The Effects Of Sunlight On Chlorine

Residents know that the summers in Arizona can get very, very hot.  In the later summer months, temperatures can rise to 115 degrees or even hotter. So, when it comes to outdoor activities, your pool is your safest bet. Jumping into a pool of cool water in the brutal Arizona summer is an unmatched feeling for many. That’s why you want your pool to be functioning at its best in the summertime. The Arizona sun can take its toll on a person, but it can also take its toll on your pool. In this article, we will look at how sunlight can affect your pool and give you solutions on what you can do about it.

Sunlight On Chlorine

Sunlight and heat can take their toll on your pool, more specifically, your chlorine content. If your chlorine content becomes too affected, then the potential for waterborne illnesses to infect you and your family is significantly increased. 

Most of these waterborne illnesses occur in the summertime due to the sunlight’s effects on Chlorine. While Chlorine works well as a disinfectant, its downside is that it degrades fast under the sun. In under 120 minutes, intense sun exposure can reduce chlorine content by as much as 90%. 

This is due to the fact that ultraviolet light is found within sunlight. Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has enough power to cause chemical compounds to break down. For example, Chlorine is made up of hypochlorite ions. When they come into contact with sunlight, these ions break down and transforms into gas. Therefore, the Chlorine in the water escapes the water and depletes the Chlorine into the air. 

Because of this fact of nature, it is necessary to replenish your pool’s Chlorine more often than usual. It’s also essential to ensure your pool equipment, such as your filtration units, is working correctly too.  

The vast majority of water facilities use Chlorine as their primary disinfectant material. However, Chlorine’s effectiveness depends on the time it takes to kill harmful viruses and bacteria. 

For example, Chlorine kills off E. coli in less than 60 seconds, while it takes 45 minutes to kill off Giardia and 11 days to kill cryptosporidium. That’s why cryptosporidium is explicitly one of the leading causes of waterborne illness. So to ensure these harmful bacteria don’t affect your pool in the summer, it is vital that you have your pool regularly treated and pH tested by professionals.

Why McCallums Pool Service?

In the Phoenix area especially, it is so beyond important to have your pool regularly monitored and maintained if you wish to use it. The Arizona sun is one of, if not the strongest, sunlight in the country. In general, Arizona sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year. That’s why local residents with pools need to be extra vigilant with their pool sanitation. The good news is that McCallums Pool Service & Repair is here to help. We serve the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Cave Creek areas and have over 23 years of experience with both residential and commercial pools. Were confident that once you try McCallums, you will never use another pool service again!

Get A Free Quote Today

Are you looking to use your pool this summer? Do you want to do it safely? If so, McCallums Pool Service & Repair can do just that for you. We can keep your pool sanitary and well maintained, as well as repair or replace any pool systems. We are the one-stop-shop for all your pool needs. Call us today for a free quote at (480)-734-2495.