Nov
7
Swimming Pool Chlorine 101
Filed Under Maintenance & Cleaning
Everyone knows that swimming pool chlorine keeps pools clear and sanitary. What many of us don’t know however is how it works and how to properly use it. Few of us are aware of the dangers of pool chlorine as well. This page will explain each of these issues so that you can enjoy your summer without having to experience some rather common problems.
How Chlorination Works
Chlorination is the simple process of adding chlorine to water. Even though there are different chlorination methods, they all work by killing bacteria with hypchlorous acid, a substance created as soon as chlorine interacts with water, and breaking down organic debris through oxidation. The second part of this two-prong process aerates the water that moisture-dependant bacteria thrive. By killing bacteria and making its environment unlivable, chlorine helps keep swimming pools free from disease causing agents.
How To Chlorinate Your Pool
To be effective, that is — to kill bacteria, you must regularly chlorinate your pool three to four times a week (daily if it’s heavily used). Failing to regularly chlorinate will cloud pool water and create a breeding ground for algae.
To properly chlorinate your pool, first turn on your pool’s filter to assist with water circulation. Then pour the recommended amount of chlorine into a plastic bucket of water and gently stir for 30 seconds. After a full minute, pour your chlorine-water solution as far into the middle of the pool as you can reach. If there’s any chlorine left in the bucket, scoop it out with a glove and throw it away.
After a few hours, swimming may commence after the pool’s chlorine level has fallen below 3 ppm (parts per million).
Shortcomings/Dangers of Pool Chlorine
Although chlorine in swimming pools is highly effective in keeping a pool sanitary, it isn’t problem free. We have to remember that chlorine is a gas that will irritate skin, mucous membranes, and the lungs. Over 1000 ppm can kill humans while just the smallest amount can inflame asthmatics. That’s why it’s so important that the danger of swimming pool chlorine is known and that it’s used with extreme caution.
Furthermore, once inside the pool, chlorine can reacts to bodily fluids (urine, sweat, saliva, mucous, etc.) and other organic matter to create chloramine - an irritant that has no sanitizing value. Chloramine is responsible for the characteristic chlorine pool odor and ironically, is a sign of an insufficient chlorine level. Pools filled with chloramines sting swimmer’s eyes, produce the chlorine smell, and cloud water. Shocking the water will break down existing chloramines.
