A swimming pool is essentially an enclosed living body of water that, if not balanced, chemically maintained, and filtered, will soon become stagnant (green, hazy, and sometimes odiferous) and allow hazardous germs to grow (typically within 14 days). Irritation of the skin, nose, and eyes is caused by this bacteria. The following are the four major elements that contribute to or speed up the rate at which a swimming pool becomes stagnant and unhealthy:
- Algae – The most common way for algae to enter your swimming pool is by the wind. Algae spores are constantly floating in the environment around us. Algae will settle in your pool and, if the conditions are favourable, will begin to multiply. Algae (black, mustard, or green) causes ugly stains in your pool, but it also provides nutrition for bacteria to thrive. The mixture of algae and bacteria will discolour the water, turning it green in most cases.
- Bathers – Perspiration, body oils, suntan oils, urine, and dirt are all introduced into the swimming pool by the average bather. These will lead to your pool becoming sluggish if they are not chemically broken down.
- Extreme Weather – The water balance (pH) of your pool will be altered by extreme weather events such as lightning, rain, and prolonged heat spells, limiting the efficacy of any pool chemicals.
- The sand filter is the most used swimming pool filtration device in South Africa. Water is circulated through the filter sand by the filtration system (pump, motor, and filter), which removes dead algae, waste, and detritus. It also aids in the dispersion of chemicals in the water of your pool. Your pool filtration system should be serviced every two years to guarantee that the water quality in your pool remains optimal.