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How to Maximize and Extend Chlorine Levels
The pool season of 2021 is already ramping up to be a summer to remember. COVID has brought unique challenges to our industry, and to all of us, but now we must also contend with a severe shortage of chlorine.
A large fire at the BioLab chlorine production facility in Westlake, Louisiana last August, a consequence of Hurricane Laura, resulted in a shortage of chlorine that only continues to get worse with the increased demand during the warmer months. We are not able to guarantee a consistent supply through the end of pool season nor can we control the pricing. However, we can suggest some ways to maximize and extend chlorine levels.
Test Your Pool Water Frequently
Use test strips or bring a water sample into any of our three locations for a free evaluation. Our specialists will make any necessary recommendations to keep your chemicals at optimal levels. We suggest testing water twice a week at a minimum to ensure any imbalances are warded off early. At Del Val, we highly stress maintaining your balancers this coming pool season. Be vigilant. We recommend maintaining these levels:
- Free chlorine: 2-3 ppm
- pH: 7.2-7.6
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Stabilizer/Conditioner: 30 – 50 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
Keep Your Pool Water Circulating for Effective Filtration
Moving water efficiently through your pool allows for the best filtration. Here are some tips to help this process:
- Brush and vacuum the pool on a regular basis.
- Keep skimmer baskets and pump baskets clean.
- Increase your filter time to twelve hours to prevent bacteria growth.
- Backwash the filter when the pressure gauge tells you to.
- If it’s been more than three years, replace your pool filter cartridges.
Minimize the Amount of Organics in the Pool
We know this is a tough one. Organics are products such as sunscreen, tanning oils, sweat, hair products, cosmetics, and other bodily fluids (no we won’t say it.) Here are some suggestions to reduce the build up of organics in your pool:
- If possible, have people rinse off before entering the pool. An outside shower or even a garden hose are ideal.
- Treat the water with Pool Perfect Total or PhosFree by Natural Chemistry sold at all three of our locations. Our pool specialists can suggest the recommended amount when testing your pool water.
If you’ve been pondering about switching from a chlorine based system, now is the time to investigate salt and Pristine Blue systems as alternatives. Please call our main number in Turnersville to speak to one of our pool system specialists: 856-629-2999
A little extra pool diligence this summer will go a long way towards maintaining your pool’s optimum health. Buy your chlorine needs early, test your pool regularly, keep the water moving, minimize organics, and call us with any questions!
