Oxidizers
Oxidizers, also known as shock products, are used to complement sanitizers. Shocking a pool breaks down and removes a wide variety of contaminants in the water. Elevating the sanitizer levels can also break down contaminants, but those chemicals tend to deplete very quickly in the process. The addition of
a shock product helps reduce the amount of work the sanitizer must accomplish to keep the pool clean and clear. Shocking will help make it easier to maintain the constant sanitizer residual needed by breaking down bather waste and other contaminants; leaving the sanitizer to do its main job of killing bacteria. The shock product can be thought of like a broom and the sanitizer is as a mop. The mop does the heavy-duty work of cleaning a floor, but the job is much easier with a quick sweep using a broom first. The combination of sanitizing and shocking is what makes the water safe.
Algaecides
Algaecides specifically prevent or kill algae. A good product will eliminate and stop the growth of green, black, and mustard algae, which are the most common types found in pools. There are many different types of algaecides including chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), copper-based products, and quat-based products. Copper and quat-based algaecides are very effective at working with chlorine or bromine to kill algae without relying on the sanitizer to do the work.
The fastest and most efficient products are a combination of technologies which will do both, kill and prevent algae growth in many ways. A pool technician could also deploy sanitizers to control algae, however, they are slower and less effective. Algaecide provides an extra layer of protection against algae growth and reduces the strain on the pool’s chlorine residual. Quality algaecides will create a residual in the pool, providing protection without needing to add products every day.
Ancillary products and balancers
The last category of pool chemicals can be generalized as ancillary products. While the three categories above are non-negotiable pool care products, ancillary products are not outright required for pool water maintenance. However, they still add value and efficiency to pool care programs. These products include enzymes to help remove non-living contaminants, scale prevention, and metal control products to protect the pool surfaces and equipment. They also include clarifiers and phosphate removers to help improve water quality and clarity. Ancillary products can save the end-user’s time, money, and can help provide better water with minimal effort.
One subset of ancillary products is the “balancer” category. Balancers are exactly what they sound like: products to balance the chemistry of the pool. Its parameters include pH and total alkalinity (TA) to control the acid/base balance of the water, along with calcium hardness adjusters to keep water from being aggressive or scale-forming. Balancing the water leads to a comfortable environment for swimmers, clear water, and functional pool equipment over time.
A deeper look at sanitizers
Sanitizers are the main product people think about for pools, and there are many different choices available. Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) is the most common type of sanitizer. Most commercially available sanitizer sticks and tabs are made of TCCA, as they offer an ease-of-use benefit for consumers. This is mostly due to the slow dissolving nature of the product. Trichlor sticks or tabs can be used in feeders, floaters, or introduced through the pool skimmer to provide a continuous source of chlorine sanitizer to the pool as the product dissolves. Since trichlor dissolves over a span of days, users can add the product and let it be, knowing a refill is not likely necessary for several days.
