Enzymes in Your Swimming Pool
Enzymes break down the organic contaminants your sanitizer struggles with, so they work alongside chlorine or bromine rather than replacing it.
Enzymes are protein molecules that act as catalysts for organic biochemical reactions. They are produced by living things but are not alive themselves, so they cannot be killed. In a pool, they break down organic contaminants: the oils, sweat and dirt that swimmers leave behind.
What enzymes do for your pool
- They extend the use of your other chemicals. Used alongside chlorine or bromine, enzymes mean you get more out of your sanitizer, so the water is less harsh on skin, eyes and hair.
- They prevent the winter waterline stain. Natural oils left by swimmers float to the surface and combine with dirt, leaving a ring on the pool or spa wall. Enzymes break that organic material down before it can settle.
- They keep your filter cleaner.
Enzymes are not a sanitizer
This is the part worth being clear about. Enzymes handle organic material. Chlorine or bromine still does the disinfecting, and an enzyme treatment does not reduce the need for it. WinterPill's product information puts it plainly: it is compatible with all sanitizers and will not affect pool chemistry.
Enzyme treatments we stock
Royal Swimming Pools carries two natural enzyme treatments. Both are aimed at closing and opening rather than mid-season use.
| WinterPill | Pool Magic + PHOSfree | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A slow-release pill for the off season | A liquid enzyme treatment that also removes phosphates |
| Treats up to | 30,000 gallons | 25,000 gallons |
| Best for | Winterizing. Releases steadily through the off season | Opening and closing, and cold water use |
| Also does | Clarifies water and helps reduce scaling and staining | Reduces phosphates and off season waterline rings |
| Worth knowing | Compatible with all sanitizers and all pool surfaces, and will not affect pool chemistry | Test and lower phosphates before use, and treat any algae first |
Full directions are on each product page. Pool Magic + PHOSfree in particular has steps to follow before you add it, including testing and lowering phosphates and treating any algae first.
Read more about enzymes and your swimming pool on our blog.
Still need help?
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at support@royalswimmingpools.com or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic: