Introduction
Using the right chemicals is essential when maintaining and disinfecting a pool. One of the best chemicals anyone can use in purifying pool waters is sodium hypochlorite for swimming pools. It is an effective solution to getting rid of bacteria and is resistant to microorganisms.
Besides using chemicals for swimming pool treatments, they are perfect for hotels, spas, and sports centres. For a pool to be ready for swimming, it must be clean and free of organic contaminants. Adding the chemical to the swimming pool keeps the water sparkling clean, making it easier to swim in.
This guide examines the benefits and reasons for using sodium hypochlorite in swimming pools.
What Is Sodium Hypochlorite?
Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound formed from water and chlorine gas reactions. It consists of chemicals that purify pool waters and eliminate bacteria that change the pool color.
Applying the chemical to the pool at night to prevent the sun\’s ultraviolet rays is advisable. To guarantee more effective results, remove the debris from the water before pouring in the chemical.
Below are a few ways to apply sodium hypochlorite to your swimming pool:
By Using a Feeder:
One of the ways of adding sodium hypochlorite to the pool is by using feeders to distribute and pump it. This method allows you to save energy and time by applying the chemicals at night. First, it would help to set the feeders to match the required specifications before pouring the liquid chlorine inside.
By Pouring the Chemical Using Manual Method:
The manual method is the most common way of applying sodium hypochlorite. It will help if you pour the chemical into the pool\’s deep end. You can decide to add stabilizers to the water to prolong the effects of the chlorine.
By Lowering the pH Level:
Lower the water\’s pH levels before adding sodium hypochlorite to ensure the acidity doesn\’t increase. Adding a small dose of the chemical won\’t do much harm, but a more significant amount is likely to increase the acidity levels.
The steps below explain how to use or apply sodium hypochlorite to a swimming pool:
- Measure out the correct amount of sodium hypochlorite you wish to use for the pool.
- Place the chemical inside a wading pool or skimmer basket to dissolve quicker and easier.
- To avoid damaging the filtration system, be careful when adding the chemicals to the swimming pool.
- Wait for nighttime before adding the chemical to dissolve overnight without sunlight.
- Do not turn any other pump for at least 24 hours for the chemical to dissolve and mix in the water.
Why Use Sodium Hypochlorite for Your Swimming Pool?
A swimming pool needs to undergo sanitization to kill bacteria and other organic matter in the water. Ensuring cleaner and healthier pool water is where sodium hypochlorite comes in. You can pour it into the pool, and it\’s perfect for filtering out wastes like oils, spit, and sweat.
Other benefits of using sodium hypochlorite for your swimming pool are:
- It is easy to use and affordable.
- It acts as a backup to other chlorine-generating systems.
- It is non-flammable and is safe for storage.
- It is compatible with secondary sanitizing systems like ultraviolet and ozone.
- It does not contain harmful acid or calcium.
Safety Precautions to Take When Using a Sodium Hypochlorite Swimming Pool
Sodium hypochlorite is perfect for purifying the pool water, but you need to take certain precautions. Understanding these precautions reduces the risk of exposing yourself to health hazards.
Some safety precautions to take while using sodium hypochlorite include:
Store The Chemicals In a Safe Spot:
Sodium hypochlorite is corrosive and can cause damage when in contact with other chemicals. It is advisable to store them in a safe spot. It will help if you place the chemicals in airtight containers.
Avoid Ingesting The Chemicals:
It would be best to use protective goggles and gloves when handling the pool chemicals. These chemicals can burn and cause blisters and rashes when it comes in contact with exposed skin.
Avoid Skin and Eye Contact:
It would be best to use protective goggles and gloves when handling the pool chemicals. These chemicals can burn and irritate the skin, causing blisters and rashes when it comes in contact with exposed skin.
Avoid Inhaling The Chemicals:
It is not advisable to inhale sodium hypochlorite. When applying the chemicals to your pool, use a mask to reduce the risk of endangering your health.
Pros and Cons of Using Sodium Hypochlorite
Using sodium hypochlorite for swimming pools has a few benefits and disadvantages. Let\’s begin by looking at some benefits of this pool chemical.
PROS:
- Low Level of Chlorine:
Sodium hypochlorite has a low hardness level of chlorine. It is perfect for swimming pools that consist of hard fill water.
- It Is Efficient:
The liquid chlorine in the chemical has an immediate effect on the water. It kills bacteria and organic contaminants as it enters the water.
