructions to follow as well. When dealing with potentially harmful chemicals, it is not the time to experiment. Simply follow the instructions if you want to be safe.

By being cautious with swimming pool chemicals, both you and your guests will be happy to swim in a pool that is safe.

Winterization, pool chemicals and pool covers

Sadly, the season, for many is over. No more lounging by the pool and on top of that, it must be winterized. It is the most critical time of year for pool maintenance as how the winterization is handled will directly affect the ease of opening in the spring. Be proactive and follow these general guidelines:

There are three items to consider when you begin:
▪          Water/pool chemicals
▪          Equipment
▪          Pool covers

WATER

Start by removing skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, wall fittings, etc. and store these in a safe location for the winter. Then move on to balancing the water chemistry by bringing the water into the range of 7.2-7.6 for pH and in the range of 80-150 for alkalinity. Shock the pool with chlorine shock, non-chlorine shock, or other winter pool chemicals and circulate this for 3-6 hours if possible. Next, adjust the water level of the pool. Many opinions exist as to how much water to drain; but, generally speaking 6-12 inches below the skimmer is suggested. The higher the water level, the better it is for the pool cover as long as pumps are drained and plugs and pipes are plugged.

EQUIPMENT

All pool equipment including the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator etc. should be drained or blown out to avoid the risk of freezing and cracking over the winter months. This is also a good time to lubricate parts such as pump lid o-rings and heater plugs. Sand filters can be left assembled but cartridge filters or DE filter grids should be removed, cleaned thoroughly and stored. Some people suggest adding an anti-freeze type product at this stage but are unnecessary if the pool has been properly blown out.

POOL COVERS

Pool covers should not have holes or tears; so, repair the ones you find that are reparable with a patch kit or simply replace the old cover. Secure the winter cover following directions based on type of cover and pool. Air pillows are often used for above-ground pools to keep expanding ice from damaging the pool. Water tubes can be used to protect in-ground pools from winter weather.

Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa
Safety Act

See our products that
comply with this important
legislation for all
public pools and spas.

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