**Phoenix Pools: Are Electrolytes Burning Your Skin?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe shimmering heat rising off the pavement in Scottsdale isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a constant reminder of the chemistry experiment happening in your backyard pool. That crystal-clear water, your oasis from the desert sun, can quickly turn into a source of irritation, and it’s not always the chlorine’s fault. Many Phoenix homeowners are unknowingly battling elevated electrolyte levels, leading to skin issues they misattribute to chlorine sensitivity. Let’s dive into the science and solutions, specifically tailored for the unique challenges of maintaining a healthy pool in the Valley of the Sun.
The culprit isn’t always chlorine. It’s easy to blame the familiar smell, but often, the problem lies in the delicate balance of other minerals and salts – the electrolytes – in your pool water. These electrolytes, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are essential for water balance and preventing corrosion, but when they become excessively concentrated, they can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and even rashes.
Phoenix’s hard water is a major contributor. The city’s water supply is naturally high in minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. Each time you top off your pool to compensate for evaporation (a frequent occurrence in our arid climate), you’re adding more of these minerals, gradually increasing the overall electrolyte concentration. This is compounded by the use of certain pool chemicals, like calcium hypochlorite shock, which further elevates calcium levels.
Differentiating between chlorine sensitivity and electrolyte-induced irritation is crucial. Chlorine sensitivity typically manifests as immediate redness and burning, often accompanied by a strong chlorine odor. Electrolyte imbalances, on the other hand, tend to cause a more gradual onset of dryness, itching, and a persistent feeling of tightness in the skin, even after showering.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for Phoenix pool owners to accurately test and balance their pool chemistry, focusing on electrolyte levels:
Invest in a comprehensive test kit: Don’t rely solely on chlorine and pH strips. Purchase a liquid test kit or a digital meter that measures calcium hardness, total alkalinity, and cyanuric acid (stabilizer) in addition to chlorine and pH. Taylor Technologies test kits are a reliable option.
Test your water regularly: Aim to test your pool water at least once a week, and more frequently during periods of heavy use or extreme heat. Keep a log of your test results to track trends and identify potential imbalances early on.
Understand your baseline: Test your fill water (straight from the hose) to establish a baseline for calcium hardness and total alkalinity. This will help you determine how much these levels are increasing over time due to evaporation and top-offs.
Address calcium hardness first: High calcium hardness (above 400 ppm) is a common problem in Phoenix pools. If your calcium hardness is elevated, consider using a sequestering agent to prevent scale formation and reduce its impact on skin. In severe cases, partial draining and refilling with fresh water may be necessary.
Balance total alkalinity: Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, preventing drastic swings. Aim for a range of 80-120 ppm. Use alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) or decreaser (muriatic acid) to adjust as needed, following the product instructions carefully.
Maintain proper pH: pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. Low pH can cause corrosion, while high pH can lead to scale formation and reduced chlorine effectiveness. Use pH increaser (soda ash) or decreaser (muriatic acid) to adjust.
Monitor cyanuric acid (stabilizer): Cyanuric acid protects chlorine from being broken down by sunlight. However, excessive levels (above 50 ppm) can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness and contribute to skin irritation. Partial draining and refilling is the only way to lower cyanuric acid levels.
Consider a salt water chlorinator: While salt water pools still use chlorine, they produce it through electrolysis of salt, often resulting in lower and more consistent chlorine levels compared to traditional chlorine systems. This can be gentler on the skin, but it’s crucial to monitor salt levels and other electrolytes.
Explore mineral systems: Mineral systems, such as those using silver and copper ions, can reduce the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize the pool. However, it’s important to note that copper can stain pool surfaces and, in high concentrations, cause skin discoloration.
Consult a pool professional: If you’re struggling to balance your pool chemistry or experiencing persistent skin irritation, don’t hesitate to consult a certified pool professional in the Phoenix area. They can perform a comprehensive water analysis and recommend tailored solutions for your specific pool and water conditions.
A common mistake is over-relying on chlorine as the sole solution to water quality problems. Many homeowners in Ahwatukee Foothills, for example, will simply add more chlorine when the water looks cloudy, without addressing the underlying electrolyte imbalances. This can exacerbate the problem, leading to even greater skin irritation.
Another pitfall is neglecting to test fill water. Homeowners in Surprise, Arizona, often assume that their tap water is of consistent quality, but mineral content can vary depending on the source and time of year. Testing your fill water provides valuable information for maintaining proper pool chemistry.
Alternative sanitization methods, like mineral systems, are gaining popularity in Phoenix due to their potential to reduce chlorine usage. However, it’s crucial to understand how these systems impact electrolyte levels. Mineral systems often introduce copper and silver ions into the water, which can affect the overall ionic balance and potentially contribute to skin irritation if not properly managed.
For example, a homeowner in Gilbert, Arizona, switched to a mineral system to reduce chlorine levels but experienced persistent skin itching. Upon testing, it was discovered that the copper levels in the pool were excessively high, leading to the irritation. Adjusting the mineral system settings and using a copper sequestering agent resolved the issue.
The key takeaway is that maintaining a healthy pool in Phoenix requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply adding chlorine. By understanding the impact of hard water, regularly testing and balancing your pool chemistry, and exploring alternative sanitization methods with caution, you can create a backyard oasis that is both refreshing and gentle on your skin. Don’t let electrolyte imbalances ruin your poolside experience. Take control of your pool chemistry and enjoy the Arizona sunshine without the itch.