Water Chemistry

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Salt Water VS Chlorine? What’s the difference?

One of the common questions that we receive from our customers here at Secard Pools & Spas throughout Southern California is what the difference between a salt pool and a chlorine pool is. A chlorine pool traditionally uses chlorine tablets to maintain chlorine levels in your swimming pool. A salt pool with a chlorine generator, generates chlorine from salt.

A common misconception is that a salt water pool doesn’t use chlorine at all. If you remember those science classes from school, salt is made up of NaCl or sodium chloride. The salt system separates the two and generates natural chlorine. The two combine again back into salt for the process to repeat again. The advantage here is that there are no additional chemicals added to your pool which can cause all the usual complaints about chlorine such as dry skin, strong odor, discoloration of hair and irritated eyes.

From our customers in LA County to the Inland Empire we have had customers complain about eye irritation, itchy skin and light hair turning green from chlorine. None of these common complaints are actually from chlorine at all. They come from the added chemicals used to produce chlorine into a tablet or powdered form. Because the salt system is generating pure chlorine, your pool water will feel softer on the skin and you won’t have the complaints about eye irritation or strong odor

Salt water pools and traditional chlorine pools both use chlorine to keep the pool clean. The chlorine made from salt water generators is a natural process; and therefore, it’s softer on the skin. It doesn’t matter whether you live in the High Desert or Riverside county, you’ll still love the feel of salt water pools.

Aside from the misconception that a salt water pool does not use chlorine, a salt system is a natural version of making the water softer on your skin without losing its sanitation quality. In California, most of us try to live our life the healthiest way possible. Adding a salt system to your pool will help you do just that. If you have more questions, we will be happy to help you at any one of our many retail stores.

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How to winterize your above ground pool in California

Above-ground pools tend to be relatively inexpensive, can be located practically anywhere and are loads of fun. However, they, just like any other pool, must be cared for properly. Winter is especially tough on some pools, so certain precautions must be taken to get your pool through the cooler months.

Climate Makes a Difference

Here in the Golden State, we have a wide range of climatic conditions. Near the coast in the southern section, leaving your pool filled and operating (while following a few precautions) should not be a problem. Temperatures at or below freezing in Southern California are rare. Even when they occur, 32 degree cold snaps don’t last very long here. In other parts of the state you can see a plunge in temperatures that can last for a few days or even longer. In this article, we will discuss the best practices when winterizing your above ground pool in both climate scenarios.
What you will need:

  • (4) 1 lb bags of shock
  • 1 – 2 quarts of 3 month algaecide
  • 3” chlorine tablets
  • 1 chlorine floater
  • Winter cover and air pillows

Mild Climate Winterizing

Even though the southern part of the state may see occasional cold temperatures. The infrequent occurrence of this should not be a concern for most pool owners. Taking the proper steps to protect the pool will keep everything in optimal condition and save a great deal of work for the owner when warmer weather returns. Preparing the pool for the off season consists of the following steps:

Step 1) Remove any debris from the surface of the water and brush loose any algae that may be adhering to the sides or bottom of the pool. Leaving debris in the pool over the winter will stain your liner.

Step 2) With the pump running, empty all 4 bags of shock into the skimmer. Be sure to do this slowly to avoid clogging the filtration equipment.

Step 3) Pour Algaecide directly into the pool evenly throughout. Follow the guidelines on the bottle to determine how much algaecide to use.

Step 4) Fill the floater with tablets and put it into the pool.

Step 5) Run your pump continuously for 24 hours.

Step 6) Let the pool settle and turn off the equipment for 24 hours.

Step 7) Vacuum your pool and thoroughly clean your filter grids or cartridge.

Step 8) Reduce your filtration time to 1 hour a day. Setting a timer is the best way to ensure regular filtration.

Step 9) Place the air pillows (or large beach balls) into your pool and install the winter cover. This will prevent water from pooling on top of the cover during the rainy season. Frequently checking the cover to ensure it is tightly secured to the pool will help your cover last.

  • It is very important that you check your floater at least once a month and add tablets as needed. Not doing so can result in an algae filled pool upon opening in the spring. Additionally, if you plan on winterizing your pool for more than three months, we suggest that at the end of the third month you add another bottle of algaecide to your pool.

