What is equally important to chemical balancing in pool maintenance?

Regular physical cleaning and debris removal is equally important to chemical balancing in pool maintenance because both aspects are essential for maintaining safe and healthy swimming conditions. While chemical balancing ensures that water is sanitized and free of harmful pathogens, physical cleaning helps remove debris and contaminants that can affect water quality and clarity. Debris such as leaves, dirt, and algae can introduce organic material into the water, which can lead to imbalanced chemistry, such as increased chlorine demand or algae blooms. Therefore, regular skimming, vacuuming, and cleaning of pool surfaces complement chemical treatments and help to prolong the effectiveness of the chemicals used, ensuring a consistently clean and safe environment for swimmers.

The other options do not hold the same importance. Adding decorative features may enhance the aesthetics of the pool but does not impact water quality or safety. Increasing bather load can lead to increased organic waste, which may require more frequent chemical adjustments but is not a maintenance practice in itself. Using more expensive chemicals may not necessarily improve water quality; what is critical is the right balance and application of the appropriate chemicals, rather than relying solely on cost.