Swimming in a pool or spa can provide countless hours of enjoyment, and having healthy, balanced water is key. Adding chemicals and testing pH levels regularly is essential to keeping the water clean† and balanced. However, many homeowners question how long they need to wait before it’s safe to use the water after treating it with chemicals? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Adding Chemicals to the Water is Key
Without proper care, the water in a pool or spa can easily change in pH due to external factors. Chemicals help to keep the water clean† and free of contaminants. Sanitizers, pH adjusters, and clarifiers are just some examples of chemicals you need for your pool or spa.
Wondering which chemicals to add and which ones you need? You can use testing kits or strips to help you out. Note that a healthy pH balance falls between 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH of your pool or spa’s water isn’t within this range, it can damage the unit and affect its swimmers. By checking the water levels at least once a week, you are proactively keeping your pool or spa clean† and balanced – ensuring an enjoyable experience for you, your family members, and your guests.
So, How Long Should You Wait Before Swimming?
How long should you wait before swimming? The short answer is that it depends on the type and amount of chemicals added to the pool or spa and its size. For example, if you’ve just added large amounts of chlorine to shock the water, you’ll need to wait up to 24 hours before swimming. This gives the chlorine time to work and kills any bacteria in the water. Speaking of shocking the water, this should be done at the first signs of murkiness or cloudiness to ensure that algae or bacteria build-up doesn’t occur. If you used sanitizers that are less powerful than chlorine, you might only need to wait a couple of hours for it to settle. While it’s true that most of them are chlorine-based, they’re significantly less intense, so it takes less time for them to settle.
If you use calcium chloride to adjust the calcium hardness levels of your pool or spa, you’ll need to wait a couple of hours before taking a dip. It’s important to use calcium chloride because if the calcium levels get too low, it can cause damage to the primary components of your swimming unit. When handling any pool or spa chemicals it’s best to do so safely and ensure you’re also taking the necessary precautions. And although, when it comes to swimming, it’s not always fun to have to wait, it’s best to allow your chemicals to do their job before entering the pool. Not only will waiting some time allow the chemicals to settle but can also allow them to do what they’re intended to do, which is keep you spa’s water clean† and the pH levels balanced.
Have any questions about chemicals and when and how to use them best? We recommend contacting a local spa dealer, as they should be able to answer any questions you may have.
By keeping an eye on your spa’s water levels and adding chemicals as needed, you can ensure that it’s safe for all to use. The same goes for treating the water and waiting the allotted time. By waiting for the water to settle, you can also ensure that everyone is safe and enjoying it to the fullest! To learn more about what’s involved in owning a spa or finding the right one for you and your home, download our free buyer’s guide.