Pool Chemistry

Keeping your pool chemistry in line is critical for a healthy and clean pool.

There are multiple factors that go into your evaluation. Most test kits will show you the following five factors:

1. Chlorine
2. pH
3. Alkalinity
4. Cyanuric Acid
5. Calcium

All of these levels affect your water's chemistry. And each factor may also influence the other factors. So your water becomes dependent on finding the balance between the proper pool chemicals.

The five factors above are written in a somewhat intentional order. That is not the order your water should be tested, but it is the best order to explain the process. So let's kick things off by talking about Chlorine before we delve into the others.

Chlorine is what kills bacteria, prevents algae growth, and ultimately keeps your pool clean. There are a few alternatives to Chlorine, but it is by far the most commonly used pool cleaner. For the sake of this article we will only cover Chlorine.

So here's the catch. The Chlorine will only work if all of the other pool chemistry factors are in line.

You are just dying to know the right amounts of each, so even though we haven't talked about them yet here are the general guidelines on the first three factors:

• alkalinity - between 80 - 120
• pH - between 7.4 - 7.6
• chlorine - between 1-3

These ranges vary a bit depending on a few factors, such as your city's weather. And some pool companies will give you ranging advice.

So let's get to the explanations...

pH is a measure of how much acid is in your water. Although acid sounds bad, you must have some acid in your water in order for the Chlorine to dissolve and therefore work to clean your pool.

If you have too much acid in your water (low pH) then your Chlorine will be used up too quickly, thus it won't be effective. And if you do not have enough acid in your water (high pH) then your Chlorine won't dissolve, thus it won't be effective either.

Alkalinity is the ability of your water to neutralize acids. You must have your alkalinity correct in order for your pH to stabilize. If your alkalinity is too high or too low your pH will not stay stable. And if your pH fluctuates too high or too then your Chlorine may not work (per the previous paragraphs).

Up front you need to check your water daily, and maybe even hourly. You need to make sure your alkalinity, your pH, and your Chlorine levels are all in the proper ranges. So based on the above you must get your alkalinity correct, then your pH, then your Chlorine.

The hard part is how to adjust each of these factors when your water chemistry is out of these ranges. And remember, you are dealing with pool chemicals. These chemicals are the real deal, they include acids that can burn your skin and damage your lungs if inhaled.

This warning is not to be taken lightly. Just be extremely careful when dealing with your water chemistry.

As for the last two reading s...

Cyanuric acid acts as a stabilizer. You Chlorine will dissipate from UV rays. The cyanuric acid stabilizes your Chlorine so that it does not evaporate from UV rays. The amounts of cyanuric acid vary widely dependent on your conditions.

If you have too little (a reading less than 40 ppm) then your Chlorine may evaporate. And too much may lock up the chlorine molecule (over 100 ppm) for a greater chance of the pool clouding and bacteria build up.

Finally there is calcium. Again, it ranges based on several conditions. Calcium should be between 250 - 350 ppm. If your calcium hardness is too low, your water will become corrosive. Anything metal in the pool or pool equipment will corrode.

If the calcium hardness is too high, the result will be scale formation around your pool. It may also clog your filter and pipes. You would notice a line around the water-level of your pool.

Understanding the reasoning for each of the aspects of the pool chemistry is within reason. Balancing your pool chemistry can become very complex.

Call your local pool supply store or give your pool service professional a call if you need support or have questions.

Good luck keeping the water balanced and the pool sparkling...

Next Article >>