When it comes to pool chemistry, the most important goals are maintaining ideally balanced water and promoting cleanliness through proper sanitation. Prioritizing your pool chemistry is important for the health of your family. Follow these guidelines to ensure your pool remains safe and clean all season long:
Water Balance Basics:
Your pool’s chemistry is centered around the pH scale. The ideal pH level for your pool is between 7.4-7.6.
If your pool is below this range, the pH level is too acidic, which can be dangerous for your family, your pool, and your budget. Low pH can immediately cause eye and skin irritation for swimmers. Longer term, your pool will have corrosion and deterioration issues, which can eventually lead to costly repairs. Additionally, your chlorine will be depleted and allow for algae and bacteria to grow freely.
If your pool goes above this range, the pH level is too basic, which brings problems as well. Your swimmers will experience skin and eye irritation. Also, your chlorine will not be able to fully disinfect and could lead to sickness.
Consider these three aspects to keep your water balanced:
- pH—pH is not stable and impacted easily, even by things such as rainwater or just having swimmers in your pool. Keeping pH increaser and decreaser products on hand is wise for keeping the level optimized and safe.
- Alkalinity—The optimal level for alkalinity is 100 to 150 ppm. Essentially, alkalinity functions as a buffer, keeping the pH level from fluctuating drastically. There is an alkalinity increaser product which is worthwhile to have so your first line of defense for your pH stays boosted.
- Calcium—Although calcium does not impact pH level or alkalinity in your water balance, calcium is worth mentioning. When your water is calcium deprived, it will start eating away at your plaster pool. The optimal calcium hardness level for your plaster pool is 200 to 275 ppm. If your pool’s level does not fall in the range at the beginning of the season, add calcium increaser. Make sure to check your level first because this is generally added only at the start of the season if at all.
Keep your home test kit on hand along with the recommended increaser and decreaser products to ensure your water remains ideally balanced.
Sanitation Suggestions:
The most common sanitizing agent is chlorine, but some pool owners also utilize bromine, biguanide, and minerals. Explore these options to find the best fit for your needs:
- Chlorine (Proper Level: 3 ppm)–cost effective, exceptionally strong against algae and bacteria
- Bromine (Proper Level: 3-5 ppm)—ideal for indoor pools and hot tubs, not odorous like chlorine, not generally recommended for outdoor pools
- Biguanide (Proper Level: 30 to 50 ppm)—effective chlorine alternative, makes water feel smooth, increased cost over chlorine
- Minerals–silver and copper minerals work in conjunction with a minimal level of chlorine (0.5 ppm).
Combining proper pool chemistry with regular pool maintenance, your pool remains safe and clean for your family’s enjoyment. If you need professional help with your pool chemistry or have damage from improperly balanced chemicals, schedule a consultation with J&M Pool Company.
"J&M Pools does a great job maintaining our pool. The young man who services the pool each week is always friendly and responsive to our needs. The technicians always complete any needed repairs in a timely manner as well. We never have to worry about our pool being ready to enjoy"
