Now that summer is finally here, our Facebook pages, Instagrams feeds and inboxes are full of family and friends sharing their pool and spa pictures. But did you know that using specialised swimming pool chemicals is actually really important this season. Not only does it ensure that your water is clean and safe but it can also save you money!
Don’t get me wrong, the whole swimming pool chemical thing can be quite daunting, but it really doesn’t need to be. Don’t fall into the trap of getting confused and buying the wrong chemicals or countless products that you just don’t need! There is dosing your pool, and then there is overdosing, and we don’t want that!
In general there are three rules of thumb, manage the pH and chlorine level of the water and test regularly, that’s it!
Here is my simple guide to make sure you have a safe summer with your pool chemicals.
- Work out how much water you have!
All chemicals products should state how much to use in the volume of water that you have, so knowing the amount of water is super important! If you are unsure you can pop over to our pool volume calculator, or work it out yourself; for instance in a rectangular pool the equation is: – Height of the pool x length of the pool x depth of water, for example 269cm x 175cm x 51cm = 2.40 m3. 1m3 is the same as 1000 litres.
- What product is best for you?
Now you know your volume of water, you need to ensure that you find the right product for you. As I mentioned earlier, you need to make sure you get this bit spot on; otherwise you will not get the best out of your pool or spa! With our example volume of water, we would be looking at the Pool Power Mini Quick product. Mini Quicks are designed to dose small pools and spas.
For larger pool volumes above 20m3 you would need to look at our bigger chlorine tablets or granules.
- Will I need any other bits and bobs?
You will indeed! Obtaining the correct pH level in any pool is paramount for obtaining the best results from the added chlorine. Ideally this should be between 7.2 and 7.6, pH correction tablets or granules can be used to obtain the correct level.
Dosing floats are really handy if you have no dosing chambers on your pool or spa. These will hold the tablets required and bob around whist not in use. Remember to take them out before you get in!
Regularly testing your pools chlorine and pH level is important, so you will need a means of testing. The easiest and quickest way is with a Test Strips, you will then know for sure if you need to put more chemicals in, or if you don’t?
- Order your product!
Now you know just how much water you have and what product is perfect for your pool, come back and order it here!
- It’s here!
What are you waiting for? Let’s start dosing! Make sure you have read the instructions fully and understand them. With all chemicals, the first time you treat the tap water filled pool, you need to first test and adjust the pH level. Retest to be sure that you have the correct level, then chlorine ‘shock’ the water (which means that you will need to put extra chemicals in, to give it that boost, this is at a rate of 3 times the normal dose rate). Don’t panic, you won’t overdose and you only need to do this once! Test again before using to make sure that your levels are right.
- Splish Splash Splosh!
Now’s the time to get your swimmers on and enjoy your pool! Don’t forget to check your pool daily with your test strips and keep that pool dosed safely! Your water may need dosing more than you expected; this can be down to the location of your pool, the amount of people hopping in and out, as well as how much sunlight is in contact with the water. It’s not an exact science but careful monitoring is key.
Shopping List
- Correct Chlorine product
- Correction pH Tablets/granules
- Float
- Test Strips
Remember if you aren’t sure or just need a bit of advice, your team at JAK Water Systems Ltd are always happy to help!
Contact them using our website; www.jakwater.co.uk
Phone them; 01526 322214
Or poke and follow them on social media! @jakwater / JAK Water Systems Ltd
