How to choose swimming pool products: pH, chlorine and cleaning

A swimming pool needs three things: measuring the water, correcting it and cleaning it. First you check the pH and chlorine with test strips or reagents, then you use the right product: pH reducer or increaser, chlorine, algaecide or multifunction product. The ideal pH of the water is between about 7.2 and 7.6; outside these values chlorine works poorly. For walls and floor you need a brush, a leaf net and a vacuum head.

The types

• pH reducer: lowers the pH when it is too high, such as the FP Minus.
• pH increaser: raises it when it is too low, such as the FP Upper.
• Chlorine: sanitises the water. It comes as a liquid, such as the FP Cloripox, or in tablets and granules; there are also chlorine dosers. To reduce it there is a neutraliser.
• Algaecide: prevents or eliminates algae, such as the FP Algofen Special concentrated algaecide.
• Multifunction: combines several actions in a single product, such as the FP Crystal, or in multifunction tablets. Convenient if you want to dose fewer products.
• Test strips and reagents: used for measuring. For colorimetric control units there is the FP RCL 1 reagent.
• Detergents: for cleaning edges and equipment, such as the FP Optimum.
• Cleaning tools: leaf net for leaves, vacuum brush, vacuum head to connect to the suction hose.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Product pH: in the collection the values range from very acidic (about 1) to very basic (about 13-14). They help you understand what the product is and how it should be handled, not how to dose it: the dose is on the label.
• Physical state: liquid, granular or in tablets (for example 200 g). Tablets dose slowly over time, liquids act faster.
• Density and concentration: concentrated products are dosed in smaller quantities: compare the quantity per cubic metre of water.
• Pack size: from 1 to 160 pieces per case: for facilities with many pools it is worth considering the pack size.
• Tool material: PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene or aluminium for the handles. An aluminium handle stays light and does not deform; the PE mesh of the net withstands treated water.
• Smell and colour: they are given in the safety data sheet and help you recognise the product: never rely on them to tell two containers apart, read the label.

Common mistakes

• Adding products without measuring the pH first.
• Mixing different products, or pouring them into one another: dangerous gases are released. Each product is dosed on its own and with the filtration running.
• Not wearing gloves and goggles: many products are corrosive.
• Dosing by eye instead of following the label.
• Storing opened products, in the heat or near other chemicals.
• Neglecting mechanical cleaning: without brushing walls and floor, chemistry alone is not enough to keep the water clear.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the pH be measured?

Often: in a frequently used pool it is best to do it every day or every few days. Test strips are useful for a quick check.

Liquid chlorine or tablets?

Tablets dissolve slowly and keep the level constant; liquid is faster and easier to dose after an intervention. It depends on the system.

How should the products be stored?

Closed in their original packaging, in a dry place, away from the sun and separated from one another, especially pH reducers and chlorine. They must not be decanted into unlabelled containers.

Do I need a multifunction product?

For small pools and simple maintenance, yes: it reduces the number of products you need to keep. If you want to adjust each parameter on its own, you need separate products.

You will find the products in the swimming pools and accessories collection: to choose quantities and pack sizes, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.