Pacific Pool Supply - Blog

Water Analysis

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 22:08:30 GMT

Pool Shock - Chlorine or Non-Chlorine

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 21:20:34 GMT

What's
the Difference?

Shock. Shock treat. Shock treatment. Each of these terms means the addition of chlorine to pool water in larger than normal amounts. Shock treating your pool is of the utmost importance because it protects you and your family from bacteria and organic contaminants.

What kind of shock should I use? There are three types of shock, Chlorine Shock, Non-Chlorine Shock, and Multi-Function Oxidizer. We’ll start with Chlorine Shock.

Chlorine Shock

Shock used to be a verb. It was something that you did to a pool. It became a noun when they began packaging a pre-measured amount of granulated chlorine into bags. There are 3 types of chlorine that are commonly used as shock.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid Chlorine)
Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo)
Sodium Dichlor (Dichlor)

Cal Hypo
Cal Hypo is the least expensive and most effective chlorine-based shock. Cal Hypo will not increase the amount of stabilizer (cyanuric acid) in your pool.
We do not recommend using a shock product that is stabilized (i.e. contains cyanuric acid). It will increase the stabilizer level and can interfere with the effectiveness of the chlorine.

Dichlor
Though effective, DiChlor is the most expensive chlorine-based shock. DiChlor WILL increase the water’s stabilizer (cyanuric acid) level.
We do not recommend using a shock product that is stabilized (i.e. contains cyanuric acid). It will increase the stabilizer level and can interfere with the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Though it is fast dissolving, it contains only 55% available chlorine.

Liquid Chlorine
Yes, liquid chlorine CAN be used to shock your pool! It does NOT increase the water’s stabilizer (cyanuric acid) level.

Pool store chlorine, like HASA Sani-Clor, has 12.5% of available chlorine.

When To Use Chlorine Shock

Chlorine shock treatments are typically used in swimming pools to address specific issues or as part of regular pool maintenance. Here are a few situations when you might consider using a chlorine shock:

Regular Maintenance:
Shocking your pool on a regular basis is an essential part of pool maintenance. It helps to remove organic contaminants, kill bacteria, and maintain proper chlorine levels. The frequency of shocking depends on various factors, including pool usage, weather conditions, and the type of chlorine used. As a general guideline, shocking your pool every 1-2 weeks is a good practice.

Algae Growth:
If you notice green, black, or mustard-colored algae in your pool, it's an indication of an algae problem. Algae can be stubborn and resistant to regular chlorine levels. In such cases, using a chlorine shock treatment can help kill the algae and restore water clarity.

High Combined Chlorine Levels:
Combined chlorine, often referred to as chloramines, forms when chlorine combines with ammonia or nitrogen-based compounds present in the water. High combined chlorine levels can lead to unpleasant odors, eye irritation, and poor water quality. A shock treatment can break down the chloramines and restore the effectiveness of free chlorine.

Heavy Pool Usage:
Pools that experience heavy usage, such as pool parties or increased swimmer load, are more prone to contamination. If you've had a particularly busy period with a large number of swimmers, using chlorine shock afterward can oxidize and eliminate contaminants.

How to Use Chlorine Shock
Before shocking your pool with a chlorine shock, the pool water pH MUST BE 7.6 OR LESS. When added to water that has an elevated pH level, chlorine converts to a very inefficient form. To find out more, click the button below.

LEARN MORE

Non-Chlorine Shock • Hybrid Shock
When & How to use it

Why use Non-Chlorine shock?
It's a sweltering Saturday afternoon and you've spent your morning doing yard work. Meanwhile, the kids have been running around with their swim fins and arm floaties, loudly voicing their discomfort with the heat.

AT LAST! IT’S POOL TIME! But first, a quick water test. That's when you discover that your afternoon plans have been postponed.

The free chlorine is 10 ppm. Too high.

Because you used chlorine-based shock that morning, the pool is unusable. The kids are inconsolable and are plotting your demise.
If you had used Non-Chlorine Shock, you could have avoided sitting on the couch and arguing with the dog over the last slice of cold pizza while watching Sponge Bob with the kids.

Non-Chlorine Shock
Containing zero chlorine, non-chlorine shock is also known as “oxidizer”. Its main ingredient is potassium monopersulfate (MPS).
It breaks down soluble organic contaminants in the pool water. These contaminants include sweat, body oils, beauty products, and other matter that may come off or, um, out of the human body. MPS is ideal for weekly, in-season maintenance. Safe for use in ALL pools. Swimming can usually resume after 15 minutes of use.

