What’s Chloramine?

Did you know sometimes that foul, overbearing “chlorine” smell in a pool is not caused by too much chlorine but too little?  Today we’re talking about everybody’s favorite ammonia derivative, chloramine!  Well, actually, nobody cares for it.  Read on to find out why.

It Burns!

A lot of people are convinced that when their throat is burning, their eyes are burning, and there nostrils are on fire from “chlorine” smell, that what they are experiencing is chlorine overload and that whoever is in charge of the pool is lazy or just did not wait long enough after pouring in lots of shock treatment.  They are only partially correct - the issue stemmed from chlorine but not in the way they are expecting.

Where specifically is it really coming from if it’s not too much chlorine?

Break Down

What is causing the burning and stench is chloramine.

How does chloramine come to exist?  It can start when people do not put in enough choline.  That’s right, chloramine can be a negative outcome of actually trying to clean your pool.  Talk about ironic!

So the chlorine has gone into the pool and it’s breaking down and cleaning up but now here’s where the issue is.  Chloramines are created out of organics in the pool (such as body sweat and urine) reacting with the free (AKA available) chlorine.  Looking at the big picture, there is some responsibility for everyone involved.  But it’s not just the people and the cleaning material making this awful chloramine pool water.  It can also be the air.

The Air Indoors

Even with the showers and cleanliness guideline in place, you may still bump into this issue of produced chloramine.  This water and health guide says it best:  “If you have an energy efficient air handling system that re-circulates the air, often the chloramines are re-circulated and trapped in the building because they cannot escape.”

That spells trouble for indoor pools.  Additionally, a frequently crowded indoor pool is at threat of being contaminated with chloramine due to the high volume of people that use the pool, each of them giving off bacteria.

Clean People

What’s a great way to prevent having chloramine show up to begin with?  By having people take a soap shower before hopping in the pool.  This will clean up much of the bacteria they normally bring into the pool.

There’s still plenty more to cover when it comes to the fascinating subject of chloramines.  We might tackle this subject again with more information down the road.

Get a Pro Cleaner

Do you need a pool professional to come out and take care of your pool?  If so, get in touch with us at Pristine Pools.  We’re passionate about making sure your pool is kept attractive and healthy!  We know that when you’re swimming with your family that the last thing you should have to be worrying about is pool maintenance and care.  That’s where we come in.

You can reach us by phone at 512.773.0668.  Also, be sure to connect with us on our Facebook page.  Until next time, pool-lovers!

The Best Pool Party Advice Pt. 2: Holiday Edition

With Memorial Day already passing us by, it really got us thinking... how do you throw the ultimate Holiday pool party here in Austin (or anywhere?)

We gave you advice on throwing the best pool party before. That blog including tips on how to keep your Pristine Pool safe and easily navigable during a fun gathering.  Now we’re getting really specific on fun things you can add to your pool party for one special day of the year.

Make It Memorable

You need to let your guests know that this is a one-of-a-kind pool party!  Since we just missed planning for a Memorial day pool party to honor those that have served in the United States Armed Forces, let’s focus on another holiday pool party you might throw down the line on, perhaps, the 4th of July.

Decor

Two simple things are needed besides the usual assortment of chairs, towels, snack, drink and pool toys/games. These two things are thematic decoration and thematic cake.  The thematic decoration is simple - go out and pick up some fun trinkets including paper table sheets, cups and so much more that have your particular holiday in mind.  After that, you need to make a Holiday cake for all your swimming buddies.

Red, White and Blue (Cake)

You know how people say you shouldn't eat and then swim? Tell them they need to leave you alone and to stop threatening your freedom to enjoy cake!  You better bake an amazing red, white and blue cake for the next pool party you have!  Your guests will thank you with silent muchning.  Bake the cake the day before and put that yumminess in the fridge.  When your awesome pool party is kicking into high-gear, pull that cake out and plop it on a table.  Some forks, a knife and seasonal paper plates will let your guests know what they need to do.

If you have too many shy guests over and they aren't going for the cake then go ahead and start cutting and placing slices on plates. That’ll let them know the time is now.

What is the perfect cake for an upcoming holiday that is pool party friendly?  This and also this.

Wrapping Up

Do you know what you need to do to get your Austin Swimming Pool ready for your next set of visitors?  Do you need an awesome pool professional to swing by and help you out with repair or maintenance?  Let us know!  You can reach us by phone at 512.773.0668.

The best reasons to own a Hot Tub

We’d like to go over some of the very best reasons for you to become the proud owner of a hot tub.  Not only are they fun, but hot tubs have some other benefits as well.  Check out some of our top reasons below.

Relax Your Muscle Joints

You read that correctly! Hot tubs will heat up and relax your achy body.  Maybe your back has some tightened up muscles. Maybe it’s your legs or thighs that really could use some loosening up.  Maybe all your office work has caused one majorly cramped up neck.  All those issues might be solved with a warm and friendly hot tub.

If you’d like to do a bit further reading on this beneficial subject, check out this article that details all the healthy benefits your hot tub will offer you.  You’re on your way to an improved body!

Have It In Time For Winter

Yes, it’s only May but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about Winter!  Trust us when we say it is too much fun to use a hot tub when the weather get chilly.  Getting a hot tub right now is the best plan so you can have it in time. By the time winter comes in, your new hot tub will be in full operation! Now is the time to buy one if you haven't’!  If you are already the proud owner of a hot tub, now is the time to get it professionally cleaned up and primed for action!

Your Friends WIll Love It

The best part of a hot tub is the social aspect of it!  It’s an endlessly entertaining go-to device.  You could have the neighbors over and enjoy the heck out of your relaxing, bubbly hot tub.  Summer, fall, spring or winter, your hot tub is good for the entire year.   You and your buddies will have time fly out the window as you collectively gather into the soothingly warm bath.

What’s stopping you?  Take the plunge now!

Wrapping Up

Do you own a hot tub?  If so, call Pristine Pools over for maintenance on anything related to your in-home spa.  We can offer equipment installation, repairs and cleaning for your pool and spa in or around Austin Texas. Give us a call at 512.773.0668.

If you’re on Facebook, consider giving us a LIKE on our official Facebook page.  If you do, you’ll be kept up to date on the latest in our Pristine services and you’ll also be treated to some really cool pool photography.