Enzymes are one of the most effective methods of destroying organic matter; including oils, fats, detergents, dirt, and pollen. You may find these types of materials in a pool with a high swimmer load. This organic material can build up on a pool’s water surface and form a line along pool walls, commonly referred to as scum. Pool owners will commonly dedicate a good amount of time skimming, brushing and vacuuming this type of debris to keep their pool sparkling clean. If this is an issue at your pool, an enzyme treatment will greatly improve the water quality of your pool and can decrease the amount of time you have to spend cleaning.
How Do Enzyme Treatments Work?
Enzymes are proteins which speed up the chemical reactions of other substances. They act as a catalyst in the breaking down of specific materials without being destroyed themselves. These enzymes consist of long chains of amino acids that form a structure resembling a balled up telephone cord. The twists and folds of an enzyme form activity sites where catalytic reactions can occur. These reactions break down organic matter into CO2 or carbon dioxide. Essentially, enzymes digest the organic matter.
Reactions To Other Pool Chemicals
The ability for an enzyme to function as a catalyst for chemical reactions is dependant on its environment. Temperature, pH changes, water activity, and Ionic strength can all influence the effectiveness of enzymes. Pool and spa enzymes are often paired with surfactants which help lift dirt and oils to the surface. The surfactant and enzymes work together to lift and breakdown these organic deposits.
Benefits of Enzymes
In large commercial pools, using enzymes on a regular basis can reduce the need for sanitizer demand and shocking. Regular enzyme use can increase the lifespan of your pool filter and keep your filtration system running more efficiently.
Enzymes in Winter
While it may seem like enzymes are best suited to summer months when your pool is seeing a high volume of swimmers, they are also a great winter chemical treatment. For pools with mesh safety covers, using a quart of an enzyme in the fall or early spring can greatly reduce the amount of algae growth. This can be a huge time saver if your pool maintenance crew seems to spend a lot of time scrubbing tiles to get the pool ready each spring.
Consider using an enzyme this spring as part of your pool opening process, or over the busy summer season to improve water quality. American Pool can design a pool maintenance plan that uses enzymes, reducing the time and money you spend on skimming, brushing and vacuuming.