- It Is Affordable:
Sodium hypochlorite consists of liquid chlorine that is less expensive than most water purifiers. One of the reasons sports centres and commercial pools prefer using this chemical is that it is cheaper and easy to get.
- It Comes In Refillable Containers:
Another advantage of using sodium hypochlorite is that it comes with refillable jugs that are easy to recycle. You can return the jar to the store to get a refill after use other than throwing it out.
- It Is Available In Nearby Outlets:
One of the main benefits of using sodium hypochlorite is that it is available in most shops and retail stores. Anyone can purchase the chemical from nearby pool stores or grocery stores.
CONS:
Nothing in life is perfect, including pool chemicals like sodium hypochlorite. Some limitations to using this pool chemical include:
- It Can Stain The Pool:
Sodium hypochlorite contains chemical compounds like liquid chlorine that stain the pool surface. It is advisable to sweep the pool surface after applying the chemical to prevent color stains.
- It Comes in Heavy Gallons:
A recent estimate shows that one gallon of sodium hypochlorite weighs around 8.5 pounds, making it pretty heavy to carry around. Most pool owners find it challenging to move around a 2.6 gallon of liquid sodium as it can be an unpleasant experience.
- It Reacts To Other Chemicals:
Due to its corrosive nature, it is advisable to keep sodium hypochlorite from other chemicals. Keeping these chemicals in one place is not a good idea.
- It Has A Nasty Smell:
Sodium hypochlorite comes with a foul odor that doesn’t smell like chlorine.
Some Best Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions for Swimming Pools
Pool Mate Swimming Pool Chlorine:
The Pool Mate chlorine consists of fast-dissolving compounds ideal for water treatment and purification. It acts as a routine chlorine sanitizer or as a shock treatment. The Pool Mate chlorine is perfect for killing bacteria algae and getting rid of fungus spots on the pool surface.
Features of the Pool Mate Swimming Pool Chlorine
- It weighs 9 pounds.
- It consists of fast-dissolving and residue-free compounds.
- It is calcium-free.
Pros
- It has little effect on pH levels of acidity.
- It serves as a shock treatment.
- It is affordable and easy to use.
Cons
- It comes in pressed lumps.
- The package is challenging to open.
Pool RX Blue Algaecide:
The Pool RX Blue Algaecide eliminates all types of algae and reduces the effects of harmful chemicals. It lasts for up to six months and is ideal for salt pools.
Features of the Pool RX Blue Algaecide
- It weighs 13 ounces.
- It comes in special alloy cylinders.
Pros
- It is ideal for salt pools.
- It minimizes the effects of harmful chemicals.
- It eliminates all types of algae and is effective for up to 6 months.
Cons
- It causes a greenish hue to human hair.
- It doesn’t last long.
POOL-SHOCK Chlorine Water Treatment:
The POOL-SHOCK Chlorine Water Treatment is ideal for swimming pool sanitization. It is perfect for pressure washing and purification of the pool water.
Features of the POOL-SHOCK Chlorine Pack
- It weighs 10.2 pounds.
- It comes in ABS plastic.
Pros
- It does not cloud the pool.
- It is ideal for sanitization and pressure washing.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- Its chemical contents are weak.
Robelle Earth Powder for Swimming Pools:
The Robelle Earth Powder is a long-lasting filtration powder that filters and removes debris and small particles from the pool water. It comes in an easy-to-handle box that pours and stores the chemicals.
Features of the Robelle Earth Powder
- It weighs 26 pounds.
- It comes in an easy-to-handle box.
Pros
- It comes in convenient packaging.
- It comes pre-measured making it easier to use.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- The boxes come in bad shape.
Clorox Chlorine Stabilizer:
The Clorox Chlorine Stabilizer helps protect the pool\’s chlorine from the sun\’s ultraviolet rays. It allows the chlorine to last much longer and is perfect for salt pools and swimming pools that use liquid chlorine.
Features of the Clorox Chlorine Stabilizer
- It weighs 4 pounds.
- It comes with a Clorox Pool App for smartphone devices.
Pros
- It protects chlorine from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- It is perfect for salt pools and pools that use liquid chlorine.
- It dissolves fast in the water.
Cons
It fades with the pool liner.
Conclusion
With various pool solutions and chemicals in the market, it is ideal to consider deciding which one to pick. This is why pool owners see liquid chlorine as the best option for maintaining pool water. A sodium hypochlorite swimming pool creates an environment for anyone to enjoy swimming all year long.