Guide for swimming pool chemicals in Thailand

All swimming pools in Thailand are different. This guide is provided 'as is' based on SwimmingPoolsThailand 20-year experience with tropical pools, and recommendation made by various governments. We accept no responsibility for its use and do not guarantee the performance of the products listed.

ALGICIDES

Green algae turns water light green. If untreated, the water will soon become a thick, dark green soup. It is the most common form of algae. It can happen very quickly but is not difficult to treat. Generally the correct level of chlorine will prevent green algae, but if it recurs often, use regular dosing of GreenKleer.

Algicides will not remove the green colour, the dead algae must be removed with a floccuant to clarify the water. Some of our products are a combined algicide-Flocculant. See GreenKleer and AquaKleer. Mustard and Red Algae are a slime that sticks to the walls, steps, and ladders. They are more rare than most strains but quite difficult to treat. See VerdiKleer. Black Algae is quite common. It grows in the grout and corners of the pool and is very difficult to destroy. If left untreated for a long time, the pool should be emptied and the algae treated locally and thoroughly removed with a wire brush. In some cases, regrouting will be necessary. See AlgiKleer and Black Algaetrine. GREENKLEER algicide An economical and highly effective non-foaming algicide. Immediately kills green algae. Sufficient for up to 2 months treatment for pools up to 40,000 litres. Swim in the pool 10 minutes after treatment. AlgiKleer algicide for black algae AlgiKleer 3.78 litres (1 gal US) . Algicide for Black Algae. Works best on its own - do not mix with other SPTpools chemicals or algicides. VERDIKLEER for Mustard algae and most other strains. Black Algaetrine Commercial strength for large and commercial pools. A unique, patented combination of algaecides specially formulated to control black algae and other resistant strains. VERDIKLEER Commercial strength. Effectively and economically kills algae especially mustard and green algae and prevents regrowth. Copper sulfate CRYSTALS a very effective algaecide used in pools to kill and prevent all strains of algae especially black algae which is not controlled by normal levels of Chlorine Copper usage can, however, cause stain formation. Over time, and if over-dosed, soluble copper salts can precipitate from pool water and deposit on pool walls, turning the grout or plaster blue.

ALGICIDES with FLOCCULANT (clarifier)

After using an algicide-floccuant, the powder that settles on the pool floor must be vacuumed followed by a backwash and rinse of the filter. Comined algicide-flocculant is ideal for domestic and smaller pool. For larger pools, use separate algicides and flocculants. AquaKleer algicide + clarifier for D.E. combined algicide + water clarifier for D.E. fitration systems. Eliminates green algae and increases water clarity. FilterKleer swimming pool filter cleaner and degreaser For cleaning, regenerating, and rinsing sand, Zelbrite, glassmedia, D.E. grid elements, and cartridge filters. Another effective alternative for killing algae is to instal a UV unit Ultraviolet light has a photo oxidisation effect that destroys chloramines & other toxic by-products of chlorine, without adding additional chemical products. Fitting a UV treatment to your pool will also kill all algae instantly when it is passed though the UV treatment plant but will not prevent algae and slime growth on the sides and surfaces of the pool. UV systems are also an excellent alternative to sanitation by chorine. See our UV sanitisers

FLOCCULANTS (clarifiers)

Flocculants are products that clarify the water. They are available as powders and liquids. They coagulate microscopic particles into larger particles that can be caught in the filter. Clarifiers should be left to work over night. The pool floor should then be vacuumed followed by a backwash and rinse of the filter. NOTE: Some clarifiers should not be used with cartridge or D.E. filters. For D.E. and cartridge filters, see AquaKleer algicide + clarifier for D.E. combined algicide + water clarifier for D.E. fitration systems. Eliminates green algae and increases water clarity. KristalKleer liquid water clarifier. Excellent quality - super low price. Recomended for domestic pools. Safe to use. Not for use with cartridge or D.E. filtration systems. KristalKleer-PLUS liquid water clarifier. Excellent quality - super low price. Recomended for domestic pools. Safe to use. Not for use with cartridge or D.E. filtration systems. FlocculantPLUS premium water clarifier Powder. For very rapidly clarifying cloudy, green, or very dirty water. Not suitable for use with cartridge or diatomacious earth filters. Safe to use. Not for use with cartridge or D.E. filtration systems. Flocculant (water clarifier) Granules. For rapidly clarifying cloudy or very dirty water. Not suitable for use with cartridge or diatomacious earth filters. Safe to use. Not for use with cartridge or D.E. filtration systems.

PH REGULATOR

In order for any kind of pool sanitation system to work, the water pH must be between 7.2 and 7.6. The pH level indicates the relative acidity or alkalinity of your pool water. pH is measured on a scale from 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong alkaline) and pH neutral is 7. In pools a slightly alkaline level between 7.2 & 7.6 is ideal because this range is the most comfortable to the human eye, provides optimum use of free chlorine and provides water that is not corrosive or scale forming. If the pH is too high, add pH Minus (dry acid) 10g per day (per 1000-litres) until the pH has decreased to between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH is too low, add pH Plus (soda ash) 10g per day (per 1000-litres) until the pH has increased to between 7.2 and 7.6. A simple test kit for pH is not expensive and will also test the chlorine level. See our WATER TESTERS. pH Minus Premium grade granular pH reducer (made in Germany). Much safer and easier to use and store than liquid Hydrochloric acid (Muriatic acid). Best for manual addition to pool water. pH Plus pH raiser. No fumes, no storage problems. Supplied in plastic tub. Contains Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). Harmless if swallowed, it is also an ingredient in toothpaste and sherbet powder.