When to Use Non-Chlorine Shock:

Weekly - As part of a weekly maintenance program.

Corrective Treatment - Quickly clears cloudy, dull water.

It is an ideal shock when the following conditions exist.

The Free Chlorine level is not less than 2 ppm.
There are no algae present.

How to Use Non-Chlorine Shock
To ensure proper usage of non-chlorine shocks, it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the package, as the strength and dissolvability can vary significantly.

HYBRID SHOCK
A hybrid shock contains 15% chlorine and 85% non-chlorine shock. It can be used in all pools when there are NO algae and the Free Chlorine is not less than 1ppm. Swimming can resume 15 minutes after use

Shocking a swimming pool is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe swimming environment. Regular shocking helps eliminate harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, algae, and organic debris that accumulate in the pool water over time. It helps to maintain the proper chemical balance in the pool, ensuring optimal water quality for swimmers and prolonging the lifespan of pool equipment. Overall, regular pool shocking is essential to promote a healthy and enjoyable swimming experience.

Newsletter Archive 2022

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 17:29:19 GMT

Below are some highlights from our weekly newsletter. If you would like to receive our newsletter you can subscribe at the bottom of the page.

Pool Care Economics - Mineral Purifiers

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:34:10 GMT

PART III

Mineral Purifiers

Reduce the Demand & Save

Chlorine has three important jobs to do in your pool :

Killing germs
Oxidizing contaminants
Preventing algae.

What if you could reduce the need for chlorine by giving one of its jobs to another chemical?

Mineral Purifiers

Silver is used as a powerful bactericide in many products, and copper is used as a common algaecide. As water contacts these minerals, positively charged ions are released; these destroy negatively charged contaminants. And that makes these particular minerals well-suited for use as supplemental sanitizers in residential swimming pools and portable spas.

Ions at Work

Silver and copper are most effective in water in their ionic form. That means the molecules are independent from other compounds and carry a positive charge. These charged ions are attracted to negatively charged organics such as bacteria and algae. Once attached, these ionic elements destroy the organics by penetrating their cell walls.

Because the ions are unaffected by sunlight or heat, they can remain active in water for long periods. They are only removed by reacting with the organics or from splash-out. There must be a constant flow of these charged ions introduced to the water in order for this process to be effective

Sequestering agents are not necessary, since the ions are released so slowly. The cartridge contents will remain active for up to 6 months in pools and 4 months in portable spas. Some can be revived for another 6 months through the addition of a booster. Passive devices are also a perfect complement to salt-water chlorinators. They do not interfere with chlorine generation. Users find that they can turn the chlorine production rate down, making the cell last longer.

Benefits of Mineral Sanitizers

Because minerals lack the ability to oxidize dead contaminants, neither active nor passive methods eliminate the need for chlorine. The benefits of minerals are a reduction in the amount of chlorine used, and the ability to maintain a lower Free Chlorine level.

With a mineral sanitizer, you will notice at least some of the following:

No more algae
Fewer complaints about skin and eye irritations
Fewer shock treatments required
Fewer pH adjustments needed
The TDS reading does not increase as quickly

Cost

Plumb-in units generally start at around $299 but require a replacement cartridge every 6 months. These can be as high as $199.

Drop-ins start at $72 for the 6 month units. The 12 month units start at $75 for the starter plus $45 for the 6 month booster.

A Mineral Purifier enables you to maintain Free Chlorine level at only 1ppm instead of the normal 3-5ppm. This will save you at least 50% in chlorine use and cost.

Active and Passive Ionization

There are two types of devices manufactured today that accomplish this process — one using an active method and the other using a passive method.

Active-method devices create ionic silver and copper by applying a low-level direct current to electrodes that are plumbed into the filtration system. The electrodes must be replaced periodically. Additionally, the water must be tested to ensure the silver and copper levels do not rise to a point where stains may occur.

Sequestering agents are recommended with this method to prevent any possibility of staining. Popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they were touted as a replacement for chlorine. Due to improper installation and use, these “ionizers” never lived up to the hype.

Passive-method devices are usually what come to mind when discussing mineral sanitizers. They utilize a flow-through cartridge containing a substrate that is coated with silver or impregnated with a combination of silver and copper. The substrate is made of small pebble-sized pieces that are retained in the plastic cartridge. This cartridge can be used in a “plumbed-in” vessel or simply placed in the skimmer or pump basket.

