How to Protect Your Pool from Tanning Lotions & Sprays

 In Backyard Living

Suntan lotion is essential when you spend your long summer afternoons lounging around the pool with family and friends. Everyone should use an SPF (sun protection factor) to protect their skin from harmful sun rays that cause skin cancer and other ailments. While suntan lotion protects you, it may cause some issues with your pool. Here is everything you need to know about protecting your luxury in-ground pool against tanning lotions and sprays.

Slimy Walls, Cloudy Water, and a Clogged Filter

Pool lovers know how hard it is to wait for your sunscreen to sink in before jumping into the pool. This often results in the oil sliding off your body into a shiny rainbow oil slick floating near the water’s surface. While it may seem harmless at first glance, this may be the reason you notice unwanted gunk and grime surfacing in your pool. If this is a common occurrence, the sunscreen ultimately fails to protect your skin and can cause a potential hazard to your pool water’s chemical balance.

When a large buildup of oils arises in your pool, the filtration material bonds with the oil and forms black gunk rather than filtering properly. Thus, you may notice your pool walls looking a bit slimy while the water takes on a greenish appearance.

How to Prevent Oil Buildup and Protect Your Pool

Most resorts and public pools will post signs asking swimmers to shower before entering the pool. While this may seem trivial, a quick shower will wash off excess dirt and body oils that may cause damage to the filtering systems and water. Pool owners should follow similar rules to prevent excessive oil buildup. To make this process easier, consider installing a trendy outdoor shower for your guests to use.

The major issue comes from suntan lotions and sprays. Because these products are mostly oil-based, you must use them according to the directions. This means rubbing the product in completely and waiting the recommended period (usually 20-30 minutes) before jumping into the pool. This simple step will drastically reduce the amount of oil entering your pool daily and save you some headaches in the long run.

How to Fix Imbalanced Pool Water

To ensure your pool remains gunk-free, remember to schedule routine filter cleanings. If you already notice slight damage, try adding an enzyme treatment to rid the pool of any excess oils, dirt, and grime. If your pool water becomes cloudy, you can shock it with a chlorine compound. Another option is to use an algaecide surfactant. This clumps the oils together at the waterline so you can skim it from the surface. These common will help you maintain your pool’s cleanliness and clarity effortlessly.

Protect Your Pool & Your Skin

Sunscreen is an essential part of enjoying your swimming pool; however, you cannot overlook the chemical balance in your luxury pool. If you find oil buildup in your pool and feel unsure about moving forward, call (203) 357-1544 for a professional recommendation or cleaning service. The experts at Shoreline Pools will restore your pool to its crystal-clear glory and give you some personalized tips for maintaining your swimming pool.

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