Pool
Chemicals
Swimco
offer the Pro-Swim range of pool chemicals for all aspects
of pool care.
Sample
range of our stock shown below.
For
orders or further advice, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Blue
Horizons Range
Complete
Pool Controls Ltd is the leading independent supplier of pool
and spa chemicals in the UK and is a leading authority on
water treatment and pool maintenance
Simple to use and
easy to follow, our newly updated pool guide describes the
treatments required and the products we recommend to keep
your pool water in great condition all year round.
Blue
Horizons Pool Care Guide 
Sanitising
Before
you begin using your pool it must be clean and safe to bathe
in and free from harmful bacteria and other impurities.
This
process is known as sanitising. A variety of sanitisers
are available and your choice will depend on personal preference,
pool fittings, convenience and performance.
Chlorine
Sanitisers
The
most common sanitising agent, chlorine, breaks down impurities
in pool water. For healthy bathing, chlorine needs to
be added until it is present as 'free chlorine'. This
is the stage reached after all the impurities have been broken
down and further chlorine has been added.
Ideally,
the amount of free chlorine should never fall below 1 part
per million (ppm). For most private pools, we recommend
a free chlorine level, of between 1 and 1.5 ppm. For
larger, more frequently used pools, we recommend 2 to 3 ppm.
Blue
Horizons Stabilised Chlorine Granules
One
of the most effective chlorine products available. Benefits
include:
- Easy to use
- Contains 55% of available chlorine
- Completely soluble
- Little if any pH balance required
Pro-Chlor
Granules should be dissolved in a clean plastic container
of warm water, then poured over the surface of the pool, distributing
as evenly as possible around the sides.
Blue
Horizon 200 gm Chlorine Tablets
These
tablets dissolve more slowly, gradually releasing chlorine
over 3 to 14 days. They should ideally be used alongside
granules for maximum chlorine control. They must be
used via a skimmer, or tablet doser. Take the required
number of tablets out of their polythene seal and place them
in the skimmer so that they are totally immersed. Do
not throw the tablets directly into the pool as they will
dissolve on the pool floor and may cause staining or bleaching.
Ultrapure Chlorine
Liquid
This
liquid is ideal for shock dosing swimming pools. It
is economical method of general chlorination and can be added
directly to the pool. It has a limited shelf life and
weakens with storage.
Super-chlorination
or shock treatment may sometimes be required to overcome problems
such as cloudy water or to get rid of algae. This process
involves adding sanitising agents in larger doses.
Blue
Horizons Rapid Shock Granules
Recommended
for super-chlorination. They contain 65% of available
chlorine to raise chlorine levels more quickly than ordinary
sanitisers. Add in the same way as Stabilised Chlorine
Granules.
Blue Horizons
Rapid Shock Granules
The
easiest way to shock dose your pool. Each Aquasachet
contains a measured dose of Rapid Shock Granules for a 10,000
gallon pool. So simple to use!
Other Sanitisers
Blue Crystal
The
Blue Crystal system provides longer term protection from bacteria
and algae. It gives water a softer feel and requires
little maintenance. The system consists of three products,
notably, Alpha, Omega and a shock treatment. We recommend
the chlorine shock treatment Pro-Swim Shock-It or the non
chlorine alternative Pro-Swim Oxyshock. Add by dispersing
evenly around the pool.
Blue Horizons
Bromine Tablets
Bromine
has the advantage of having a less pungent odour than chlorine.
It is particularly effective where the pool water temperature
exceeds 28 degrees centigrade, for example, indoor whirlpools,
hydrotherapy pools, spas and jacuzzis. Bromine tablets
should be dosed via a brominator.
Balancing
the pH
Incorrect
pH balance can cause problems such as skin and eye irritation,
the corrosion of pool fittings and reduced efficiency of chlorine.
To prevent this, the pH needs to be kept at the correct level.
The
pH level is measured on a scale from 0-14 with 7 being neutral.
The ideal level is between 7.2 and 7.6. The pH should
be adjusted as soon as the pool is filled because tap water
pH varies widely from region to region. Once filled,
regular checks are necessary as pH is also affected by dilution
with fresh water and the addition of chemicals.
Blue Horizons
pH Minus (Dry Acid)
When
the pH is too high (above 7.6) a quick and simple way to lower
the level is to add Blue Horizons pH Minus. Dissolve
the dry acid in a bucket of clean, warm water and distribute
the solution evenly over the pool surface at the required
rate until the ideal pH is reached. This may take several
additions on a gradual basis.
