Chlorinated products

What types of chlorinated products should I use to initially shock my pool?

For a shock treatment or superchlorination, which is essential at the beginning of the season or when the water is very unbalanced, a type of fast-dissolving chlorine is needed. At Pools and Products, we offer shock options that are highly effective:

• Fast Dissolving Granulated Chlorine: This is the most popular choice for shock. It dissolves quickly, allowing the disinfectant action to be almost immediate and quickly raises the level of free chlorine to eliminate bacteria, algae and chloramines (the combined chlorine that causes irritation and bad odor).
• Liquid Chlorine: Ideal for precise and fast dosing. It is especially recommended for large or commercial pools where powerful instant disinfection is needed.

Always remember to measure and adjust the pH between 7.2 and 7.6 before applying the shock treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness. This is vital for chlorinated products to work correctly.

How can I maintain a stable chlorine level in my pool continuously and safely?

Daily maintenance is crucial for water health and prolonging the life of your pool. For constant and controlled disinfection, we recommend:

• Slow Dissolving Chlorine Tablets: These tablets are perfect for regular maintenance, as they release chlorine slowly, ensuring a stable level between 1 and 3 ppm. They are usually placed in skimmers or floating dispensers.
• Saline Chlorinators: If you are looking for a more natural and less irritating alternative, consider the option of salt chlorinators for removable pools. These systems generate natural chlorine from common salt through electrolysis, keeping the water clean without the need to constantly add chemicals.

The key is regularity: measure residual free chlorine levels and adjust the dosage of your pool chlorine products based on frequency of use and sun exposure.

If my chlorine level is too high, what product to lower pool chlorine do you recommend?

Excess chlorine can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If measurements indicate that the level is higher than 3 ppm, it is important to reduce it. The most common and effective pool chlorine lowering product is Sodium Thiosulfate (also known as chlorine neutralizer).

Sodium Thiosulfate acts quickly by reacting with excess chlorine, neutralizing it and reducing its concentration. To use it safely:

• Apply the product in small doses, previously dissolving it in water before pouring it into the pool.
• Operate the filtration system so that the product is dispersed throughout the pool.
• Wait a few hours and measure the levels again. It is better to add little by little than to overdo it.

If the excess is slight, sometimes it is enough to stop the devices that emit chlorine (such as turning off the chlorinator or removing tablets) and let the sunlight do its work, since the sun helps break down the chlorine naturally.

What is the difference between free chlorine and combined chlorine, and why is it important for disinfection?

Understanding the difference is essential for good maintenance. The total chlorine in your pool falls into two categories:

• Free Chlorine: It is the chlorine that is still available and active to disinfect. It is the part that works by killing bacteria and microorganisms. It should ideally be kept between 1 and 3 ppm for the water to be safe.
• Combined Chlorine (Chloramines): This is chlorine that has already reacted with contaminants (sweat, urine, cosmetics, etc.). Chloramines have very limited disinfectant power and are responsible for the strong "chlorine" smell and irritation of the eyes and skin.

If you have a high level of combined chlorine, you will need to perform superchlorination (shock treatment) to break down those chloramines and reactivate the disinfecting power of free chlorine.

Are salt chlorinators for removable pools a healthy and effective option?

Absolutely\! Salt chlorinators are an excellent investment if you are looking for a gentler and more environmentally friendly water treatment. These systems generate natural chlorine from common salt dissolved in water through an electrolysis process. Its main advantages are:

• Less Irritation: The chlorine generated in this way is much less aggressive than traditional chemical chlorine, significantly reducing irritation to the eyes and skin.
• Automated Maintenance: Once installed, the system is responsible for generating chlorine by itself, making it easier to control disinfection levels.
• Higher Quality Water: Although it is still disinfected with chlorine, the sensation of the water is more pleasant, similar to that of a spa, thanks to the concentration of salt.

How often should I apply chlorinated products to maintain my residential pool?

The frequency of application of chlorinated products depends on the type of chlorine you use and the conditions of your pool:

• Maintenance with Slow Dissolving Pills: Generally, these pills are replaced every 4 to 7 days, or as they are consumed, to maintain stable levels.
• Maintenance with Granular or Liquid Chlorine: If you use this type of pool chlorine products, the application should be daily or every other day, especially in summer or with a lot of use, since they dissolve faster.
• Saline Chlorinators: If you have a salt chlorinator, the system operates on a programmed and constant basis, you will only have to monitor the salt and free chlorine levels periodically to ensure its correct functioning.

We recommend measuring levels daily in high season (summer) and adjusting the dose if there is heavy rain or a large influx of bathers.

Can I combine different types of chlorinated products, such as tablets and liquid chlorine?

Yes, in fact, it is a common practice for optimal control. Slow dissolving tablets (chlorine tablets) are used for daily maintenance. Instead, granular or liquid chlorine is used for spot treatments, such as shock or when you need to quickly increase disinfection levels (for example, after a storm).

It is important:

• Never physically mix chemicals directly, but add them to the pool water separately.
• Make sure the pH is balanced before applying any product.
• If you have a salt chlorinator, you shouldn't need to routinely add chemical chlorine, just perhaps for an initial shock or if the system has been off for a long time.

What safety precautions should I take when handling and storing chlorinated products?

Chlorinated products are powerful disinfectant chemicals and must be handled with great care to avoid accidents:

• Ventilation: Always use products in well-ventilated areas.
• Personal Protection: Wear gloves and protective glasses when handling granular or liquid bleach.
• Storage: Keep pool chlorine products in their original containers, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children and pets. Never store bleach near other chemicals (such as pH reducers or oils) as they may react violently.

What time of day is it best to apply chlorinated products to maximize their effectiveness?

Chlorine degrades with ultraviolet radiation from the sun, so it is most effective if applied when the sun is less intense. The ideal time to add your chlorinated products is:

• At dusk or at night: This gives the chlorine several hours to disinfect the water before the sun rises, ensuring the maximum concentration of residual free chlorine.

Additionally, it is recommended that the filtration system be running for several hours after application so that the product is evenly distributed throughout the pool.

What role does water pH play in the effectiveness of chlorinated products?

pH (Hydrogen Potential) is, perhaps, the most important factor for the effectiveness of your chlorinated products. The effectiveness of free chlorine depends directly on the pH level:

• If the pH is too high (above 7.8), chlorine's disinfection is drastically reduced, causing it to lose potency and need to use more chemicals.
• If the pH is too low (below 7.0), the water becomes acidic, which can cause corrosion to equipment and be very irritating to bathers.

For optimal performance of chlorinated products in Pools and Products, we recommend maintaining the pH of the water in a range of 7.2 to 7.6. If you need to adjust it, remember that we also have PH regulators.