Chlorine Generators

Swimming pool retailers and consumers alike share the responsibility of knowing how to maintain clean, sparkling water. But for consumers, some of the terminology may be confusing when they walk into a store and realize they haven't had chemistry in years. Here are some of the most commonly used terms every swimming pool owner should know:

Algicide Products that prevent or control algae growth. The term algicide is used for both algistats and true algicides interchangably.

Bromine A halogen element; brominated compounds provide an alternative primary sanitizer for pools; widely used in spas and indoor pools (Ideal levels are 1.0 - 3.0 ppm for residential pools; 3.0 to 5.0 ppm for commercial pools).

Chlorine Demand The amount of free available chlorine residual needed to destroy organic contaminants and establish a stable residual for effective sanitation. If a pool is unable to maintain or measure a free available chlorine residual, it is likely that the pool has a chlorine demand. This chlorine demand must be satisfied before you can maintain a stable chlorine residual and effectively sanitize your pool. Chlorine demand is measured in the amount of free available chlorine residual needed to destroy the organic contaminants causing your chlorine demand.

Chlorine A halogen element, chlorinating compounds are widely used to sanitize pool water.

Combined Chlorine (Chloramines) Substance formed when free available chlorine combines with urine, sweat or other contaminants. Causes chlorine odor as well as irritation of the skin and eyes. The difference in your Total Chlorine reading and your Free (Available) Chlorine reading is combined chlorine.

Free (Available) Chlorine A form of chlorine compound capable of destroying bacteria and algae. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 PPM.
 

Ensure you handle and store your chemicals correctly. BioGuard^? offers the following tips to remind pool owners that chemical safety is a top priority:

* Read the product label and follow directions carefully.
* Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and in different areas. Do not mix chemicals of any kind together.
* Do not inhale fumes or allow products to get into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
* Do not smoke near chemicals.
* Store chemical products safely and out of the reach of children.
* Clean up any spills as soon as they occur and dispose of the material in a safe manner.
* Keep pool maintenance products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum products.
* Keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.
* Not all chlorinated products are the same even if they are packaged similarly or smell the same. Never mix chlorinated products of different brand, type, or kind.
* When adding products to a bucket to dilute, always add products to water. Never add water to products.

For more information on how to use chemicals in a safe manner, or on the effective use of pool and spa products, visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239) 992-8999.

Amidst the poolside barbecues, splashing in the water, and summer fun, pool owners often overlook safety as a top priority. By taking the following precautions, you can create a fun and inviting swimming environment, in the water and out:

* Learn how to swim, never swim alone, and do not allow young children to swim without adult supervision.
* Learn CPR.
* Set and enforce strict pool rules such as: no running, no diving, etc. Post a list of rules near the pool area.
* Keep a pole and ring buoy with rope by the pool at all times. Know how to use each effectively, and make sure to replace these items in the same location each time you use them.
* Always have a first-aid kit handy.
* Keep a cordless phone and a list of important phone numbers nearby in case of emergencies. Also, list the address of the pool residence, should someone other than the homeowner need to make the emergency phone call.
* Use multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning, such as a fence around the pool with a self-latching, self-closing gate, as well as a pool alarm.

It is also important to keep the water conditioned for use. We recommend the following for your pool water:

* Check the pH and sanitizer levels before you take the first swim. Bring a water sample into our store for a free testing.
* Create a regular schedule of maintenance that includes three steps: sanitation, oxidation and clarification, and algae protection.
* Be careful with pool chemicals--never smoke near them or mix different chemicals. Use care when opening containers and always read and follow label directions.
* Keep chemicals out of the reach of children.

For more information on pool safety or the effective use of pool and spa products visit us at 20778 Estero Court, Estero, FL or call us at (239) 992-8999.