One fine summer day, a young girl named Tracy Morganstein went to her best friend’s house to swim.
It was a short walk, one she was allowed to take on her own. All the way there, she thought about how great it would be to beat the summer heat by jumping into the cool, blue water. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. It was hot out that day, nearly one hundred degrees. Tracy couldn’t wait to swim.
She reached her best friend Anna’s house and went through the side yard to the back. She called out her friend’s name as she went so as not to surprise her.
When she got into the backyard, she saw Anna standing on her deck with a concerned look on her face. “What is it?” Tracy asked.
“The water,” Anna said. “It’s not supposed to look like this.” Tracy looked into the water and saw that it wasn’t the clear blue she had pictured in her imagination. Instead, it was a murky green. The bottom looked furry.
“Can we still swim?” Tracy asked.
“I don’t know,” Anna replied. “I guess I’ll go ask my mom.”
While Anna went inside, Tracy thought about dipping her toes into the water. As she got closer, she changed her mind. That was because it wasn’t only creepy looking, the water also had a distinct smell. It smelled kind of like mold.
Before Anna returned, Tracy had already made up her mind. She wouldn’t be swimming that day.
Little did she know she had made the right decision. Although algae in the ocean is a vital part of the ecosystem, it doesn’t belong in your swimming pool. It can serve as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that could cause both humans and pets to become ill.
It can also make the bottom slippery, which makes it difficult for swimmers to reliably stand on the bottom. Algae has been known to cause its fair share of accidental drowning. Click the link: https://fwwa.org/2017/08/14/is-it-safe-to-swim-blue-green-algae-and-the-risks-to-humans-and-pets/ for more information about the dangers of swimming in algae-infested water.
It is vitally important for you to maintain your swimming pool. A quick trip to your local pool supply store can easily become overwhelming. There are many different products to choose from, each proclaiming to have a different benefit for your favorite backyard construction.
In this article, we’re going to outline the proper way for you to go about shopping for chemicals that can keep you swimming happily for years to come.
Take Stock
The first thing you’ll need to do is to think about the environmental concerns your water will face. Different environments cause different pests and growths. If you are new to the area, you will probably want to consult the weather from last summer to help you decide what you are going to need.
Is the area you live in humid or dry? This can impact the growth of algae.
Are there lots of animals? You may need a more high-intensity cleaning product if you are likely to get a lot of bird excrement in your pool. Click here for more information about what to do if you find birds and their waste in or around your backyard.
Do you have a deck, or are you and your guests walking across dirt and grass before climbing into the water? Each of these contaminants impacts the water differently.
Once you have a list of the specific environmental concerns you are facing, you’re ready for the next step.
Mechanical Details
The next thing you’re going to need to do is to look at your pool. Some pools have built-in filters that can help keep your pool clean. Others are cleaned solely through chemicals and with your own two hands.
A skimmer and brush are both essential tools to help combat dirt and grime. These are to be used in conjunction with the proper chemicals.
Come on Down!
Once you know your pool inside and out, you’re ready to take a trip to your local supply store. You’ll want to choose a reputable dealer to help you. You might find that Watson’s swimming pool chemicals is more than adequate for your needs. A salesperson can help steer you in the right direction. Many people will need something to regulate the pH level of the pool, something to kill algae, and chlorine.
It is important to pick up testing kits while you’re there. Testing kits help you determine whether your water is at a safe level to use. Even though it might look clean, testing can reveal hidden bacteria.
Swimming is a fun and safe way to enjoy your summer. Make sure to get the chemicals you need in order to fully enjoy yourself and to host friends and family proudly.
