Pool Water 101

Secrets to Pool Water Maintenance

When you have problems with your pool water, what is your first response? For many pool owners it’s, “Quick! Add more chemicals!” We are here to say, “not so fast.” The secret to crystal clear, feel good pool water lies in three main secrets, only one of which is chemicals. The secrets to pool water maintenance are:

1.Maintain a clean filter.

This is probably the simplest step a pool owner can take to promote quality pool water. And while it won’t fix all problems, it’s worth keeping it clean to avoid overlooking a potentially simple remedy.

2. Use the right amount of chemicals.

Too many chemicals will lead to many of the issues pool owners attempt to avoid, as in burning eyes, cloudy pool water, and more. Remember, adding chemicals might just be adding to the problem. It’s important to know when to hold off.

3. Use a non-chemical supplemental sanitizer.

Non-chemical sanitizers can greatly reduce the need for chemicals, particularly chlorine and bromine, while providing a greater spectrum of coverage against pool water problems.

Of course, not all of these non-chemical solutions work as promised. Ozone, on the other hand, is naturally proven to deliver 200 times more oxidizing power than chlorine, making it effective against a wide array of contaminants.

Now you know the secrets, let’s put them to use.

Follow these 3 steps for optimal pool water quality:

Step 1: Define the Symptoms

You notice something is not quite right about your pool water. Is it cloudy? Green? Smelly? Algae-ridden? These are the symptoms. And it’s important to accurately identify these symptoms so you can move on to steps 2 and 3.

Step 2: Identify the Cause

What’s causing those symptoms your pool water is experiencing? Usually, there is more than one possible cause and it’s important to know what they are so you can move on to step 3.

Step 3: Find the Solution

The solution to your pool water problems are much easier to determine by the time you’ve reached this step.

How to troubleshoot your pool water:

The table below offers a list of common pool water symptoms along with the likely causes and potential solutions. Use this chart as a reference when troubleshooting your pool water. (Notice how many of the solutions involve an ozonator!)

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Green, cloudy, smelly pool water, and/or staining of pool walls	Algae	Avoid adding more chemicals and prevent algae growth by using a natural pool ozonator to free up the existing chlorine to kill algae. If algae growth occurs, shock pool water with chlorine or algaecide.
Water-Borne Illness	Chlorine-resistant bacteria and/or viruses	Do NOT add more chemicals. A pool ozone generator is your best protection against chlorine-resistant viruses and bacteria. Plus, many illnesses are caused by chlorine/bromine so adding chemicals will add to the problem.
Cloudy pool water	Any number of causes, including: Poor water circulation Algae growth High Ph levels High Calcium levels Too much “un-filterable” waste (cosmetics, oils, etc.) The list goes on…	Use a pool ozone generator to oxidize and sanitize water without over-use of chemicals. Clean pool frequently. Allow your pool ozone generator to do its job, before adding more chemicals. Read about cloudy pool water and flocculation > Check and balance chemicals, as appropriate.
Burning eyes/nose, or irritated skin	Over use of chlorine and/or swimmer sensitivity to chlorine Ph unbalanced, alkalinity too low, or calcium hardness too high	With a pool ozonator, you can reduce the need for chlorine by as much as 80%, thus reducing exposure to irritating chlorine. Check Ph, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust as necessary.
Chlorine smell	Smell is caused by chloramines, caused by insufficient levels of free available chlorine, caused by NOT ENOUGH chlorine!	A pool ozone generator is your best defense against chloramines since it naturally completes the water disinfection process, leaving plenty of free available chlorines and reducing or eliminating any chloramines in the water. If you do not have an ozonator, you will need to check your levels of free available chlorine and adjust as necessary.
Pool staining	Potential causes include: Low pH Low total alkalinity Low calcium hardness High total dissolved solids High levels of metals Lack of ozone	Supplement pool water sanitation with ozone to maintain clear pool water that leaves behind no stains Test and correct chemical balances
Corrosion of pool equipment and hardscape	Typically caused by use of salt water system	Choose ozone over salt. Ozone leaves behind no harmful byproducts and causes no harm to equipment and hardscape.

Pool Ozone Generators are Your Secret Weapon

Pool ozone generators play an important role in maintaining crystal clear, sanitized pool water. Many of the problems you have with your pool water can be fixed or helped with a pool ozone generator. Learn more by reading about ozone technology.