Pool Water chemistry is important to proper pool maintenance. Here are the different elements of water chemistry (unless noted otherwise, check two to three times a week):

pH Level

• Keep between 7.4 and 7.6
• Below 7 –
  • water is too acidic
  • corrodes walls and irritates the skin
  • use pH increaser

• Above 7.6 –
  • water is too basic
  • causes cloudy water, deposits on walls and dries the skin
  • use pH decreaser

Alkalinity Level

• Keep between 100 to 150 ppm (parts per million)
• Stabilizes pH levels
• Use alkalinity increaser when too low

pH and Alkalinity Levels

• If both are low, use alkalinity increaser first to increase both levels; then add pH increaser, if needed
• If both are high, use pH decreaser to lower both levels

Calcium Level

• Keep between 180 and 220 ppm
• Used with plaster pools
• Too many causes white hard water stains; too little causes corrosion
• Used at the beginning of swimming season and checked monthly thereafter
• Too low, use calcium hardness; too high, drain water level some and refill with fresh water

Chlorine and Alternatives

• Kills bacteria and algae
• Chlorine –
  • keep between 1 and 3 ppm (3 is recommended)
  • use stabilized chlorine with the active ingredient of either Trichloro or Dichloro to slow down sunburn off
• Bromine –
  • keep between 3 to 5 ppm
  • used for indoor pools and hot tubs; not for outdoor use in the sun
  • not as effective in dealing with algae
• Biguanide
  • keep between 30 and 50 ppm
  • must purchase special brands of other water chemicals
• Minerals
  • keep at 0.5 ppm
  • still requires the use of some chlorine
• Pool Shock
  • done weekly – more during hot weather
  • burns off unwanted chlorine residue
  • more effective to do after the sun is down
  • no swimming for 24 hours
  • always read chlorine or alternative label for instructions

Water Stabilizer

• Follow directions on the container
• Protects chlorine or alternatives from sunburn off
• Used when you first fill the pool with fresh water

Algaecide

• Chlorine kills algae best; use algaecide as a backup
• If major algae problem, call a professional for pool maintenance service

Water Clarifier or Floc

• Water clarifier brings together the tiny particles that make the water cloudy and removed by the pool filter
• Floc (Flocculant) also brings them together but then pool must be vacuumed to remove

If you have Questions about Water Chemistry please contact our Lab at ext. 130