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For many people the idea of having to deal with pool chemicals is not a pleasant one. For one thing some of the chemicals that have to be added to the pools water are acid so they can harm the skin if they are mishandled. Having a secure place where all of the pool chemicals can be stored is of the utmost importance and it must be outside near the pool if at all possible.
Also it must be a secure environment such as a shed with a solid lock on the door that no children can access. It is the sun and the atmosphere that work together to continually degrade the chemicals that go into a pool, so the pool water must be tested periodically. Also the amount of use that a pool has will also have an effect of the amount and the frequency that pool chemicals must be added.
There are many reliable test kits on the market that take the guesswork out of testing a pools water and once you have one that you understand, maintaining your pools water will be easy. You have to bear in mind that a swimming pool is not a natural environment and unlike a river or a lake it doesn't receive a constant supply of fresh water.
This means that the natural response for a standing body of water in a swimming pool is to stagnate and cultivate bacteria unless a constant vigil is kept by adding the proper pool chemicals. However; one thing that you don't want to do is to over add pool chemicals, because by doing so the water in the pool can be rendered overly acidic and unpleasant to swim in. However; when the water in a pool is properly maintained it will look crystal clear and inviting to jump in on a warm sunny day.
If the idea of handling pool chemicals makes you a little bit uncomfortable, don't worry, because you are not alone. The good news however, is that once you become acquainted with them and learn how to safely handle and use them you should have no trouble at all using pool chemicals to treat your swimming pools water.
There are two basic types of pool chemicals that go into the water. Chlorine is the first one and it comes in two forms. It is used in both tablet and powder form and you will be using both of them. The other pool chemical is called alkaline powder. It is used to neutralize the acid that will tend to form in the water from adding the chlorine.
Chlorine after it is added to the water will tend to dissipate off and float off into the atmosphere but some will remain behind in the water and react with the hydrogen atoms in the water itself. This will lead to the formation of hydrochloric acid in the pools water, which will cause the water to become acidic and burn the eyes of swimmers.
Also, the acid in the pools water will cause the pipes in the pumping system to corrode. The chlorine powder is commonly referred to as 'shock powder' and it is periodically added as it is needed and you will always wear gloves and goggles when handling it. Also, be very careful when using it on a windy day.
The chlorine tablets will go in the skimmer and will last about a week. They gradually leach chlorine into the pool water and they too should be handled with gloves. Make sure to keep all of your pool chemicals locked away in a safe place where children can't get their hands on them.