ALKALINITY

The level for Total Alkalinity (TA) should be between 80 and 140 parts per million (ppm). Total Alkalinity is a measure of water’s resistance to change in pH – TA is the amount of alkali (not to be confused with alkaline) in the form of bicarbonates, carbonates and hydroxides present in the pool water. TA affects and controls the pH. Total Alkalinity (TA) represents the ability of the water to resist changes to the pH level. Ideal Alkalinity will prevent pH 'bounce' and avoid damage to tile grout and tile adhesive. Ideally TA should be between 80 and 120. Over 120 may cause cloudy water. Under 80 will cause the pH to bounce and will damage equipment. Total alkalinity should only be lowered when it causes a significant rise in pH levels, or when it causes calcium scaling through CSI. To lower pH and total alkalinity, use a strong acid such as muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid), sulfuric acid, or sodium bisulfate, all of which lower both pH and TA, but at different rates. Test strips are not accurate. For the the best results, use digital meters, or titration test kits. Sodium bicarbonate Sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda), NaHCO3, will raise the total alkalinity without excessively raising the pH. Not to be confused with sodium carbonate (soda ash) pH raiser.

HARDNESS

The water hardness should be maintained at a minimum level of 200ppm. Water that is too hard will leave limescale deposit on the tiles and fixtures and fitting and cause corrosion. It can also damage technical equipment such as salt water chlorinator cells, and can also build up inside the pump. Water that is too soft (uncommon in Thailand) will leach calcium out the tile grout and eat the grout away. An excessive amount of pool chemicals can cause your water to be cloudy. That includes: high pH, high alkalinity, high chlorine or other sanitizers, and high calcium hardness. Prolonged untreated water will cause the tile adhesive to dissolve, leaving loose tiles. To reduce some of the water hardness, use a flocculant to rid the pool of free-floating calcium carbonate. Vacuum the walls and floors to remove calcium carbonate particles. Backwash or clean out your pump filter. The only way to fully reduce water hardness is to drain some of the water and dilute the existing pool water with fresh water. This will not help if you are filling your pool with well water that is already hard, inn which case you should consider the installation of a water softening system. Calcium chloride, FLAKES, will increase the water hardness.

CHLORINE PRODUCTS

See also our extensive Guide to Using Chlorine. Chlorine is the most commonly used pool sanitiser. It is important to maintain the correct level of chlorine at 0.5 to 1.5 ppm. For domestic pools, a simple test kit is not expensive and will also test the pH. Adding chlorine is best done at dusk to avoid the sun's UV rays, and to allow the chlorine to work over night. Use a test kit to measure the chlorine. See our WATER TESTERS. Nissan 90% TCCA stabilised chlorine GRANULAR Available in 50 Kg and 20 Kg drums. Nissan 90% TCCA stabilised Chlorine POWDER Available in 50 Kg and 20 Kg drums Nissan Hi-Lite 90% TCCA stabilised shock chlorine POWDER Nissan Hi-Lite 90% TCCA stabilised shock chlorine GRANULAR PoolChlor 90% TCCA stabilised chlorine GRANULAR PoolChlor 90% TCCA stabilised chlorine POWDER PoolChlor 90% TCCA stabilised chlorine TABLETS Dichlor 60%. SDIC stabilised poolshock GRANULAR Ideal for for shocking pool with salt water chlorinators, or starting a new pool or a newly filled pool. Calcium Hypochlorite 65% non-stabilsed pool shock POWDER Non-stabilised fast-acting chlorine 65% for shocking pool water without increasing the CYA level. Cyanuric Acid Prevents 'burn off' of chlorine by harsh tropical sunlight. Only small quantities are needed. An indispensable additive when using salt water chlorination systems. See below for more details and how to use and test for CA.

OTHER CHEMICALS

PurePool Pure Pool by Puresan Chlorine-free pool liquid santitation system. A revolutionary chlorine-free swimming pool sanitiser designed for easy cleaning and maintenance of both domestic and commercial pools. For large pools, the liquid can be dispensed from a 5 Litre cannister by a timed chemical pump.

Pool Salt TRS (Blue bag) Specially refined for use in swimming pools with salt water chlorinators, and brine bath spas. From Asia's largest salt mine - in Thailand. TRS pool salt does not contain any additives that can damage chlorinator cell electrodes. Using other salt or table salt will shorten the life of the electrode. Electrodes are very expensive to replace. SteriKleer disinfectant is essential for commercial and heavily used private pools. Disinfectant, fungicide, bactericide, and deodorant. Removes dirt, grime, grease and oils, preventing odour, and kills germs. Ideal for use on pool walls, steps, slides, spas, decks, patios, showers, and toilets. Kills many bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhosa. CheliKleer stain & scale remover. Prevents and removes stains and scale by chelating minerals such as iron, calcium, and manganese. STAINKLEER sprinkle StainKleer evenly around the water. Use 500gr of StainKleer for every 40,000 litres of water. See product page for full details. NOTE: CheliKleer and StainKleer work particularly well with each other.

MANGANESE GREEN SAND is a zeolite filter medium. It is us for removing iron, manganese and other metalic elements from well water.

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