How To Balance Your Pool Water
The first step to achieving perfect water balance is testing. If it's the start of the pool season, take a sample of your water to your nearest pool store to have it professionally analyzed. You should do this at least once a month and you should test your water at home, with a test kit or test strips, at least once a week.
Water balance is important for a number of reasons.
- It helps sanitizing chemicals (i.e. chlorine and bromine) to work effectively.
- It decreases the chance for water problems, including cloudiness and algae growth.
- It prolongs the life of your pool equipment
The four main tests to perform with a test kit (or have your pool pro test) are pH, Chlorine, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness.
Cyanuric Acid levels should also be tested on outdoor pools that use chlorine.
Here's a general guide for the results you'll want to see when you test each of these:
- Chlorine: 1.0 - 3.0ppm
- pH: 7.4 - 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 - 100ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400ppm
Remember, these numbers can change quickly, especially after rain. So, make sure you keep an eye on your water balance. By maintaining balance and harmony in your pool water, you will avoid major water issues.