There are several questions that come to mind when you think about buying products for the pool. Will they be waterproof? Will they be phthalate-free? How about the texture, is it smooth or rough? Once you’ve asked and answered those questions it becomes easier to decide what kind of item you need for your specific situation. The following blog post will go over some general information about products for the pool as well as point out some shortcomings of existing products so you can be better informed when making a purchasing decision.
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How Long Does It Take For Products To Be Effective In The Pool?
The first question to ask yourself is how long does it take for the product you’re using to be effective in the pool. This is important because there’s a wide range of chemicals, cleaners, and medications that you’ll come across when swimming with a pool that aren’t suitable for your skin or are potentially dangerous. It’s best to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to swimming pools and all the chemicals that are constantly being washed down the drain. If you’ve ever seen those commercials on TV where the person is swimming and gets a chemical burn or rash then you know exactly how dangerous some of these chemicals can be when they come in contact with the skin. The damage can be horrible and even lead to death.
Are There Any Shortcomings In Current Products?
The second question to ask yourself when thinking about products for the pool is are there any shortcomings in current products. If you are using a saltwater pool then it’s essential that you have lifeguards on duty at all times. The following are some common problems that occur with most existing products:
- Trying to be waterproof but still ending up not being able to keep the water out
- Trouble retaining moisture
- Fragrance or odor
- Damage to aquatic life with prolonged exposure
- No effective cleaning solution
- Hard to keep in the pool
- Expensive
- No shade available
Waterproof, Phthalate-free, And Odorless Are Important
There are several reasons why you want your pool products to be waterproof, phthalate-free, and odorless. First of all, if the item is not waterproof you’ll have to purchase an entire pool enclosure to keep the water out. Second, if the item has an odor it’ll be difficult to mask the scent with perfumes or other chemical additives. Third, if hygiene is a concern then putting a lid on a trashcan to keep the water out might be a good idea. Fourth, many pool chemicals are toxic and cause skin irritation or damage if ingested by mistake. Lastly, many pool chemicals are carcinogenic and cause cancer in animals studies. When you consider all these factors it’s easy to see why you want your pool products to be free of unpleasant odors and have perfect watertight seals. You also need to consider how you’ll maintain the product’s effectiveness over time. Most pool chemicals become less effective after a certain amount of time so it’s important to purchase fresh supplies frequently.
Consider The Water Temperature When Choosing Pool Products
Another thing to consider when choosing pool products is the water temperature. Your pool will have a designated space where you can store ice and coolers containing ice are great for keeping the water fresh. It’s important to remember that warmer water speeds up the breakdown of chemicals so if you keep the water too cool then it could be problematic. You also don’t want to put any living creature in harm’s way, especially a child, so always take that into consideration when choosing a product. As a general rule of thumb, the warmer the water the longer the item should stay in the pool before being disposed of. The following are some general guidelines for the ideal water temperature for different types of pools.
Saltwater Pools (above 65 degrees)
Saltwater pools above 65 degrees are perfectly acceptable and there’s no harm in having them. The above guidelines correspond to 80 degrees Farenheit so you can see how keeping the water above 65 degrees will ensure the longest life for your pool products. You could easily go up to 80 degrees and not have any adverse effects because almost all the products that you’ll encounter will remain effective up to that point. Keep in mind that above 80 degrees the rate of decomposition increases significantly so you might end up having too many chemicals floating around in the pool.
Artificial Pools (below 65 degrees)
Artificial pools below 65 degrees are considered toxic waste by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and it’s best to avoid them. Just remember that some artificial pools are more harmful than others, for example vinyl windows can become brittle and break down with time releasing small particles that are extremely hazardous. It’s always good practice to keep an eye out for any warning signs of toxicity or malfunction.
Smooth Or Rough Texture?
Depending on your personal preference you may want your pool products to have one texture or the other. There are several benefits to both textures. If you have a sensitive skin or a large family then you may want to go with a smoother texture because it tends to be more gentle on your skin. If you have a rougher or textured feel then it may be a bit stronger and hold its shape better if you drop it in the water. It’s all about what you prefer and what’s best for your pool.
How Long Does It Take For The Product To Become Effective?
The first scenario to address is how long does it take for the product you’re using to become effective. If you’re using a pool cleaner with ammonia, then it’ll take about 30 minutes for the ammonia to settle to the bottom of the pool before becoming effective. You can also use this time to ensure that the water is clear of all objects that could become lodged in the filter. There are several reasons why it takes 30 minutes for ammonia to settle to the bottom of the pool.
- It takes time for the chemical to be broken down by water molecules
- Ammonia is a carcinogen and can cause serious harm if swallowed
- It’s volatile and highly toxic
- Many people are allergic to it
- It’s difficult to remove from water
If you are using chlorine as your pool’s sanitizer then it’ll take a while for the chlorine to break down the bacteria in the water. For large pools with more than 500,000 gallons it can take a while for the chlorine to do its job effectively. It’s always good practice to add another 10% extra chlorine to the pool each month to ensure that the water remains clean. In case you’re wondering, 10% is equal to 0.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of chlorine.
How Long Does It Take To Dispose Of Products?
The next scenario you need to consider is how long does it take for you to dispose of products. Naturally this is going to vary from person to person but in general it takes about 30 days for you to break down the chemical components of your pool products. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If a product contains any form of petroleum then you may want to take longer to break it down because it’ll be harder for organisms to digest. In case you’re wondering, 30 days is equal to 0.5 L of biodegradable material.
How Often Should You Replace The Product?
This is a tricky one and it really depends on your situation. If you have a very small pool with just a couple of chairs and a small table then you may not need to replace the product as often as someone with a large pool. It’s always good practice to keep an eye out for any warning signs of toxicity or malfunction. If you’re using a saltwater pool then you’ll have to replace the chemicals more frequently because they’ll break down faster due to the higher water temperature. The following are some general guidelines for how often you should replace the products:
- If at all possible, it’s best to use biodegradable products
- Check the expiration date of the product before using it
- Avoid petroleum-based products because they’re more difficult to break down
- Look for warning signs of toxicity or malfunction
Swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and release some tension while being active but they can be hazardous if not kept properly. Even the simplest pools can be dangerous if not maintained properly so always take that into consideration when choosing the right pool products.