Enhancing pool cleaning with clarifiers and enzymes
While sanitization is crucial for maintaining a clean pool, it should not be the sole focus. Ancillary chemicals such as clarifiers and enzymes play a significant role in breaking down non-living contaminants, saving chlorine’s energy for more effective tasks. Clarifiers assist in aggregating small particles into larger chains that the filter can capture. Despite proper filtration and chlorine use to remove visible contaminants, oils and dirt tend to accumulate along the waterline.
Enzymes, which are naturally-derived catalytic proteins, are valuable for breaking down organic matter into more manageable forms. Specific enzymes target nitrogenous amino acids, fats, or oils for efficient removal. Some products combine different types of enzymes to combat multiple types of contaminants. Enzyme technology is often incorporated with surfactants or phosphate removers.
The synergistic relationship between enzymes and surfactants enhances the performance of dual-action ancillary maintenance products. Surfactants attach their hydrophobic “tail” to oils at the surface, while the hydrophilic “head” lifts oils from the surface, allowing them to be broken down and removed through filtration. Surfactants also help prevent oily buildup in the filter. Additionally, phosphate removal products not only prevent calcium phosphate precipitation but also contribute to the clarification process. By eliminating these oxidizable non-living wastes, the demand on chlorine is reduced, leading to overall improved water quality.
Ensuring a sparkling finish
Each pool exhibits distinct behaviours and characteristics. By implementing a thoughtful maintenance strategy and remaining adaptable to make necessary adjustments, pool owners can overcome the late-season challenges they often encounter. Along with regularly monitoring the free chlorine levels, the use of complementary products will collaboratively contribute to keeping the pool enjoyable, clean, and tranquil for everyone until the end of summer, when children return to school, and, weather permitting, even into late fall.
Author
Emily Johnson, born and raised in South Carolina, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences and chemistry minor from the University of South Carolina. She is a recreational water enthusiast living in Atlanta, Ga., with her two rescue dogs who love a good dip in a splasher pool. She has been working for research and development at BioLab Inc., a KIK Custom Products Company, since 2014. She can be reached via email at emily.johnson@biolabinc.com.