Pool Care Economics... Part II - Chlorine Demand

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 22:50:42 GMT

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Reduce the Demand & Save

Chlorine has three important jobs to do in your pool :

Killing germs
Oxidizing contaminants
Preventing algae.

What if you could reduce the need for chlorine by giving one of its jobs to another chemical?

Specialty Chemicals

Specialty chemicals are used to aid chlorine or completely takeover one of its jobs.

Algaecide

As part of a regular maintenance program, algaecide stops algae before it starts. This reduces the demand for chlorine. There are many algaecides to choose from. Some are added weekly, some once ever 3 months.

Shocks

Shocking a pool on a regular basis destroys organic contaminants like swimmers waste, plant material or even soil. These contaminants are the main source of “Chlorine Demand”. Eliminating this build-up will maximize the conversion to Free Chlorine and minimize Combined Chlorine.

Phosphates

Algae is a plant and plants need food. They make sugars through a process called “photosynthesis”. Phosphate, when bonded to sugars, provides part of the energy to make different kinds of sugars, carbohydrates and starches. These are then transformed into all of the organic compounds of the plant. No phosphate means no algae. No algae means a lower chlorine demand.

Enzymes

Have you ever noticed a brown, sticky build-up at the waterline of your pool? This is a sub-category of organic contaminant called “swimmers waste”. Eww. It consists of body oils, sun block, lotions, soap residue and hair products.

This is why your pool becomes cloudy after a party. Though shocking the pool will clean this up, the use of an enzyme will prevent it from happening in the first place.

In conclusion, reducing the chlorine demand through the use of specialty products will minimize the need for chlorine. If you use a Salt Cell to produce chlorine, these products will prolong it’s life.

Next week…PART III - Mineral Purifiers

Pool Care Economics Part I - Reducing Chlorine Costs

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:59:05 GMT

Reduce Chlorine Costs

Maintaining a consistent day-to-day Free Chlorine level is one of the best ways to reduce chlorine demand. Click here for more info.

Allowing your Free Chlorine level to dip below 1ppm gives algae, bacteria and other nasties a chance to flourish. Adding chlorine at this time will destroy all but the most resistant pathogens. Unfortunately, these are the pathogens that can do the most harm.

Here are a few methods you can use to prevent the "yo-yo effect":

Test the Free Chlorine level at least 3 times a day. Maintain it at 3-5 ppm and never let it dip below 2 ppm. Don’t forget to fix the pH first!
Don’t use the pool.
Install a device that will add chlorine for you.

Number 1 is a non-starter. That’s a full-time job. Number 2 is nonsense. That leaves Number 3, a chlorinator.

SANITIZING SYSTEMS
A sanitizing system is a device that is installed in your pool’s filtration system. It continuously adds chlorine to the pool through tablet erosion, injection or self-contained chlorine production. because it has less hidden costs, we’ll talk about the latter, a.k.a. Salt Chlorine Generators.

Salt Chlorine Generators (SCG’s) - How do they work?
As salt water travels through the swimming pool’s circulation system, it enters the salt chlorine generator and passes through a salt cell. As the salt water flows through the cell, a low-voltage current is applied to plates inside the cell, initiating electrolysis. Through electrolysis, salt and water break up into hydrogen gas and hypochlorous acid. The hydrogen gas simply leaves the swimming pool water in the form of small bubbles. The hypochlorous acid sanitizes the swimming pool water and ultimately reverts back into salt, and the process repeats. Click HERE for more.

Depending on where you live, a SCG over it's lifetime, Can save you up to $4,000. Of course, this is based on a well maintained pool.

There are many variables that affect both chlorine demand and the life expectancy of a typical brand name salt cell.

