You just installed a pool conditioner in your pool, which means you’re giving your pool a major makeover. You’ve got all the right pieces — pool cover, water softener, and pH stabilizer — but how long will they all last? Let’s find out.
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The Effect On The Pool Cover
Before you swim, you have to remove the pool cover. This cover is what protects your pool from evaporation and provides some UV protection. Depending on the style of your pool, you might want to leave the cover off for the entire season. However, if you live in a warmer climate, you might want to put it back for the evening so that your pool doesn’t bake in the hot sun.
After you remove the cover, you’ll notice that the surface of your pool looks a little different. Instead of smooth water, you get little flecks of dirt in the water. That’s because sand and dirt are more apt to absorb UV rays and heat than is water, which means that your pool will be more comfortable for you and your pool mates.
How Long Does It Take For The Water Softener To Work?
Your pool water is going to be softer than before. The water softener is what enables you to drink the water from your pool without having to boil it first. If you leave the water running while you’re brushing your teeth, you’ll notice that the water is already getting a bit fluffly as it passes through the water softener. This is thanks to the chemicals that are in the water softener and the hoses that pump it. These chemicals break down the minerals in your pool water so that they can be reabsorbed by your garden.
How Long Does It Take For The pH Stabilizer To Take Effect?
You’ve added some of those crystals to your pool to improve its acidity. While they may not seem like they do much at first, remember that they’re helping to keep your pool water in an alkaline state. Depending on the type of fish you have in your tank, the pH level of your pool could be important. For instance, if you have discus fish, you’ll want your water to be around 6.5–7.5. Anything below that and your tiny discus may suffer. They’ll also likely get sick from the acidic water, which can cause health problems.
Over time, as the pH stabilizer takes effect and the water’s acidity starts to decline, you’ll start to see changes in behavior in your pool’s fauna. One of the first signs will be fish that start swimming a little higher in the water. They’ll also start putting on weight, which is actually a good thing, as it shows that the water is healthier than before.
As the pH starts to decline, it’s also important to remember that its alkalinity will increase. The alkalinity of your pool should be around 7 for the most part. So, as long as you maintain a basic pH, you can rest assured that your pool’s water will stay healthy for your fauna.
When Can I Start Swimming?
You’re not going to want to swim right away after you add the pool conditioner. It takes a while for the water to break down all the chemicals and for your body to get used to having more water around. So give it some time. Perhaps the best thing to do at first is take it easy. Start by just getting in the water and feeling around. See if you can find the edges and take a leisurely swim. As you get more comfortable in the water, start doing some laps to get the kinks out. You can also give yourself a tour of the neighborhood swimming pools. Just make sure that the spots near the drain are supervised and warn against falling into them. Also, some pools need to be deepened before you can swim in them. Check with the pool owner if this is the case.
Now that you’re equipped with the information needed to know how long the effects of these pool conditioners last, you can get back out there and give your pool a proper swim. You have all the right pieces in place. All that’s left is to put them all together and enjoy your pool.