Swimart shares top tips in looking after your pool in wild weather conditions Part 2

For more information on Swimart 's top tips in pool care during wild weather conditions, please visit Part 1.

For algal blooms

• Chlorine is the best defence against algae – particularly during hot weather. If you have a salt pool, you can use the ‘super chlorinate’ button on your salt chlorinator to increase the pool’s chlorine levels, however, depending on the extent of the algae, you may need to ‘shock’ the pool by adding in a large dose of chlorine.   

• As the shock treatment is dependent on individual pool conditions we recommend that you speak to a Swimart consultant to identify the right treatment for your pool.  The hotter the weather gets, the more the pool is used and, as a result, more chlorine is required to keep it sanitised.  Pools aren’t cooling down overnight, so the chlorine demand remains high.  

• Another demand on pool water is the level of phosphates in the water. Algae love phosphates and feed on them. Phosphates are introduced to the pool primarily via bird and bat droppings, roof water added into the pool, and swimming costumes which have been washed in detergent containing phosphates. “Chlorine alone can’t eliminate phosphates,” explains Chris Fitzmaurice, Swimart’s national manager. “However, a chemical called Phosphate Starver will eradicate the phosphates so the chlorine can work on killing the algae.”  

• If the pH level is too high, scaling can form on the surface of a swimming pool and salt chlorinator.  This can be addressed by adding acid to the water. Conversely, if the pH level is too low, the water will start to hurt eyes and skin and make swimmers feel itchy.  It can also etch away the surface of the pool. This can be fixed by adding ‘buffer’ or alkali. Correct pH levels make the pool comfortable to swim in. If pH levels are incorrect, it can affect the efficiency of the chlorine in the pool.   

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