 

Cold and Freezing Climate Winterizing

 In the colder parts of the region winterizing your pool essentially means putting it into hibernation. Steps need to be taken to prevent freezing water from damaging fittings, plumbing, equipment and the pool itself. Following these steps should prove to make reopening your pool in springtime a breeze.

Step 1) Remove any debris from the surface of the water and brush loose any algae that may be adhering to the sides of bottom of the pool. Leaving debris in the pool over the winter will stain your liner.

Step 2) With the pump running, empty all 4 bags of shock into the skimmer. Be sure to do this slowly to avoid clogging the filtration equipment.

Step 3) Pour Algaecide directly into the pool evenly throughout.

Step 4) Fill floater with tablets and put into pool.

Step 5) Run your pump for 24 hours.

Step 6) Let the pool settle and turn off the equipment for 24 hours.

Step 7) Vacuum your pool and thoroughly clean your filter grids or cartridge.

Step 8) Shut off the gate valves on your pool or cap the lines from inside and drain your pool below the skimmer and return. Empty the water from your pump, filter & hoses and store away for the winter. Also remove any ladders, toys or accessories.

Step 9) Place the air pillows (or large beach balls) into your pool and install the winter cover. This will prevent water from pooling on top of the cover during the rainy season. Frequently checking the cover to ensure it is tightly secured to the pool will help your cover last.

  • It is very important that you check your floater at least once a month and add tablets as needed. Not doing so can result in an algae filled pool upon opening in the spring. Additionally, if you plan on winterizing your pool for more than three months, we suggest that at the end of the third month you add another bottle of algaecide to your pool.

Be sure and visit your local Secard Pools & Spas for all of your winterizing supplies or for advice on the procedures for your area.

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Save time, the environment and money with salt chlorination

How often do you come across helpful information that will keep more money in your pocket? In this day and age it seems we all need to watch our budgets with a sharper eye for ways to reduce expenses and our home’s maintenance costs. What if your pool could automatically sanitize and balance itself, all while putting a few bucks in your pocket and saving mother nature all at the same time?

Cooling off in your swimming pool after work, doing a few laps to unwind, or relaxing in your spa with your family and friends are a few of the advantages of owning a pool or hot tub. Pool maintenance costs can add up quickly if you use conventional pool maintenance practices which rely on chlorine to keep the water clean. Freshwater pools need water testing weekly with chlorine added regularly for sanitary pool conditions and also to prevent algae. Chlorine is expensive and many find it harsh on their skin when used in the traditional freshwater pool. A traditional pool also requires quite an investment in time to maintain the proper chlorine level and to get the pool’s water to chemically balance.

You can ensure the pool’s maintenance is efficiently taken care of by automating your pool with a salt chlorinating system. It not only reduces your chemically produced chlorine use to zero, reduces costs but will also make your pool’s water feel good on your skin.

Salt chlorination system installation

Installation of the system is quick and easy and does not replace any of your existing pool equipment. After a simple plumbing modification, just add the correct amount of salt and the chlorinating system does the rest. It works by first adding salt to your pool’s water at the rate of 3500 ppm salt content (equivalent to the salt content of the human body). The salinated water then goes through the chlorinating system, which uses electrolysis to break down the salt. The chemical reaction produces a chlorine gas. This chlorine gas prevents algae and purifies the water of your pool or spa. Chloramines are what give traditional pools the terrible smell and red, burning eyes. The electrolytic process oxidizes, or “burns off” these chloramines leaving your pool water clean, pure and luxuriously soft.

Salt doesn’t evaporate like chlorine does which is where the savings come in. Constantly adding chemicals is a thing of the past. No more mixing, measuring and hassling with harsh chlorine again. The savings are significant financially as well as freeing up the chunks of time you won’t be spending maintaining your pool. Say goodbye to itchy skin, strong chemical odors, faded bathing suits and red eyes forever.

 

Save money and go green

If saving the planet is your forte, you’re on the right track. A salt chlorination system will help you “go green” without your pool going “green”. Limiting the transportation to and from the pool store, reducing the introduction of harsh chemicals into the environment from your pool and cutting out the waste from chlorine packaging are all ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Now there’s an easier, more efficient and cost effective way to maintain your home pool or spa. Keep your pool’s water sparkling clean, fresh and crystal clear at all times. An automatic chlorinating system is a wise choice for easier maintenance at a lower cost to you. It’s amazing what a little salt can do!

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