Blue Horizons
pH Plus (Alkali)
When
the pH is too low (below 7.2) it can be quickly brought back
to the required level by adding Blue Horizons pH Plusi.
Controlling
the Alkalinity
The
'total alkalinity' level should always be between 80 and 150
parts per million (ppm).
If
the total alkalinity is below 80 ppm, it can be difficult
to control pH. If the total alkalinity is above 150
ppm, it may result in cloudy water or scale on the pool surface.
It can also make pH adjustment difficult.
Blue Horizons
TA Raiser
Use
Blue Horizons TA Raiser to raise the level of total alkalinity
until the required level is reached.
Blue Horizons
TA Reducer
Use
Blue Horizons TA Reducer to lower the level of total alkalinity.
It shoul be dosed at a single spot at the deep end of the
pool with the circulation turned off. After one hour
switch on the circulation pump and allow the pool water to
mix thoroughly. Test and repeat if necessary.
If more than 20 litres of Blue Horizons Reducer is required,
dose in stages.
Adjusting
the Water Hardness
The
hardness of water can vary enormously. If the water
is too soft, it can damage mechanical equipment. If
it is too hard, and the pH is not balanced, unsighly calcium
deposits may form on the pool walls and surrounds.
To
adjust the water hardness, measure the amount of calcium salts
present in the water, known as calcium hardness. There
is no upper limit probiding the pH and alkalinity levels are
correct (for more information, please refe to the Balancing
the pH and Controlling the Alkalinity sections).
It
is worth remembering that evaporation can affect water hardness
so the hardness needs to be checked regularly. Also,
when adjusting the hardness it is important to maintain the
correct pH level to prevent calcium deposits forming.
Blue Horizons
Calcium Hardness Raiser
Recommended
to adjust the water hardness. Use as and when required.
Preventing
Algae Growth
The
tiny algae plant is a real menace. It develops quickly,
forms unsightly stains, discolours pool water and can be difficult
to remove.
Algae
is likely to form when sanitiser levels are too low, pH levels
are incorrect or in areas of poor circulation. Sometimes,
algae can build up a resistance to chlorine and other sanitising
products.
To
prevent its formation we recommend either a copper based or
non-copper based algicide. Copper based algicides are
generally more effective but this is down to personal preference.
We also recommend that pool surfaces are regularly brushed.
Copper based
algicides
Blue Horizons
Algimax Eliminator, Kleenpool Longlife Algicide & Blue
Horizons Ultimate Aligicide Concentrate
For
ease of use, we recommend either of the above long-term algicides.
Both products provide 12 months protection with just two doses
- one at the start of the season and one at the end.
Non-copper
based algicides
Blue Horizons
Summer Clear and Blue Horizons Wintertime
For
long-term summer and winter protection, Blue Horizons Summer
Clear and Blue Horizons Wintertime provide longlife protection
against algae with just a single dose.
Making Your
Pool Water Sparkle
Pool
water can look crystal clear by using clarifiers and flocculants
which combine fine particles with larger particles prior to
being filtered out.
Blue Horizons
Ultimate Water Clarifier
This
fast-acting liquid adds sparkle by collectingand removing
tiny particles of debris. Can be used with sand cartridges
and DE filters.
Blue Horizons
Aquasparkle
Tablets
that deposit coagulant material on to the filter sand to retain
fine particles.
Storing and Handling Chemicals
All
swimming pool chemicals should be handled with care and kept
out of reach of children and pets.
Granules,
tablets, powders and algicide containers should be well sealed
after use and stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight,
heat and moisture.
Sodium
Hypochlorite containers should be well sealed after use and
stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.
When using liquid hypochlorite, use gloves and goggles and
protect clothing.
When
using chemicals:
- Avoid contact with the eyes
- Wash all spillages with water
- Dispose of empty containers safely
- When using acid, always add the
acid to water
- Never mix chemicals during storage
or when adding to your pool
Full
details and safety information are shown on the pack labels.
Customer
Notice
Read
Chemical labels carefully before use.
- All persons using pool chemicals must
read the instructions and safety warnings shown on the container
labels.
- Pool chemicals should be used only in
accordance with instructions detailed on the container and
for no other purpose.
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