There's foam floating around in your pool even though you haven't thrown a foam party? Then you should take action, because there is a reason why there is foam in the pool.
Having your own pool is pure luxury for many. But only very few people see that there is a lot of work involved. Not only does it need regular cleaning and maintenance, but every now and then small problems can arise. For example, when algae spread in the pool, the pool water turns brown or foam forms in the pool unintentionally. While the latter problem might be a fun idea at a pool party, it's not a pretty sight for the pool owner. Because foam in the pool always means that something is wrong with the water. But don't worry, you can get the problem under control with a few simple steps.
Causes of pool foam
Surely you have seen the waves carrying foam onto the beach while walking along the sea. It's not such a pretty sight, is it? Especially if you want to swim, you can do without this sight. But where does this foam come from, or how and why does it form? The answer to this question is very simple:
There is always algae in open water, and algae release carbohydrates, proteins and fats into the water when they die. If air bubbles are created in the water by the wind, the substances just mentioned and the algae residues envelop these bubbles and thus make them more stable. The result: foam is formed, which is then washed up on the beach. It usually goes away on its own quickly. Unless large algae blooms have just died, because then the foam usually stays on the water a little longer.
But what does that have to do with the pool at home? Quite simply: Foam formation in the pool is mainly caused by proteins and surfactants. Proteins get into the pool through algae, leaves or insects, for example. On the other hand, we often carry surfactants into the pool ourselves. Surfactants are mainly contained in cosmetics such as hair and skin care products, sunscreen and make-up. But also detergent residues in swimwearcontain surfactants. If air is now blown into the pool through the return nozzles, the same thing happens as in bodies of water. The air bubbles are enveloped and deposited as foam in the pool.
How to remove foam from pool water
Step 1 - Clean pool:
As you have learned, algae, leaves and bugs can be the cause of foam formation. That's why you should first clean your pool thoroughly. Anything that floats on the surface, simply remove it with a net. Of course, this also applies to the foam.
Then it's the floor's turn. In order to clean it, you don't have to drain the water from the pool. The floor can be cleaned easily, quickly and thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner, for example. There is the right solution here for smaller children's paddling pools as well as for flexible pool systems and stable swimming pools, because you can use pool vacuums manually or semi-automatically. Finally, there are models that connect to the pump via a hose, as well as battery-powered hand vacuums.
Step 2 - Check pH:
Now you should check the pH of the pool water. If this value is out of balance, algae and thus the unloved foam have an easy time. To get this under control, you should keep the pH in the range of 7.4 to 7.6. Additionally, the alkalinity should be in the range of 100 to 150 parts per million (ppm). These values can be quickly reached again with a pH raiser or pH lowerer.
Step 3 - Perform shock chlorination:
If adjusting the pH value did not help, you should carry out a shock chlorination next. It is used to neutralize algae, bacteria, insects and other foreign bodies in the pool. Such a shock chlorination is generally important at regular intervals, because otherwise germs and bacteria in the pool can quickly cause diarrhea, for example. The best way to do shock chlorination is as follows:
❶ Clean pool and filter system. Use the backwash function for this.
❷ Switch the filter system from 'backwash' to 'filter' after cleaning.
❸ Measure the chlorine content. If it is below 5 mg/l, shock chlorination is carried out.
❹ Put a chlorine tablet in the pool according to the manufacturer's instructions.
❺ Now measure the chlorine content again.
❻ Is the chlorine content still there below 5 mg/l, then repeat step 4.
❼ Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the value is finally reached.
Important: Leave the filter system on for the next 48hours and regularly check the chlorine content of the water. If the value falls below 5 mg/l, you must chlorinate again.
Step 4 - Use defoamer:
A simple and quick solution is to use a defoamer. This dissolves the foam in the pool and prevents new ones from forming. However, you should still clean your pool thoroughly and test the pH. Because the foam didn't come about without a reason.
Step 5 - Replace water:
If the above steps are unsuccessful, you may need to drain all the water from the pool and fill in fresh water. In between, you should clean your pool thoroughly.
Important: Always shower before going to the pool
Now you know why it is so important to always take a good shower before going into the pool. This is the only way to effectively prevent cosmetics, surfactants and the like from getting into the pool and causing foam to form.
⇒ Our tip:
In the garden, simply create a shower in your garden. So you can jump straight into the pool from the shower. Anyone who thinks that you have to be very talented in terms of craftsmanship is wrong. Anyone can create a garden shower themselves in no time at all. This how-to video proves it:
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As the he alth online portal PraxisVITA reports, it is also very important for your he alth that you always take a good shower before jumping into cool water. And not just for hygienic reasons. That's according to a study by researchers at the University of South Carolina. This has revealed that when pool sanitizers come into contact with sweat, personal care products or urine, dangerous chemical by-products are produced.