Why is Pool and Spa Sanitation Important?
The purpose of sanitation is to reduce the numbers of microorganisms,
such as bacteria and viruses, to safe levels. The warm water of swimming
pools and the hot water and low volume of spas is a favourable environment
for the growth of microorganisms. Swimming pool and spa users can get sick
if pool or spa water is not properly sanitized. Pool and spa owners must
be vigilant in ensuring bather safety by carefully monitoring water
balance (adequate sanitizer levels, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium
hardness). 
Why is Algae Control Important?
Hot weather, sunlight and insufficient sanitizer levels can stimulate
growth of algae. Algae is not harmful to bathers but can create a
potential hazard by making pool and spa surfaces slippery and the water
cloudy. The presence of algae reduces the effectiveness of sanitizers as
more of the available sanitizer is taken up by the algae. A reduction in
sanitizer level increases the potential for the growth of microorganisms.
Regular use of a sanitizer should prevent the excessive growth of algae.
However, algicides such as copper sulphate-based products or quaternary
ammonium chloride-based products may sometimes be required to tackle
specific algae problems.
How Do I Sanitize My Swimming Pool or Spa?
Chlorine-based and bromine-based products are effective sanitizers
which also control algae. When added to water, chlorine-based products
release hypochlorous acid and bromine-based products produce hypobromous
acid. Hypochlorous acid and hypobromous acid are the primary chemical
compounds responsible for sanitation in pools and spas. Chlorine and
bromine can be purchased either as a chemical (pucks, tablets, or liquid)
or as a device (generator or dispenser).
How Much Sanitizer Should I Use?
Swimming pool and spa chemicals must be used according to the directions on the label. The label indicates how much of the product to use as well as how to handle the product safely. So you should always:
Swimming pool and spa devices which generate or dispense a sanitizer have detailed instructions for use in the user’s manual, on the package and on the device itself.
In addition to using the chemical or device according to label
directions, regular testing will help you determine if the level of
sanitizer in your pool or spa is adequate to protect swimmers from
disease-causing microorganisms. This level is called free available
chlorine or equivalent bromine. Water testing can be done using good
quality test kits or by bringing water samples to your swimming pool or
spa dealer.
Recommended minimum free available chlorine or equivalent bromine
- Residential Pools: 1-3 ppm
- Residential Spas: 3-5 ppm
- Commercial pools: provincial and/or municipal regulations must be followed.
The presence of organic matter in swimming pool water reduces the
effectiveness of sanitizers. In some cases, the label directions of
swimming pool sanitizers and algicides may instruct residential pool
owners to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.6 ppm. Reducing sanitizer
levels from 1-3 ppm (as recommended above) to 0.6 ppm is possible only
when the organic matter content in swimming pool water is controlled.
Check the directions for use on the product label.
When Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals
- Carefully read all label instructions and precautions before using these products.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat while using these products.
After Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the products.
- Wipe clean all surfaces that comes in direct contact with food, such as counters, tables and stovetops.
- Always store the products out of reach of children and pets and away from food and beverages.
Please note that these are general precautions. You should consult the label of the product for clarification and additional information.
In Case of Accidental Poisoning
- Seek medical attention or call a poison control centre immediately.
- In case of accidental poisoning of pets seek veterinary attention immediately.
Disposal
- Do not reuse the empty containers. Dispose of them in household garbage.
- Unused or partially used products should be disposed of at provincially or municipally designated household hazardous waste disposal sites.