I Saw The Exact Same Thing At Walmart For One Dollar Less!
I would like to have a dollar for every time I have heard that, or that Kroger’s has liquid chlorine for 50 cents less per case. Lincoln proclaimed that “All men are created equal” and if this were the same for pool and spa chemicals then I would follow people to Walmart to get my chemicals as well. After working in the pool and spa industry for almost 15 years now I know that all chemicals are not created equal, and do have a definite shelf life. I also realize that the person who just put that gallon of algae remover on the shelf knows nothing more about that product than what is on the label. This is where we as pool experts working in a pool and spa retail store have the highest ability to accurately answer your questions. I though cannot answer questions about another product that was not purchased here. As I said previously all chemicals are not created equal and this comes down to concentrations, fillers, and composition. With the wide variety of chemical manufacturers on the market, and the different blends sold by these manufacturers it is impossible to know everything about every other company’s product. I think sometimes that customers feel we are not being helpful when they call in about usage of another product and we are not able to give them answers. Keep in mind this is kind of like calling a Ford mechanic and asking questions about a Chevy part, I understand that they are both car parts but there are enough differences that a question answered incorrectly could cause major problems, and be a source of much dismay.
Cincinnati Weather
It almost feels like that is what should be said about the weather in Cincinnati. Several days of high heat and humidity followed by some rain then a couple of cooler days. I know that on these cooler days the pool is not in the forefront of your thoughts. However don’t push the pool too far back in your mind. On the days where it is a little cooler, this was preceded typically by rain, and with that being said it drops a ton of organic materials in your pool. Make sure that there is an acceptable chlorine level in the pool, and if it is slightly low make sure to add shock. This will prevent the pool from turning cloudy, or green, and making you miss out on some prime swimming time.
Chemicals – Is This Some Kind Of Magic?
The answer is…NO! This time of year is very difficult on pools, not to mention pool owners. Chemical levels are all over the place, algae is running wild, and some water just won’t get rid of that cloudy, murky appearance. After spending many, many hours back at the water test center over the past several weeks, I want to clarify something about chemicals: they aren’t magic. Chemicals take time to work. If you were to come in one afternoon to have your water tested, add the chemicals that evening, then come back with another sample the next morning, chances are we won’t be getting an accurate reading. Chemicals take time to completely work their way into the pool’s system (some longer than others). Cloudy water for instance- patience is key. A clarifier won’t typically work overnight to completely clear your cloudy pool water. A tip when using clarifier is to find a line of visibility somewhere in the pool (Example: I can see the top of the first step on my ladder). After you add the clarifier, let your filter run continuously, and instead of just waiting to see perfectly clear water, watch your “line of visibility.” You may notice that the next morning you can see clearly down to the third step of your ladder. With more time, will come increased visibility. So, like I said before, patience is key. Also remember that with chemicals, more is not better. Too much clarifier can actually do the opposite of what you want it to do. Too much algaecide at once can keep you from maintaining a chlorine level for several days, even weeks. Sometimes, more than one treatment is needed, but please consult a pool professional before doing so. Finally, please remember that while Chemistry is a science, pool water chemistry is not an exact science. There are so many other factors that contribute to your water chemistry that it is impossible to know exactly what to do that will work 100% of the time.
-Stacey
Liquid Chlorine (Shock)
It’s here and it is fresh! In case you don’t know, liquid chlorine, commonly referred to as ‘shock’, has a very short shelf life. If you’ve been sitting on a case over the winter, it is pretty much useless. Stop in and get some of the good stuff. –Max
Keep Chlorine In Your Water – Keep The Pool Clear!
A tip: If you use chlorine as your sanitizer there are two key points to remember. 1. As the pool water gets hotter and hotter, you will burn through chlorine quicker. At about 96 degrees, chlorine gasses off’, meaning it turns to vapor. Make sure you maintain a good level of stabilizer or conditioner. A minimum of 30 ppm (parts per million) is recommended-higher if you have a chlorine generator salt system. 2. If your pH is low, chlorine burns out much quicker than when it is in the proper range.
Keep your pH and stabilizer levels in line and you’ve got half the battle won. Let us fight the rest of the battle by having us do a complete water analysis. It’s a free service from Eastgate Pools & Spas and we’re happy to help. –Max
