Healthy Swimming

Happy Swimming

The importance of Chlorine and pH in disinfection

As pool owners, it is our responsibility to ensure appropriate disinfection levels to safeguard everyone’s well-being and provide a healthy swimming environment.

The effectiveness of chlorine is influenced by the pH level of the water. Maintaining the correct pH range (typically 7.2 to 7.8) ensures that chlorine works efficiently to sanitize the pool. If the pH is too high or too low, chlorine’s effectiveness diminishes, leading to potential hygiene issues. Regular testing and adjustment of both chlorine and pH levels are essential for a properly maintained and safe swimming pool.

Chlorine kills contaminants, viruses, and bacteria by breaking down their cell structure and disrupting their essential processes, preventing them from multiplying and causing infections.

pH is crucial for chlorine’s effectiveness in swimming pools because it influences the ionization of chlorine molecules. Maintaining the pH within the ideal range ensures chlorine exists in its most active form, optimizing its ability to disinfect and maintain a safe swimming environment.

The most accurate testing methods for water testing in swimming pools typically involve liquid test kits or electronic testers (photometer). These methods provide precise measurements of chlorine, pH, and other parameters. While test strips are convenient, they may have lower accuracy compared to liquid kits or electronic testers. Accurate and regular testing are crucial for optimal pool maintenance.

pH and its impact on swimmers and pool equipment

pH greater than 8.0

Elevated pH levels in swimming pools have been associated with adverse effects on swimmers, manifesting as skin and eye irritation. Furthermore, the alkaline environment promotes the formation of scale on pool surfaces, potentially compromising both aesthetic appeal and the structural integrity of the pool surfaces.

The pH of tears in our eyes is approximately 7.5

A pH of 7.5 is ideal for swimmer comfort due to the compatibility with the natural pH of tears. Water with a pH close to 7.5 is less likely to cause irritation to the eyes, as it aligns with the body’s natural pH balance. Substances that deviate significantly from this level can potentially lead to discomfort and irritation, making a pH of 7.5 a reasonable target for maintaining swimmers’ comfort.

pH lower than 7.0

Conversely, when the pH is low it may also cause skin and eye irritation, as well as overall swimming discomfort. Simultaneously, the corrosive nature of low pH due to its acidity is detrimental to pipes and other equipment posing a threat to the longevity and functionality of these components.

How long does it take Chlorine to kill germs?

E. coli (bacterium)

Free available Chlorine effectively destroys E. coli in under 1 minute, showcasing its rapid and potent antimicrobial properties.

Hepatitis A (virus)

Free Available Chlorine will eradicate this virus by achieving a reduction of viral activity by approximately 99% within a timeframe of 16 minutes.

Giardia (parasite)

Free Available Chlorine exhibits efficacy in the eradication of this parasite, achieving a significant reduction of viability within an approximate duration of 45 minutes.

Cryptosporidium (parasite)

Free Available Chlorine demonstrates robust parasitical activity against this deadly parasite neutralizing its viability and ensuring complete disinfection in approximately 15,300 minutes (10.6 days)