“Ewwww, what’s that smell?!”  Have you ever found yourself asking this question poolside?  If so, rest assured you are not alone.  Just like any other body of water, a pool is susceptible to various problems. Typically, it’s nothing too serious and can be fixed with some chemical adjustment.   It is important to note, anytime you feel your water chemistry may be off, take a sample into your pool supply store and let them give you a true water analysis.

So, what is that smell?  Most likely it is chloramines.  What are chloramines?  Chloramines are created when the chlorine in your pool meets contaminants that contain ammonia and/or nitrogen.  Both can be found in things like urine and sweat, even saliva or rain.  The biggest misconception about the “smell of chlorine” is that it is indicative of a well sanitized pool, when actually, the opposite is true.

Buckle your seat belt, we are about to have a crash course in basic water chemistry!  Chloramines form by replacing the hydrogen or ammonia atoms with chlorine atoms in certain compounds (urine, sweat, rain, saliva, etc).  As the free chlorine is captured in other compounds, it is no longer available to serve its principle function as a disinfectant.  The end result?  A pool high in chloramines with less sanitary water.

How can you tell if you pool is high in chloramines?  Outside of smell, you may find that your bathers complain of irritated skin and eyes and even difficulty breathing.  The water may also appear cloudy.  The best way to solve this problem is to do a super shock on your water.  This will initiate something called breakpoint chlorination, which is necessary to eliminate the chloramines. During this process, chlorine is burning up the chloramines through oxidation and removing them from the water.

To be sure this problem isn’t a recurring one, it is important to keep your water balanced.  In addition to maintaining your chlorine levels, be sure your pH and alkalinity are within the recommended parameters as well.  Finding a reputable and knowledgeable dealer can be the difference between an enjoyable pool season and a miserable one.  If you need help finding someone in your area, visit us online www.apiwater.com and let us send you to one of our many authorized retail locations.  Until we meet again, stay safe and enjoy your pool!

Thus far, 2020 has been…an adventure, to say the least.  And now, for those of us who live on the Eastern and Gulf coasts, it is time to prepare for what is predicted to be a humdinger of a hurricane season.  Experts are predicting as many as 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 MAJOR hurricanes.  While we are hoping they are wrong, it is wise to prepare.  For those of you who are pool owners, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers on how to best prepare your pool and patio this hurricane season.

Q:  I’ve heard that I should place my patio furniture inside my pool during a storm and/or hurricane.

A:  We advise against this for a couple of reasons.  The items could damage your pools liner and/or finish and can also cause staining.  It is best to store these items in a shed or garage until the storm passes.

 

Q:  Should I drain my above ground pool prior to heavy rains or storms?

A:  No.  Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the weight needed to hold the sides and bottom in place during the storm.  Your pool won’t blow away.  On average, filled above ground pool weighs 10,000lbs!

 

Q: Do I need to do anything to my pools water chemistry before the storm?

A:  Yes.  It is strongly advisable to super chlorinate your pool water.  Shock your pool in your typical manner.

 

Q:  How do I prepare my deck and patio?  What about my screen?

A:  Remove any panels or doors that may be loose or not as secure.  You can also create a vent in your screen frame which will allow relief from high winds and help avoid some damage.

 

Q:  What about my chemicals?  How should I store them?

A:  While is always advisable to store chemicals in a well ventilated, dry environment, it is even more important to do so during hurricane season.  Be sure they are in a high, dry and safe area.  Some chemicals can create toxic gasses or even fire when they come into contact with others.

 

Q:  Should I turn off my electrical and automatic systems?

A:  Without question, yes! Lightening and electrical equipment are not friends.  You will want to be sure all equipment is turned off at the circuit breaker prior to the storm.

 

Q:  When the storm is over, do I need to test my water?

A:  Yes.  The debris that landed in your pool and heavy rain can throw off your levels.

 

It goes without saying, your safety and that of your family is first.  So do as much pre-storm planning as possible.  Removing patio furniture and umbrellas, pool toys, and any loose limbs that are in or around the pool and patio area can save you time and money when the storm finally passes.  Be sure to stock up on hurricane essentials such as flashlights, water, and candles.  I’d say toilet paper, but don’t want this blog to be the reason for the next national shortage!

These are just a few of the most common questions asked regarding pool care during this time of year.  If you have a question that we didn’t answer, feel free to text or call us at (877)274-7261.  You can also email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more hurricane preparedness information, check out this information from our friends at chooseenergy.com   https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/hurricane-preparedness-guide/

Until we meet again, stay safe and enjoy your pool!