What two tasks should a sanitizer accomplish?

A sanitizer serves two primary functions in pool maintenance: disinfection and oxidation.

Disinfection of disease organisms ensures that harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are effectively eliminated from the water, providing a safe swimming environment for patrons. This is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses and maintaining public health standards.

The second function, oxidation of organic waste, involves breaking down contaminants such as sweat, oils, and debris introduced into the pool by swimmers. This process not only helps keep the water clear and clean but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the sanitizer, as it allows the chemical to focus on killing microorganisms without being “used up” by organic matter.

While filtration and circulation, maintenance of water temperature and clarity, and debris removal are important tasks in pool operation, they do not specifically address the dual role of a sanitizer regarding disinfection and oxidation, which is why the focus on those two functions is critical in pool sanitation practices.