As the saying goes, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Over-chlorination can do a lot more damage than you might expect. Beyond the physical irritation and safety issues that too much chlorine causes, over-chlorination can make it harder to clean your pool. Here’s why this happens and what you can do about it.
Over-Chlorination Can Mar Pool Surfaces
The reason we take such good care of our pools is to keep them in pristine condition. Too much chlorine can have the opposite effect. When you over-chlorinate the water, it can either cause fading, staining or bleaching of the pool liner and other surfaces. This is something that you won’t be able to clean and will have to repair if you want to restore your pool to its former glory.
It Can Corrode Elements of the Pool and Make It Harder to Clean
Too much chlorine is acidic for the pool. One of the biggest problems that this presents is damage to the various elements of the pool. For example, too much chlorine could cause corrosion to pool ladders, introducing contaminants that would affect your pool’s water. More problematic is the corrosion that can occur to pumps and plumbing, making your pool’s systems less efficient at keeping your pool clean.
You May Notice a Buildup of Deposits in the Pool
Have you noticed gray or white deposits forming around the surface of your pool? Are you at a loss for why it’s happening? Certain forms of chlorine can produce calcium deposits that start to build up in the pool. These are not only unsightly, but they also make your pool harder to clean. The best way to avoid this is to stop using calcium hypochlorite and switch to liquid chlorine.
Too Much Chlorine Can Impact Water Testing Results
Testing your water frequently is part of keeping a clean pool. However, a problem arises when you’ve added too much chlorine to your water. If over-chlorination causes your pool water to exceed the recommended levels, it can lead to false pH and alkalinity readings. It can also make it seem as though your chlorine levels are low. This can lead to you thinking that your pool water is clean and safe to swim in when it’s not.
Over-chlorination damages the pool, corrodes its systems and essential pool products, leads to deposit buildup, and can affect pool water testing. The best way to avoid this is to work with pool experts who can manage your water properly and show you how to maintain your pool successfully. Contact us at Galati Pools & Spas in Newburgh, NY for pool water testing and balancing.
