How Does Sunlight Affect Chlorine?

An enjoyable day in an outdoor pool is definitely associated with the beautiful sun’s presence. The warm, bright sun is part of what makes the pool so refreshing. The sunlight also helps to dry you off as you absorb its warming rays. However, the sun is not just affecting the people in the pool. It affects the pool and its chemicals as well. So, how does sunlight affect chlorine? 

For more than four decades, Bonnie & Clyde’s Pools and Spas has been helping families with all of their pool supplies in Arlington and the surrounding areas of the Metroplex. We are here to help you answer this important question.

Higher Temperatures Heighten Chlorine Evaporation

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can quickly alter the chlorine level in the pool, especially on a hot day. In just 2 short hours, the sun can lower the chlorine level by as much as 90%. The heat of the sun causes the available chlorine to evaporate. Because chlorine is essential for clear, clean pool water, this is an issue you must keep an eye on.

As this chlorine dissipation occurs, the pool water is also heating up. Warmer water is more susceptible to bacteria growth. All of this coupled with the bodies frequenting the water, can rapidly make the water unclean.

Stabilizer Shades the Chlorine 

Using a stabilizer is a great way to help protect the valuable chlorine from immediate evaporation when the sun’s rays heat things up. A pool stabilizer contains a chemical known as cyanuric acid that helps to “shade” the chlorine. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Pool chlorine uses a stabilizer in much the same way.

We have our very own line of Pool & Spa Chemicals that will keep your pool at its best. Our high quality chemicals are designed with the heat of Texas in mind. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you make sure that you have the exact stabilizer and chlorine that your pool needs to withstand the sun’s rays.

Plan Ahead for More Prevention of Chlorine Loss

There are extra preventative measures that you can take to help preserve your chlorine level as much as possible, especially during the warmest days of the year. 

Covering the Pool is Crucial

Be sure to utilize a pool cover to protect the pool when you are not using it. A cover helps to keep the water and chemicals from being unnecessarily affected by the sun. If the pool is not being used on an extremely hot day, keep the cover in place. 

During the hottest days of the summer, keep the cover on the pool unless you are in it. This practice keeps extra debris out of the pool and squeezes the most use out of your chlorine, despite the heat.

Testing the Chemistry is a Priority

One other way to ensure that your pool water is healthy for regular occupancy is to test the water chemistry often. You can never be too sure that the levels are all balanced as they should be.
How does sunlight affect chlorine? It can definitely disappear quickly, but now you know how to keep this from happening so fast. Visit the friendly Bonnie & Clyde’s Pools & Spas team nearest you today. We can help you find anything you need for preventing the sun from robbing your pool of its chlorine.