Phoenix Pools: Chlorine Lies Burning Gummy Enzymes?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

February 24, 2026

The shimmering turquoise beckons, promising relief from the relentless Arizona heat. But beneath the surface of that inviting water lies a complex chemical dance, especially for pool owners in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The intense sun, combined with unique water chemistry challenges, can turn your backyard oasis into a breeding ground for algae faster than you can say “cannonball.” This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about health, safety, and the longevity of your pool equipment.

The Arizona sun is brutal. It doesn’t just warm the water; it actively degrades chlorine, the primary sanitizer in most pools. This degradation happens much faster than many realize, especially during peak summer months in Phoenix. The result? Chlorine levels plummet, leaving your pool vulnerable to algae blooms and bacterial growth. This necessitates frequent “shocking,” the process of adding large doses of chlorine to rapidly raise the sanitizer level.

Excessive shocking isn’t ideal. It can irritate skin and eyes, especially for those with sensitivities. Furthermore, it can damage pool liners and equipment over time. In areas like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, where enzyme-based pool cleaning systems are popular, excessive chlorine can actually reduce the effectiveness of these enzymes. These enzymes are designed to break down organic matter, like oils and lotions, that contribute to “gummy” buildup on pool surfaces. High chlorine levels can denature these enzymes, rendering them less effective.

So, how do you combat this Arizona-specific pool problem? It starts with accurate testing. Forget those cheap test strips; they’re notoriously unreliable, especially in extreme conditions. Invest in a quality liquid test kit or a digital photometer. These provide far more accurate readings of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Liquid Test Kits: These use reagent drops that react with the water to produce a color change, which you then compare to a color chart. They’re relatively inexpensive and reliable, but require careful attention to detail.
Digital Photometers: These use light to measure the concentration of chemicals in the water. They’re more expensive than liquid test kits, but offer greater accuracy and ease of use.

When testing, take your sample from about 18 inches below the surface, away from the skimmer. Test at different times of the day, as chlorine levels fluctuate throughout the day due to sunlight exposure. A good practice is to test in the morning before the sun is at its peak and again in the late afternoon.

Now, let’s talk about chlorine alternatives. While chlorine is effective, it’s not the only option. Saltwater systems are increasingly popular in Arizona. These systems use electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine, providing a continuous, albeit lower, level of sanitization. This can reduce the need for shocking and minimize chlorine odors. However, saltwater systems still produce chlorine, so they’re not entirely chlorine-free. They also require regular cell cleaning and maintenance.

UV sanitizers are another option. These systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and algae. They’re often used in conjunction with chlorine or saltwater systems to reduce the overall chlorine demand. UV sanitizers are effective at killing microorganisms, but they don’t provide any residual sanitizing effect. This means that if contaminants are introduced into the pool after the water has passed through the UV system, they can still grow.

Ozone generators are similar to UV sanitizers in that they kill microorganisms on contact. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that can break down organic matter and kill bacteria and algae. However, ozone is also unstable and quickly reverts back to oxygen, so it doesn’t provide any residual sanitizing effect.

Regardless of the sanitization method you choose, maintaining balanced pool chemistry is crucial. This means keeping your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness within the recommended ranges.

pH: The ideal pH range for a pool is 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH is too low, the water can be corrosive and damage pool equipment. If the pH is too high, the water can become cloudy and scale can form on pool surfaces.
Alkalinity: Alkalinity acts as a buffer to prevent drastic pH changes. The ideal alkalinity range is 80 to 120 ppm.
Calcium Hardness: Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. The ideal range is 200 to 400 ppm. If the calcium hardness is too low, the water can be corrosive. If it’s too high, scale can form.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to maintaining balanced pool chemistry in the Arizona heat:

Test your water regularly: At least twice a week, and more often during peak summer months.
Adjust pH first: If your pH is out of range, adjust it before making any other adjustments. Use pH increaser (sodium carbonate) to raise the pH and pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate) to lower it.
Adjust alkalinity next: If your alkalinity is out of range, adjust it after adjusting the pH. Use alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) to raise the alkalinity.
Adjust calcium hardness last: If your calcium hardness is out of range, adjust it after adjusting the pH and alkalinity. Use calcium chloride to raise the calcium hardness.
Sanitize your pool: Add chlorine or use your saltwater or UV system to maintain the appropriate sanitizer level.
Shock your pool as needed: If you experience an algae bloom or after heavy use, shock your pool to kill any remaining bacteria and algae.
Use enzyme-based cleaners: In Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, use enzyme-based cleaners regularly to break down organic matter and prevent “gummy” buildup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid shocking your pool immediately after adding enzymes.

A common mistake is adding chemicals without testing the water first. This can lead to imbalances and make the problem worse. Another mistake is relying solely on chlorine without addressing other water chemistry parameters. Remember, balanced water chemistry is key to a healthy and enjoyable pool.

Consider using a phosphate remover. Phosphates are a food source for algae. High phosphate levels can make it difficult to control algae growth, even with adequate chlorine levels. Phosphate removers bind to phosphates and remove them from the water.

Finally, remember that pool maintenance is an ongoing process. It requires regular testing, adjustments, and a proactive approach. By understanding the unique challenges of pool ownership in Arizona and following these tips, you can keep your pool sparkling clean and safe all season long. Don’t let the Arizona sun win; take control of your pool chemistry and enjoy your backyard oasis.