Water Circulation - A SCG will only produce chlorine when the pump is running. Lack of circulation will allow the build-up of organic matter and promote algae growth. This increases chlorine demand and negates all the benefits that SWG’s offer.
Unmanaged pH - High pH decreases the effectiveness of the chlorine. Click HERE for more info.
High Cyanuric Acid - Also known as conditioner or stabilizer, cyanuric acid prevents chlorine from being rapidly destroyed by the sun. A level of of 20 to 50 ppm should be maintained. Studies show that at 30 ppm, the benefits of cyanuric acid begin to slow. At 50 ppm, it begins to actually inhibit how the chlorine works. For example, what a free chlorine level of 3 ppm used to do now requires a level of 6 ppm. To compensate for the reduction of efficacy, pool owners often turn to costly chemical solutions. Click HERE for more on this subject.
Scaling - Scaling is the depositing of calcium carbonate on pool surfaces. Scale occurs when hard water meets high alkalinity (high pH) and warm temperature. This allows the dissolved minerals to leave their dissolved state and re-solidify. In other words, when the pH and temperature are high enough, hard water’s minerals can harden and attach to surfaces. The inside of a SCG cell is the perfect environment for this. Scale covers the plates inside the cell, blocking flow and interrupting the electrolysis process. To clean the salt cell, the use of muriatic acid is required. However, this wears out the coating on the plates, shortening the life expectancy of the cell. To learn how to prevent this, click HERE.

In conclusion, a Salt Chlorine Generator can save you ton of money. An SCG will not save you a lot of time but it’ll make your pool safer and prevent costly clean-ups.

Your Disinfection Team: Chlorine & pH

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 19:50:03 GMT

Chlorine and pH, your disinfection team, are the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick. As a residential pool owner, it is your responsibility to regularly check the chlorine concentration and pH of the pool water to help protect yourself and your family and friends from swimming-related illnesses.

What does chlorine do?
Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs. But it does not work right away. If used properly, free chlorine can kill most germs within a few minutes.
If using cyanuric acid, a chlorine stabilizer, or chlorine products with cyanuric acid (for example, products commonly known as dichlor or trichlor [see product label]), a pH of 7.2–7.6 and a free available chlorine concentration of at least 2 ppm should be maintained.

Why does chlorine need to be tested regularly?
All sorts of things can reduce chlorine concentration in pool water. Free available chlorine breaks down pee, poop, sweat, and dirt from swimmers’ bodies instead of killing germs and uses up chlorine, which means there is less to kill germs. Sunlight also uses up free chlorine. That’s why the free chlorine concentration must be routinely tested. And remember, the time it takes for free chlorine to kill germs is also affected by the other member of the disinfection team, pH.

How do I test chlorine and pH levels in my pool?
For most accurate testing results, pool and hot tub/spa owners should use a DPD test kit to measure free chlorine and pH. Of note, if the free chlorine concentration of the water sampled from the pool or hot tub/spa is more than 10 ppm, the test might partially or totally bleach out, resulting in a false low or 0 ppm free chlorine result. Pool owners alternatively can use test strips, with the understanding they are less accurate than the DPD test kit. Regardless of what test is used, owners should always follow manufacturer’s directions.

How often should I test?
Test free chlorine concentration and pH at least every other day and more often when the pool is used heavily.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED CHLORINE STICKER SHOCK?

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 18:28:00 GMT

Maybe It's Time to Switch to a Less-Expensive Alternative!

Poolife NST Prime TabletsA sanitizer that lasts for days! With its unique octagon shape, these extended release tablets use a proprietary slow-dissolving Cal Hypo technology. What’s more, it does all this without adding any Cyanuric Acid (CYA) to your pool water.

For use in skimmers and with the Poolife® NST® Prime Feeder. Follow Poolife® NST® Feeder operating manual for specific tablet use.
Skimmer basket must be free of all other water treatment products before adding tablet(s).
Place the tablet(s) in the empty skimmer basket. Replace with a new tablet as needed.
For optimum product performance, swimmer comfort and crystal clear water, always maintain pH from 7.2 – 7.6, total alkalinity from 60-120 ppm, calcium hardness above 200 ppm and free available chlorine residual between 1-4 ppm.
Best used with Poolife® NST® Purify Oxidizer and Poolife® NST® Patrol Algaecide.
Compatible with chlorine, salt chlorine generators, ozone and mineral systems.

Active ingredient: Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo)
Available size(s): 4.5lb, 9lb, 20.2lb, 39.4lb

**Elevated levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) will inhibit the efficacy of chlorine sanitizer. Chlorine may kill pathogens in minutes when CYA levels are normal but may take hours or days when CYA levels are high. We recommend a CYA level of 20-50 ppm.

NST Extended-Release Chlorine Tabs are in stock!

Save Chlorine and $$$ with AOP

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 16:56:34 GMT

With the rise in chlorine prices, it’s a good idea to look for money-saving alternatives. An AOP system will save you money and produce a cleaner safer pool.

