oxidizer for pools - Classic Marcite

Oxidizer for Pools: How Does It Help?

by | May 19, 2023

Struggling to balance your pool’s chemicals? Call Classic Marcite for help today!

If you have a pool, keeping it clean is crucial to water clarity and your swimmers’ health and safety. You probably added a filtration system immediately after your pool’s installation so the pump could remove dirt, hair, dead bugs, and other debris. However, since smaller particles pass through the mesh, returning to your pool, a sanitizer and oxidizer for pools is the only way to eliminate the remains. 

At Classic Marcite, Orlando’s expert residential pool resurfacing and renovation specialists, we have over 35 years of combined experience completing over 100,000 pool projects in the area. We understand what chemicals pools require to function optimally. Learn all about pool oxidizers: what they do, and why you shouldn’t skimp on them. 

Do You Need Oxidizers If You Use Sanitizers? 

Pool filters handle particles visible to the naked eye, right down to oily spots from sunscreen and other human waste, but what about the impurities you can’t see? Along with a pool chemical test kit, you probably purchased a sanitizer to help remove these leftover particles. 

While sanitizers remove living organisms that contribute to algae growth and bacteria, to name a few, you may still notice murkiness in your water. That’s because non-living organisms survive the sanitation process in which high chlorine doses or other sanitizers release hypochlorous acid for deactivating or killing pathogens. 

Only by introducing oxidizers to the water can you eliminate these dead particles for total swimming pool cleanliness. 

How Do Oxidizers Work?

Using active oxygen within your pool water, oxidizers burn inactive particles like dead algae, body oils, microscopic dirt, and chemical remains so they evaporate into harmless gases. These gases move into the atmosphere, leaving your pool clean. This process, also known as shocking your pool, raises the free chlorine level for easier chloramine and bacteria destruction.

Eradicating chloramine is especially vital for achieving chemically balanced pool water since oxidizers turn this chemical into free chlorine. Free chlorine, which should be between one and three parts per million, is the level of active chlorine that effectively cleans the water. Combined chlorine is the already-consumed portion that no longer serves a purpose. 

Free and combined chlorine percentages give the total chlorine available. Therefore, if you have high combined chlorine levels, you need a quality oxidizer for pools to remove both chloramine and the combined chlorine byproduct to reintroduce proper levels of chlorine. 

When Do You Need a Pool Shock?

Our professionals suggest conducting a pool shock every one to two weeks when you test and clean your pool. As your pool filter is running, as it should non-stop through the season of use, sanitize for bacteria before destroying organic contaminants with the oxidizer. Then, add the suggested amount of algaecide to handle currently developing fungi. 

However, if you’re noticing any of the following signs, consider adding more oxidizer:

  • A chlorine smell indicates a large amount of inactive chlorine in the water, which could lead to asthma and other respiratory swimming-related illnesses after prolonged exposure.
  • Skin irritations like redness, dryness, and itching can occur after a swim since combined chlorine neutralizes active chlorine, diminishing its ability to clean the water as effectively.
  • Cloudiness or green water means new chlorine injections are producing chloramines rather than hypochlorous acid. Cloudy or green water indicates it’s time for a shock.
  • If you’re testing the water and notice combined chlorine levels nearing or surpassing 0.5 ppm, the chlorine is increasing in inactivity, so remedy it immediately. Your combined chlorine reading should be as close to zero as possible and never more than 0.5 ppm. 
  • After a pool party or other extensive use, oxidize your pool. Due to the high influx of contaminants in the water, you don’t even have to test it to know you’ll need additional cleaning.  

The Benefits of Oxidizers

Having an oxidizer for pools on hand is a must, especially when chloramine production becomes a regular factor in heavily-used pools. When the inactive chlorine mixes with urine, sweat, and other organic matter, it creates an influx of chloramine that irritates the skin and lungs that only oxidizers can remedy. Other pros of introducing oxidizers include the following:

  • It keeps you from spending more on algaecides and sanitizers you would otherwise need to make up for the additional growth and impurities.
  • It balances out the harsh effects of chlorine on the skin. Since chlorine deteriorates the protective sebum skin layer, causing skin tightness and itchiness, oxidizers are vital for softening this effect.
  • Oxidizers remove the thin oily film that rests on the water’s surface. While filters remove some of these originating from suntan and body oils and lotions, oxidizers eliminate the concern.
  • Since you don’t have to measure the oxidizer to ensure introducing appropriate levels, it’s effortless to use. Most products work by placing them directly into the pump’s strainer basket and letting the filter run so the chemical injects itself into the water. 

Let Classic Marcite Transform Your Backyard Pool into a Resort-Style Oasis!

Understanding the purpose of oxidizers is only part of the journey to a cleaner pool. With different types of oxidizers on the market, it’s difficult to tell which is right for your situation. From non-chlorine shock that solely deals with murkiness and combined chlorine levels to chlorine oxidizers that implement chlorine for full sanitizing power, find one that serves its purpose while suiting your budget. 

At Classic Marcite, our experienced team does more than install the pool of your dreams. We’ve spent over three decades helping residential and commercial property owners maintain their pools with the appropriate chemicals and care, and we’ll assist you too. 

From uncovering an effective sanitizer and oxidizer for pools to resurfacing and renovating pumps, filters, decks, and more, we are your one-stop shop for summer fun right in your backyard. Contact Classic Marcite to comprehend how many chemicals to add to pools. We’ll also provide a free quote or consultation when you call (904) 448-4150 in Jacksonville or (407) 521-6260 in Orlando, FL, today!

About Mike Folta
Mike Folta has served the clients of Classic Marcite for more than 15 years. He has 20+ years in the pool industry servicing large hotels and theme parks in the Greater Orlando area, as well as expertly turning backyard pools into an island oasis.