The class of “specialty chemicals” includes pool chemicals other than sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine and all of the standard balance chemicals. Theoretically, if a pool were started up properly, maintained in total balance, and had proper sanitization at all times, there would be no need for specialty chemicals. However, we all know this is impossible. Hence, the need for specialty chemicals.
Clarifiers: Sometimes, a pool becomes cloudy. This can happen because the balance is off, but more often, it is because the pool had or has algae or because other contaminants have accumulated in the water. Many times, the particles are so small that they pass right through the filter media. A clarifier takes all these fine particles and agglomerates them into larger ones that the filter can remove.
Another type of clarifier is a flocculant. Here, the small particles are coagulated into a large mass which is heavier than water and settles to the bottom of the pool. Using flocculants is only effective if the floc can then be “vacuumed to waste”.
Sequestering Chemicals: These chemicals are particularly beneficial in removing metals from the water. A sequestering chemical, such as Metal Out and many of the Jack’s products, will surround metals in the water and keep them in suspension until they are removed by the filter. Proper use of a sequestering chemical will prevent the metals from settling to the bottom and staining the pool surface.
Stain Treating Chemicals: Once stains do occur, there are certain chemicals that can be used to remove them without the necessity of draining and acid washing. Stain removing chemicals are usually proprietary (which means the formula is secret, and ingredients are usually not listed on the label), and they work in different ways. One of the more common is Pool Stain Treat, which can be used to remove topical stains, and in more difficult situations, be used as a “wet” or “in-water acid wash” to remove large stains.
