Common Mistakes Using Pool Chemicals: What to Know

Arizona pool owners always want their pools to be safe, clean, and clear. To do this, however, swimming pool chemicals must be used.

Mistakes with pool maintenance chemicals are common, and they can lead to issues like skin and eye irritation, equipment damage, algae growth, and other health hazards.

Always use appropriate safety gear when using pool chemicals and maintenance equipment. Automatic cleaners can also help to keep a pool safer.

Knowing about the common mistakes people make when using pool chemicals can help owners keep their pool, property, and family safer. Common pool maintenance mistakes can be avoided with the proper care and attention. Knowing how to store pool chemicals safely in AZ can help prevent accidents.

Not Testing Pool Water Frequently Enough

One of the biggest mistakes that pool owners make is not testing the pool water. In Arizona, temperatures can get very high, which makes water evaporate quickly. This causes the pool's water chemistry to shift, too. Failing to know chemical levels can make the pool water dangerous.

It's best to use a reliable test kit or digital tester at least twice a week on a water sample, especially during the hottest months. Pool owners should test for pH and alkalinity levels, chlorine, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid levels.

Adding Chemicals Without Understanding Proper Dosage

More is not always better, and many pool owners mistakenly add too many chemicals thinking that it will make the pool cleaner much faster. However, doing this will throw off the entire chemical balance of the food, which can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and damage the solar blanket, pool walls and the pool filter system.

Instead, pool owners should read labels carefully and only use chemicals when necessary. If sanitary pool water is needed quickly, pool shock is an option to improve pool hygiene. A robotic cleaner can help, too.

Mixing Chemicals Improperly or Unsafely

Pool owners also often combine different pool chemicals, which is very dangerous. People don't realize that the chemicals they buy at the local pool supply store can cause explosions, release toxic fumes, deadly gas, or put their entire family at risk.

To have a safe swimming pool, chemicals should only be added one at a time, and never be mixed together in a container or bucket. An automatic pool cleaner can help, too.

Ignoring pH Balance

If pool owners aren't checking pH and keeping the pH stable, they are making a common pool care mistake that affects every other part of pool chemistry. If the pool water is too acidic, it can not only harm the skin, but it also reduces how effective the chlorine is. It can also corrode concrete and plaster pools, which requires professional help to fix.

The pH of a pool should be between 7.2 and 7.6. It's best to check pH levels during weekly water testing. If the test strips or liquid test kit shows the pH is outside of this range, there are products like soda ash or muriatic acid, which can help.

Adding Chemicals at the Wrong Time of Day

Sunlight in Arizona can break down chlorine levels very quickly. So, adding chemicals during the hottest parts of the day make them less effective.

It's best to add chlorine and other pool chemicals in the evening or early morning. This gives them time to work.

Not Brushing and Circulating After Adding Chemicals

It's not effective to dump chemicals into a pool and just hope that they spread through the water. Instead, they must be circulated. If not, they can settle on areas of the pool and cause parts like vinyl liners to break down.

When adding chemicals, the pool filter and pool pump should be on at least eight hours after, and after some treatments, like adding pool shock, a pool brush should be used on the walls and floor to ensure that it's fully dissolved.

Over-Reliance on Chlorine Tablets

Many pool owners use chlorine tablets to keep a crystal clear pool, but using them too much can cause a buildup of stabilizer. Instead, it's best to use a mix of different types of chlorine, including liquid chlorine and shock treatments, which is basically concentrated chlorine. Cyanuric acid, which is the stabilizer, should be at a range of 30-50 ppm.

Skipping Shock Treatments

Speaking of shock, many pool owners only shock the pool when they see algae in the pool. Algae only appears when water quality is already poor, so regular water testing can ensure essential chemicals are always used when necessary.

Experts recommend shocking a pool every one to two weeks, or after heavy usage. Many also shock after a rainstorm. Add shock and other essential chemicals at night, and then run the pump for eight hours before using the pool again.

Not Storing Chemicals Safely

The high heat of Arizona can cause chemicals to degrade, or even make them very unsafe. Leaving a container open or in direct sunlight can shorten the life of the product or make it dangerous.

Pool equipment, including chemicals, should be stored in a safe place that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Never store them in a very small space, and always follow manufacturer's directions. If not, it could literally blow up. They should also be stored away from pets, children, and the sun.

Neglecting Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness

Many pool owners only focus on chlorine levels and pH. This can quickly skew water chemistry, which causes issues like very low pH or high calcium levels.

Instead, it's important to check water regularly and keep all chemical levels where they should be.

DIY-ing Complex Problems Instead of Calling a Pro

Pool owners can solve minor problems on their own, but sometimes, like when a pool has cloudy water, is constantly green, or has other issues, there might be more complex problems. Though it might sound like throwing more chemicals into the water is the right choice, it could be making the issue even worse.

If the pool chemistry is out of whack, and adding more chemicals isn't helping, a professional pool service should be used. It may be beneficial for a Luxury Pool Maintenance Tucson service.

Using Expired or Incompatible Products

Chemicals degrade over time, especially in high heat. Using old or incompatible chemicals (e.g., mixing bromine with chlorine) can reduce effectiveness and cause dangerous reactions.

It's best to always check expiration dates before using any chemicals, and never mix brands or types unless it's obvious that they are compatible.

Work with a Professional to Avoid Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes

Pool owners who don't have the time or want to make the effort to use pool chemicals correctly can reach out to a company like E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies. This company has been working in Tucson for more than 60 years, and it can keep vinyl or concrete pools in perfect condition throughout the swim season.