Water Chemistry

pH

pH is the most important factor controlling your pool water balance.  It refers to the measure of the relative acid or base of the pool water and should be tested daily.

If pH is too high

pH values above 7.8 will lead to cloudy water, staining, scale deposits, fitration problems and reduces chlorine efficiency.

If pH is too low

pH values below 7.2 may lead to corrosion of metallic pipes, etched plaster, rapid loss of chlorine residual and possible irritation to swimmers.

Ideal pH

To maintain an ideal pH level in your pool water, use pH up when the pH drops beow 7.2.  When the pH level rises above 7.8, use pH Down.

Total Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity is the measure of your pool water's ability to resist change in pH.  Alkalinity does not have to be tested on a daily basis.  This is a measure of the buffering capacity or the ability of pool water to resist a change in pH.

High Total Alkalinity

When the total alkalinity is above 170 ppm, the pH will tend to slowly creep up and resist efforts to change.

Low Total Alkalinity

When the total alkalinity is below 70 ppm, the pH is likely to 'bounce' from one extreme to teh otehr and it will be difficult to keep the pH in the proper range.

Ideal Alkalinity

When the total alkalinity of your pool drops below 100 ppm, use Alkalinity Increaser.  If total alkalinity rises above 170 ppm, add pH Down.

Calcium Hardness

Calcium Hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water.  You should test you pool for Calcium Hardness at the beginning of each season.

High Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness above 300 ppm can cause calcium to precipitate from the water causing cloudy conditions and scale deposits.

Low Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness below 100 ppm may lead to corrosion.

Ideal Calcium Hardness

If the calcium hardness level in your pool rises above 300 ppm, the use of Stain & Scale Remover will prevent cloudy water and hard water scale.  A low calcium hardness level can be corrected by adding Hardness Increaser.