The mighty hydroxyl radical and the history of AOP
Hydroxyl radicals are negatively charged radicals that form when one oxygen and one hydrogen atom combine. Oxygen (O₂) is destabilized to become O₁. It then joins with hydrogen in the water to create hydroxyls.
The hydroxyls are unstable and highly oxidative. But they seek equilibrium. So as they look to stabilize, they seek out things such as organisms and minerals. Hydroxyls attach to cells and substances, disrupting their composition and causing breakdown and destruction

In pools and spas, hydroxyl radicals will destroy oils, sweat, bacteria and viruses without toxic byproducts. Hydroxyls have become especially relevant lately because they are strong enough to kill chlorine-resistant cryptosporidium parvum — which have increasingly become a concern, particularly in commercial pools.

Hydroxyl radicals make up one of the most oxidative compounds available for pools, and their potency can keep pool water clean and clear with less chemistry.
These properties have been known and appreciated for decades. One of the first uses was for drinking water in Nice, France in 1906. Industrial, municipal and drinking water treatment application helped ozone to gain popularity.
Until recently, AOP systems all utilized ozone, some in combination with ultraviolet light, to create hydroxyl action in the water. More recently, technology was introduced to inject hydroxyls directly into the water.
AOP systems are ozone-based systems that create the O₃ inside a chamber by passing the oxygen through light energy or electrical energy. The ozone is then dissolved in water and passed through a UV lamp to create a chemical reaction that results in hydroxyl radicals.
Like ozone alone, these systems reduce the need for chlorine, though a residual is still needed to sanitize the water.

Learn More

You Can Make Chlorine At Home!

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:56:21 GMT

Salt Systems for Swimming Pools

How Does It Work?
Pool salt is dissolved in the water, creating a mild saline solution of standard sodium chloride – just what’s in your salt shaker. Then it passes through a saltwater generator (also known as a chlorine generator, salt chlorine generator, salt chlorinator, or saltwater chlorinator system) in the pool’s filtration system to circulate the water, dissolving the salt and producing chlorine gas. As it is subjected to simple electrolysis, the chloride portion of the sodium chloride is transformed into an effective sanitizer that oxidizes bacteria, viruses, algae, and other radicals that thrive in plain water.

Is It Expensive?
The initial costs of a saltwater pool will be higher than a chlorine pool. You have to invest in a saltwater generator to process the salt, which isn’t part of a traditional pool system. In addition, you’ll likely see slightly higher energy costs because the system is constantly running to produce the chlorine and infuse it into the water over time. And because the system relies on salt, you’ll usually need to replace the cells in the generator about every five years because of the corrosive nature of the salt.

The Good & The Bad

Pros

Lower annual cost
Gentle on the skin
Easier maintenance
No chlorine odor
Maintains a more consistent free chlorine level

Cons

Higher up-front costs
More destructive to equipment and pool finishes
The cost of replacement parts is quite high
Will not make chlorine in cold water

Is Saltwater the Right Choice for You?
The major disadvantage of a saltwater system is cost, therefore many people suggest that if you can afford a salt water system, you use one. However, there is also personal preference to be taken into account. If you have been maintaining a traditional chlorine pool for years and you are comfortable with it, you may not want to switch. If you or your family have a lot of trouble with chlorine, it may be a perfect choice.

Pacific Pool Supply - Blog

Water Analysis

Pool Shock - Chlorine or Non-Chlorine

What's​the Difference?

​When To Use Chlorine Shock

Non-Chlorine Shock • Hybrid ShockWhen & How to use it

Newsletter Archive 2022

Pool Care Economics - Mineral Purifiers

PART III

Mineral Purifiers

Mineral Purifiers

Mineral Purifiers

Ions at Work

Benefits of Mineral Sanitizers

Cost

Active and Passive Ionization

Pool Care Economics... Part II - Chlorine Demand

Reduce the Demand & Save

Algaecide

Shocks

Phosphates

Enzymes

Pool Care Economics Part I - Reducing Chlorine Costs

Reduce Chlorine Costs

Your Disinfection Team: Chlorine & pH

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED CHLORINE STICKER SHOCK?

Save Chlorine and $$$ with AOP

With the rise in chlorine prices, it’s a good idea to look for money-saving alternatives. An AOP system will save you money and produce a cleaner safer pool.

You Can Make Chlorine At Home!

What's
the Difference?

When To Use Chlorine Shock

Non-Chlorine Shock • Hybrid Shock
When & How to use it