Pool Chemicals – Sanitizers
Adding sanitizer to your fountain to kill harmful pathogens. Most people use chlorine to perform this task. As a disinfecting agent for swimming pools, comes in two basic forms: the solid form, calcium hypochlorite, or the liquid form, sodium hypochlorite. Alternative pool sanitizers work in a similar way and include the non-halogen class of sanitizers known as biguanides and bromide, which works better in hotter temperatures. When you perform fountain maintenance, you should only use one type of sanitizer to avoid fountain problems such as discolored water.
Pool Chemicals – Stabilizing Agents
While chlorine can kill bacteria, it often becomes unstable in the water. This can occur when UV rays penetrate the water. Chlorine can also combine with other pool chemicals to create new compounds that will negatively affect the water in fountains. Many sanitizers come with pool stabilizing agents included, but you
may need to add a stabilizer like cyanuric acid.
Pool Chemicals - Shock Agents
You may need to add a pool shock agent to the water when chlorine or other sanitizers combine with ammonia or nitrogen compounds and create chloramines. When this occurs, the sanitizer loses its ability to kill pathogens. You can use a high dose of chlorine, designed to raise the chlorine level up to 10 times its current level; a non-chlorine shock, such as monopersulfate-based oxidizers; or other alternatives like lithium hypochlorite.
Pool Chemicals – Algaecides
Algae does more than turn fountains green! The bacteria can make the walls and floor of a fountain slippery, increasing the risk of an injury related to a fall. While sanitizers help reduce the buildup of algae, you may need to add a pool algaecide as part of your pool maintenance routine. The most popular and least expensive algaecide falls under the Quat category, which uses surfactants to prevent algae development. Polyquats can work on a variety of algae, including yellow or black variations, and are a better option for people who are trying to clear up an algae infestation. Other alternatives, such as copper salts, are available; however, they can stain fountains over time.
Pool Chemicals – Water Clarifiers
Sparkling clear water doesn't happen overnight, but cloudy or hazy water can. Pool water clarifiers are pool chemicals that you can add to improve clarity. Many work by bonding to debris particles, making them easier to see. The increased size allows you to use pool tools, like skimmers, to remove the debris from the pool. Most water clarifiers will not affect a pool's pH level or other chemical balance levels.
Pool Chemicals – Pool Stain Removers
Sometimes the preventive measures you take during your fountain maintenance routine will lead to unsightly stains on your fountain. You may find it necessary to use pool stain removers to restore your pool to its original condition. When you shop for pool chemicals, look for ones that will work on the type of surface you have. With the pebble pool finish, you may want to acid wash it to remove stains, use a 50/50 mix muratic acid to water, wash and rinse. This should be done by someone who has experience with doing this. You can also use stain products to help prevent the development of discoloration.