Disinfection Chemicals

• Pools are kept clean and sanitary through the disinfection process. For most owners this means using either chlorine or bromine as their disinfectant of choice. By far, calcium hypochlorite pool chlorine is the most common form of pool disinfectant. Bromine, which is actually more stable, is mainly used in indoor pools and in spas. It can last longer in a pool, but it also costs much more than standard chlorine products.
  
  

Stabilization Chemicals

• Chlorine works by binding with bacteria and organic matter in a pool. When it does so, those organisms or substances are then rendered harmless. However, that binding action also dissipates the chlorine itself. In addition, sunlight also causes chlorine to dissipate, sometimes very quickly. That's why a good stabilizer, which is sometimes known as a conditioner, will be needed. The most common chemical used in this regard is cyanuric acid (CA).
  
  

Balance

• All chemicals in a swimming pool depend on proper balance. Too much or too little of them can cause problems, including inadequate sanitation. Also, the pool's water can become just too uncomfortable to swim in. Skin irritation, red and irritated eyes and nasal passages and other health issues are examples of what can occur. Any chemical that's used in a pool will require monitoring and testing to ensure that there's a proper balance, which includes chlorine, chlorine conditioner and pH.
  
  

Pool pH

• Proper pH in a pool is vital. It might even be called a universal stabilizer, technically speaking. When it's between 7 and 8 (with 7.2 to 7.6 being the ideal to shoot for), all pool chemicals do a better job and remain stable themselves. It's raised by adding soda ash, which is just a rougher grade of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of either type works well in raising and maintaining proper pool pH balance.
  
  

Considerations

• The recommended level of chlorine in a pool is 2 parts per million (PPM), with 1 PPM to 3 PPM being a good working range. Chlorine is raised by adding more of it, testing, and then monitoring it. It dissipates on its own. The pH levels can be lowered by using muriatic acid (MA). Both CA and MA are only available at pool supply stores. CA levels are typically between 30 and 50 PPM. Use CA and MA only as directed.