Swimming pool chemical

Swimming Pool Chemicals: Clean, Crystal Clear, Safe Water All Year Long

why is it necessary to chemically treat pool water?

1. Microbiological Control

Untreated pool water can contain viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and even invertebrates. These microorganisms can cause infections, irritations and serious diseases. Chemical treatment (chlorine, bromine, PHMB, active oxygen, etc.) can reduce up to 99.99% of these pathogens, without the need to completely sterilize the water.

2. Oxidation of organic matter

Bathers introduce urea, sweat, cosmetics, organic remains... These residues favor the growth of microorganisms and deteriorate water quality. Disinfectants also act as oxidants, transforming this organic matter into harmless compounds that are easily eliminated.

3. Avoiding communicable diseases

Poorly disinfected water can be a source of contagious diseases such as otitis, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, cryptosporidiosis, among others. Well-treated water avoids these risks, while complying with the values required by law (RD 742/2013).

4. Algae prevention

Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms that reproduce rapidly if the water is not treated. The use of algaecides and a correct chemical balance prevents the water from becoming green, slippery or cloudy.

5. PH control

An unbalanced pH reduces the effectiveness of chlorine, causes eye and skin irritation, and damages pool materials. The optimum range is between 7.2 and 7.6.. Products such as pH Minus or pH Plus help to maintain it.

6. Protection of materials

Poor water chemistry can cause:

• Corrosion (low pH)
• Scale (high pH or high hardness)
• Deterioration of filters, pumps or coatings Using products such as antiscalants, stabilizers and flocculants protects hydraulic systems and extends their service life.

7. Flocculation to keep water crystal clear

Suspended particles not visible to the naked eye cloud the water and are not retained by the filter. Flocculants agglomerate these particles so that they settle to the bottom or are easily filtered out.

8. Legal compliance and quality control

Spanish health regulations (RD 742/2013) require the use of chemicals to maintain parameters such as:

• pH
• Free chlorine
• Combined chlorine
• Turbidity

how do swimming pool chemicals work? Main product categories

Water Balance

Maintaining a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 is key. Alkalinity (TA) between 100-150 ppm and calcium hardness (CH) between 150-300 ppm should also be controlled. Products such as pH Plus, pH Minus or alkalinity increasers help to maintain the balance.

Disinfection

Continuous disinfection is essential. Chlorine (in tablet, granular or liquid form), bromine or active oxygen are used. CTX and Astralpool offer slow chlorine, multi-action and shock treatments.

Algaecides

They prevent and eliminate algae growth. It is important to use them regularly, especially in summer. There are maintenance and shock algaecides (e.g. CTX Algastop, Astralpool Algistop).

Flocculants and clarifiers

Cluster small particles so that they can be filtered out. Products such as CTX Xtreme Floc, Crystal Water or Astralpool Flocculant help to keep the water crystal clear.

Complements and specific solutions

• Anti-limescale: Prevent scaling (e.g. Antical Super).
• Cleaners: For waterline, stainless steel, filters and vessels (e.g. Netoline, Filnet, ctx WallCleaner).
• Stabilizers: Protect chlorine from solar action (30-50 ppm cyanuric acid).
• Winter products: Winterizers and concentrated anti-algae to maintain the water in cold months.

Maintenance Tips

• Test 1-2 times per week.
• Clean the filter according to type: sand (backwashing), cartridge (manual), diatomaceous earth (according to manufacturer).
• Filter water daily (time in hours = temperature / 2).
• Check skimmers and clean regularly.
• Avoid mixtures of incompatible products (such as chlorine and acids).