If you enjoy swimming in your pool during super hot sunny days, you’ll need to know how the sun reacts with the chemicals in the pool. Taking a dip in the pool on a warm day is a great way to relax. You may not have to worry about the cleanliness of the water if the pool is properly chlorinated.
Chlorine keeps bacteria and algae from growing rampantly in the pool. Chlorine also maintains the color of the pool water; it keeps it from turning green. The sun can affect the way chlorine works to purify your pool water. That’s why it’s important to know how to care for the water so that it’s safe for you and your family.
Does Water Temperature Affect Chlorine?
The temperature of the water in the pool affects the way chlorine is broken down in the pool. When bacteria in the water proliferates, free chlorine is consumed at a faster rate. If the water temperature is too high, you could scald your skin when getting into the water. Ideally, the temperature for spas and hot tubs shouldn’t be more than 104 degrees. The pool water temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees for chlorine to function effectively.
What Does the Sun Do to Chlorine?
There are two types of chlorine present in the pool: free and combined. Free chlorine is a fraction of the chlorine used to shield the water from infection and bacteria. Free chlorine is lost when it comes in contact with sunlight. Free chlorine is also lost when bacteria reacts with it. Free chlorine is formed when the chlorine forms hypchlorite ions. The hypochlorite separates when UV light hits it. This turns the hypochlorite into gas, which is released into the air. When humans or animals are in contact with too much chlorine in the air, breathing difficulties may occur.
Combined chlorine is the portion of chlorine that interacts with bacteria and algae. When there is too much combined chlorine in the pool, it may be a sign that your pool is getting too much sunlight. The sun makes the chlorine less active, and more foreign invaders are able to fester freely in the water. However, the free chlorine is what needs to be replaced when you re-chlorinate your pool. When your pool reaches less than one part per million, the pool is not safe for swimming. Re-chlorinate the pool.
Effect of UV on Chlorine
UV rays oxidize the chlorine in the water. This causes UV light chlorine degradation. Chlorine is the chemical used most often to treat and prevent bacteria in the water. This makes it a necessary component for your pool water. However, chlorine is very reactive and has a very strong smell, which is why you can’t put too much in the water. When the chlorine level is too high, it can also cause corrosion on parts of the pool. Sunlight degrades chlorine to the point where it is not as active as it’s supposed to be. This is why it’s best to build your pool in a part of the yard that doesn’t get direct sunlight. You can also choose to set up your pool or hot tub in a shaded area to limit the amount of sunlight that comes in contact with your water.
Contact No Limit Pools to learn more about pool care and choose a pool that is right for your property and budget. We are currently servicing Chandler, Gilbert, Grand Canyon, Mesa, AZ, and surrounding areas. Our qualified team of experts can evaluate your property to make the best pool recommendations. You will also get professional advice for your pool or hot tub. We will help you keep it looking great and functioning at its best for years to come.
