Pool & Hot Tub Water Sanitizers
June 1st, 2007 . by Arizona Pool DesignWe all enjoy soaking or swimming in a warm crystal clear pool or
hot tub yet at times keeping that sparkle can be a trying
experience. Keeping your pools chemicals in the proper range is
not only necessary to maintain that sparkle but also to keep
your pool or hot tub safe for swimmers. There are three basic
ways to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming the
traditional chlorine system, biguanide and mineral systems each
are safe and effective for use in outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Each system needs to be used independently of the other so which
ever system you start using you must continue to use that
system. You will also need to purchase the proper testing
equipment for your system.
The old standard chlorine is available almost every place from
your local pool supply store to Wal-Mart it is relatively cheap
and easy to monitor and use. The big drawbacks of chlorine are
it is harsh on your skin and can cause bathing suits and hair
color to fade. Stabilized chlorine should be used in a pool or
hot tub that is exposed to sunlight if your spa is inside or is
not in direct sunlight non stabilized chlorine can be used.
The next type of pool sanitizers are the mineral systems these
release minerals such as copper, zinc and silver into the water
to keep the pool or hot tub algae and bacteria free. Generally
the mineral system does use a small amount of chlorine to make
sure the system is efficacious.
The third type of pool sanitizer is the “Bio” type of sanitizers
such as Bioguard and BioDex. These all liquid sanitizers are
very easy to use but they do require a specific testing unit and
can not be used with chlorine. These sanitizers do not have the
same harsh effects of chlorine and do not bleach out hair and
swim suits.
Every type of pool sanitizers requires an oxidizer, the oxidizer
or shock treatment removes the oils, lotions and other unwanted
contaminations form the pool. Not all shock treatments are the
same although monopersulfate which is an oxygen based oxidizer.
Chlorine based shock treatments are also oxygen based. Chlorine
shock should never be used with the Biguanide sanitizing system
uses hydrogen peroxide as the main oxidizer.
No matter what type of sanitizer you use in your pool or hot tub
you need to start with the basics. Make sure your Ph is between
7.4 and 7.6 this prevents corrosion and scale build up and
reduces the irritation to swimmers skin and eyes.
About the author:
Jake Plumer is a writer for http://www.a1hottub.com. In the
market for
php”>chlorine granules or to see a what is new in the world
of http://www.a1hottub.com”>hot tubs check us out.
