A swimming pool is a great utility to have in a home, hotel, or any institution. As such, it’s vital to schedule regular maintenance and check-ups. One of the common problems you’ll have to deal with is pool foaming, manifested through thick air bubbles at the surface that don’t pop with ease. For clarity, normal pool bubbles are light, have minimal tension, and pop with slight pressure.
Some of the causes of pool foaming include:
- Chemical imbalance
- Poor hygiene from swimmers
- Drainage issues
- Pool cleaning products
So, how do you deal with pool foaming in Phoenix, AZ
1. Adjust the Pool’s Chemical Composition
An imbalance of chlorine levels is one of the causes of pool foaming. You should therefore check both PH status and alkalinity levels in the swimming pool. The right alkaline level should be between 100-150 ppm, whereas the suitable PH should range between 7.2 to 7.6.
Here’s how to balance the above aspects:
- PH levels: Add sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate to boost PH levels if it’s lower than 7.2. Add PH minus to lower a PH that is above 7.6.
- Alkaline levels: Apply a strong acid like muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to lower the alkaline levels. You can use these acids to manage both acidity and alkalinity levels but with varying rates.
2. Drain & Refill
Draining is one solution to consider, especially after a busy holiday season or massive traffic in the pool. It’s also an alternative when the chemical load is very high. The draining process offers you a chance to clean the walls, drains, and disinfect the entire system.
After draining, refill the pool with fresh water, and test the chemical composition. Use the test results to balance the chemical composition.
3. Use Anti-foam Chemicals
Use anti-foam chemicals as a complement to the other chemical balancing methods. The antifoam solution helps to deal with foam that remains after balancing acidity and alkalinity levels.
A point to note: It’s only recommendable to use anti-foam chemicals if you had recently cleaned the pool— this is to deal with a temporary foam problem.
4. Hair and Skin Care Products
Swimmers’ hygiene has a direct impact on the health of your swimming pool. To that end, skin and hair products like hair gel, hairspray, shampoo, and conditioners build up in the water, causing foam.
Unlike private pools, where it’s easier to regulate and control swimmers’ behavior, public users’ poor hygiene leads to foam formation faster. Educate the users on the need to rinse their hair before getting into the pool— especially after applying shampoo on the hair.
Chemical Solution: Use chlorine shock or chlorine-free shock to clear the contaminants. The super chlorination process eradicates the impurities that cause pool foam.
5. High Bath Load
The more the number of swimming pool users, the higher the likelihood of pool foam formation. Many users aggregate sweat, body oils, and toiletry products which speed up foam formation. In some instances, users with medical conditions may pass urine involuntarily, which accelerates the foaming process.
Solution: Use the chlorine or shocking procedure to eliminate the contaminants in the pool.
Preventive Tip: Ensure all pool users take a shower or rinse off before entering the pool.
McCallum’s Pool Service Can Help
Pool foam poses a risk to your family members and also increases the potential loss of clients. It’s therefore essential to keep an eye on the condition of your pool through regular maintenance.
There is no better company to reach out to for your pool solutions other than McCallums Pool Service and Repair, in Phoenix, AZ. We’re a competent pool service company with vast experience in pool filter installation, pool automation, equipment upgrades, offering service in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and the surrounding areas. Call us today to get a free estimate.