If you have a swimming pool, then you can easily recognize the familiar smell of chlorine. This powerful disinfectant plays a major role in maintaining a clean and healthy swimming environment for you, your family and friends. pH balancers or other chemicals are added to keep the pool water at a neutral level of 7.0.

However, problems can develop when too much chlorine and/or other chemicals are added to pool water. Pool service professionals are sharing their advice about these issues and how they can affect swimmers and a pool’s structure and equipment.

Only the Proper Amount

While chlorine in swimming pools is added to kill bacteria and other microscopic organisms, the chemical is strong. There is a danger of over-chlorinated water, especially to the health of swimmers. You can immediately end up with red, irritated and itchy eyes. Unbalanced chlorine levels can also cause sensitivity to the respiratory system and result in a chlorine cough, a burning sensation in the throat and more.

At its most harmful, excessive chlorine can poison a swimmer if the disinfectant is swallowed or inhaled. That’s why pool maintenance matters, including checking the levels of chemicals present.

High Acidity Damage

An excessive amount of chlorine added to your swimming pool’s water can also throw off the neutral balance you’re trying to maintain. High chlorine levels tend to lower the pH level of the water. This, in turn, makes the pool water more acidic, and this is bad news for your pool’s integrity.

For instance, excessive acidity can quickly cause corrosion to the concrete surfaces, pool equipment and metal fittings around the pool. The overly high acidity levels can also “eat away” at the interior finish and paving surfaces around your pool. Water that is too acidic can also destroy other pool accessories, equipment and piping. This imbalance can gunk up the plumbing and result in poor circulation, too.

Calcium, Water Stabilizer

Calcium is another key element added to pool water to stop corrosion and maintain a balanced water chemistry. Again, the amount you put into the pool is important. For example, high levels of calcium will turn the water cloudy and cause buildup on pool walls, floors and equipment. The chemical can also clog the filters, pipes and plumbing lines.

Every swimming pool requires a minimum level of calcium hardness, and too little of the chemical can degrade the pool’s tile and metal.

Turn to the Experts

You enjoy having a swimming pool and want to protect your investment and maintain its safety and hygienic features. Don’t guess at the chemical amounts. Contact The Pool Company today for exceptional pool water testing and treatment services in River Vale, NJ.