The different products
Good practices
There is a very wide range of treatment products for swimming pools, however only
essential products are listed here:
Warning: all solid products are to be put in the skimmer basket to
prevent stains on the liner.
• Lime scale sequestrant: treatment to prevent the formation of any lime scale, which with
calcium and magnesium forms molecules that cannot be precipitated.
• pH+, pH-, TH+ and TAC+: correctors used to achieve the ideal values recommended.
• Chlorine tablet: slow form of chlorine distribution, whether or not stabilised.
• Stabiliser: supplementary non stabilised chlorine treatment additive (chlorine protection
against UV).
• Testing strip: simple, quick, economical chemical measuring device.
• Shock treatment (active chlorine or oxygen) to be used occasionally.
Start-up
The right start enables the formation of lime scale and algae to be prevented, and
avoids the occurrence of over-stabilisation in the case of a chlorine treatment (see
Start-up chapter: the chemistry of water).
Weekly inspection
Every week, you should:
• analyse and readjust the pH
• check the temperature of the water and the quality of your disinfection treatment
• clean the pool and equipment
• look out for changes in the appearance of the water and if necessary apply a curative
treatment (see Use: the chemistry of water chapter).
Monthly readings
Every month, you should note the TH, TAC and stabiliser (ICA) values which ascertain
the health of your water. After readjusting them, look for the possible appearance of
algae or lime scale and treat preventively in mid-season.
Know your swimming pool and how to react
Clear, sparkling water is the result of correct ltration, regular pool maintenance and
accurate chemical treatment. Water is a medium that reacts to its environment, learn
to identify its reactions, for example after a long day’s swimming or hot summer sun. A
shock treatment may sometimes by effective to re-establish clear water.
Important precaution
The chemical treatments are all optimized for swimming pools that
are exposed to air and ultraviolet light. When they are closed by
a shutter, tarp, cover, or other such feature, the same quantity of
chemicals is too much.
To avoid problems:
1) The swimming pool should be opened for at least 2 hours a day («to let the
water breathe»)
2) If the pool is kept closed for a week or more, the duration or intensity of the
treatment must be cut AT LEAST IN HALF.
The risks if this is not done are the following:
• wrinkling, embrittlement, and porosity of the liner
• deterioration of the equipment
