If you own a swimming pool, spa or Jacuzzi, then, if you haven’t done so already, you will need to sort out how you keep it clean and free from harmful bacteria and algae. The most widespread method today of keeping your facility sparkling clean and good as new is to use chlorine, usually in the form of tablets or granules. When used properly, chlorine tablets or granules dissolve in the water thus rendering it safe for you and your family to swim in.
Chlorine tablets or granules are the most cost effective and popular way to make your swimming facility a safe place to paddle. Just think how grimy your bath water is when you get out after a long soak. Now imagine all the germs that would be floating around in a pool after tens or even hundreds of people had been using it. Lovely thought isn’t it?
Chlorine is such an essential and widely used method of sanitizing public pools nowadays, that it’s pretty much taken for granted. When used properly, chlorine will do the following for your swimming leisure facility;
- Destroy all harmful germs
- Maintain a good ph water level (it should be the same ph level as human tears)
- Stop algae from growing round the pool
- In general keep the pool and its environs clean
Chlorine tablets usually come in a large bucket and should be kept away from pets and small children. They are, however, quite safe to use providing you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. A dispenser or chlorinator can be used in conjunction with the tablets and if all goes according to plan, they should dissolve safely in the water.
Again refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see how long it should be before you take to the water after using the tablets. You will have to measure your pool and work out the volume of water it holds (if you don’t know this already). You should be able to work out these details with the use of a yard stick and simple arithmetic.
You should get into the routine of checking your water once a week. It is advisable to check the ph balance. Lastly, it’s quite rare for swimmers to have adverse reactions to chlorine although cases of skin rashes, irritable eyes and breathing difficulties have been noted on some very rare occasions. All I can say is that the benefits of chlorine far outweigh the risks when it comes to cleaning your pool or Jacuzzi. After all, just imagine fifty people in your bath. Not a nice thought!
