Owning a pool is a bigger responsibility than many people realize. If you aren’t careful, your pool’s water can become contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and other nasty things. It can really turn into a disaster unless you treat your responsibility seriously. This responsibility includes learning proper pool water treatment strategies that you can apply every week to your pool to remove these contaminants.
Microorganisms
One kind of contaminant that can do a lot of harm in your pool is microorganisms. These, of course, are living things of microscopic size that often live as one-celled organisms. Microorganisms that could contaminate your pool include:
- Algae
- Cryptosporidium
- E. coli
- Giardia
- Norovirus
- Pseudomonas
- Shigella
These microorganisms are very dangerous to human beings and can cause stomach infections, skin infections, and even respiratory problems. Thankfully, you can remove them from your pool water by using a pool shocker treatment that includes chlorine or a non-chlorine-based pool shocker. This product will destroy pathogens in your pool. Additional actions, such as skimming off any visible contaminants on the surface and using your pool’s filtration system to remove microscopic particles, can remove the rest of the threat.
Metal Contaminants
Another common kind of pool contaminant is metal contaminants such as silver, iron, copper, and manganese. These can cause ugly stains to form on your pool in colors like green, black, or brown. They can also stain the nails and hair of swimmers. These contaminants could make their way into your pool via poor-quality water sources such as well water, aging pool fixtures, and even algaecides.
Since these metals are often invisible, detecting them often requires performing a chemistry test. There are specific pool products, such as metal eliminators and stain preventers, that can remove metal contaminants. Installing a metal filter should also eliminate this threat.
Organic Matter
Third, organic matter could contaminate your pool. This can include substances like:
- Dust
- Feces
- Insects
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Pet dander
- Pollen
Many of these items can thankfully be removed simply by using a pool net. Others can be removed by the pool skimmer or vacuum. If you notice bio-waste such as feces or something else, remove that waste, and then add pool shock to further treat the pool for bacteria to be safe. Maintaining the proper sanitizer level afterwards should remove the rest of the threat.
If you live in or near Harrison Township, NJ and need pool water treatment performed by professionals, hire Pools & Spas By Van Brill for the job. We have been serving the community for over 50 years and have a fantastic track record for providing the best service possible to local pool owners.