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.