Most people rely on one product to sanitize and oxidize their pool water. However, when chlorine or other sanitizers are required to do double-duty, their sanitizing efficiency is greatly reduced. As the level of organic contamination increases, more and more sanitizer is consumed for oxidation, so less is available for disinfection.
That's why LANXESS recommends a system approach to pool care that uses chlorine, or another EPA-registered sanitizer, to kill bacteria along with weekly use of a non-chlorine shock oxidizer to eliminate organic materials introduced by bathers and the environment.
Without regular oxidation, organic contaminants will continue to build up, potentially consuming sanitizing chemicals faster than they are being supplied. When this happens, water quality begins to deteriorate, algae can develop, or the water can become dull and cloudy. Most importantly, adequate protection against disease- and infection-causing microorganisms is difficult to maintain, and bather health cannot be assured.
So, for best results always use a non-chlorine shock oxidizer in conjunction with your EPA-registered sanitizer.
There are various reasons why you may experience cloudy pool water, including insufficient filtration or circulation, poor maintenance practices, improperly balanced water, or heavy use. Any of these reasons, or a combination of them, can lead to cloudy water. Swimmers should not be permitted into the pool unless the bottom of the pool is visible and clearly defined.
Try these cloudy pool water remedies to help restore your pool's water clarity:
1. Make sure the filter is running properly. Normal filter operation is 8-12 hours per day, at a clean operating pressure, with no obstruction in the pump strainer baskets, skimmer basket, or the plumbing. Clean the strainer and skimmer baskets if debris is present.
Note: Filters and pumps should be properly sized to provide appropriate flow rates and good filtration. Consult your filter manufacturer's recommendations before replacing the pump or filter.
2. If the filter pressure is elevated or the return flow to the pool is diminished, backwash the pool filter. Backwashing should reduce the filter pressure and restore normal return flow to the pool. If filter pressure does not return to normal starting pressure after backwashing, the filter may need to be cleaned.
3. Test your pool water to ensure pH and total alkalinity levels are within range. High pH and alkalinity can lead to cloudy water. If pH and alkalinity are too high, reduce the alkalinity first to between 100-150 parts per million (ppm), and then lower the pH to about 7.5.
4. Oxidize the pool with an Oxone™ based shock oxidizer following manufacturer's instructions. For best results use a double dose (2 pounds per 10,000 gallons) when treating cloudy water.
Note: Regular weekly oxidation with Oxone™ should prevent the occurrence of cloudy water.
5. Circulate water for 24 hours.
If cloudy pool water persists, consult your retail pool professional.
Controlling and Preventing Algae in Your Pool
Weekly use of an Oxone™ based product will be more effective, and significantly cheaper, at preventing water quality problems like algae growth than treating algae once it is visible in a pool. However, if algae do appear, follow the steps below for treatment.
1. Test chlorine and adjust concentration to 1–4 ppm.
2. Brush pool surfaces vigorously.
3. Add an algae control product per label directions. The two most common options for controlling algae are shock-chlorination products or algaecides.
Note: Shock-chlorination is not recommended for routine oxidation; however, it is an effective product for killing algae.
4. Run filter 24-48 hours and brush daily. When the algae have died and the pool water is clear enough to see the bottom of the pool, vacuum dead algae to waste.
If algae remain a problem, consult your retail pool professional.
Once the pool water quality has been restored, start on a preventive pool care program that includes Oxone™, which helps to avoid problems before they start.
Colored Pool Water Treatment
The primary cause of colored water is dissolved metals such as copper or iron. Follow these steps for sparkling clear pool water.
1. Test your pool water for copper and iron.
2. If copper, iron, or other metals are detected, add a metal remover or stain and scale control product according to label instructions.
Prevent Scale Deposits on Pool Surfaces
Scale deposits on pool surfaces are caused by unbalanced water and are generally associated with high calcium hardness. Follow these steps to help prevent scale deposits.
1. Test your pool water for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
2. Adjust total alkalinity as needed.
3. Adjust pH and calcium hardness as needed. Scale deposits on pool surfaces are difficult to remove. Regular use of a metal remover or a stain and scale control product, combined with brushing pool surfaces, will help reduce scale deposits
Eye Irritation from Pool Water
Red, burning, and irritating eyes are a result of exposure to chloramine (combined chlorine), a harsh byproduct of disinfection that forms when chlorine reacts with nitrogen-containing contaminants like those from perspiration and urine.
The best way to prevent burning eyes is to eliminate the source of chloramine. Oxidizing regularly with Oxone™ helps reduce the organic contaminants without forming chloramine.
When chlorine is added to swimming pool water at the recommended concentration of 1-4 ppm, it is virtually odorless. That's because it is in a soluble (and uncombined) form referred to as "Free Chlorine." Free chlorine is the "good" chlorine - the chlorine that kills the bacteria and germs.
However, when free chlorine reacts with organic contaminants like those introduced into pool water by swimmers (perspiration, urine, oils, cosmetics, etc.) or by nature (dust, dirt, pollen, insects, etc.), it forms "combined chlorine," which in addition to being a very poor sanitizer, emits a strong chlorine odor.
The best way to eliminate chlorine odors in your pool is to prevent the formation of combined chlorine (chloramine). Oxidizing regularly with Oxone™ reduces the organic contaminants without forming chloramine, eliminating the pool chlorine odor.
Improve Indoor Pool Air Quality with Oxone™
Eliminate Organic Contaminants Without Raising Chlorine Levels
Oxone™ can help you achieve consistently high air and water quality. Oxone™ does not produce irritating combined chlorine compounds, which are known as chloramines. The result is enhanced sanitizer efficiencies; clear, sparkling water; and better indoor air quality for your pool facility.
Oxone™ has proven to deliver these key benefits:
- Improved air quality due to reduced formation of volatile chloramines
- More efficient use of chlorine sanitizer, which leads to easier sanitizer residual management
- Lower cost alternative vs. UV and ozone systems
