Summer is here and the time is right to enjoy your pool!

With our 85 degree evenings nothing beats a nice dip!
That is unless you have nasty algea, cloudy water, water that makes your skin dry and/or itchy!!!

All of this has to do with your water chemistry. It may sound daunting but with a little care you can keep your water sparkling fresh and inviting!

For those of you not being spoiled by Steve’s excellent service here are some guidelines to keep your pool like a pro!

With a simple test kit check your water often:

Since pH is the most important part in your pools water chemistry, lets talk about it for a minute,

pH affects every other chemical balance in pool water

pH is measured on a scale of 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong base) with 7 being the neutral pH.
If the PH is too low

• Water becomes acidic
• Chlorine residuals dissipate rapidly
• Eye irritation occurs
• Etching of plaster
• Metal fittings, pump impeller, heater core may corrode
• You may see “rust stains”
• Rapid Loss of alkalinity

If pH is too high (above 8 )

• Chlorine activity is slowed and inefficient
• Scale formation and discoloration of pool walls
• Water becomes cloudy
• Filter is overworked
• Eye irritation may occur

If your PH is too high you will need to use Muriatic Acid to bring it back into range, too low (not as common) you use soda ash. If your PH is too high you will need to use Muriatic Acid to bring it back into range, too low (not as common) you use soda ash.

Total Alkalinity (TA)

Total alkalinity is closely associated with pH but rather than a measure of hydrogen ion concentration it is a measure of the ability of a solution to neutralize hydrogen ions. Expressed in parts per million (ppm), total alkalinity is the result of alkaline materials including carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides it is mostly bicarbonates. This buffering capacity of water is desirable because it helps prevent wide variations in pH whenever small amounts of acid or alkali are added to the pool. Total alkalinity is a measure of water’s resistance to change in pH.
Total alkalinity should be maintained in the range of 80 to 150 ppm.
If total alkalinity is too low:
pH changes rapidly when chemicals or impurities enter the water. pH may drop rapidly, causing etching and corrosion.
If total alkalinity is too high:
pH becomes difficult to adjust. High pH often occurs causing other problems such as; cloudy water, decreased disinfectant effectiveness, scale formation and filter problems.
Raising total Alkalinity Total alkalinity can be raised by the addition of bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate, baking soda). 1.4 lbs. bicarbonate of soda per 10,000 gallons will raise total alkalinity 10 ppm.

Calcium Hardness:

Calcium hardness is a measure of the dissolved calcium salts in water. Under normal conditions this should not be a problem in properly operated swimming pools. Estimates of the proper range of calcium hardness vary widely but the ideal level for plaster pool is generally considered to be about 250 ppm. If calcium hardness is very low then water may leach calcium from pool walls causing pitting of the plaster surface. Very high calcium hardness may contribute to scale formation and clouding of the water. To raise calcium hardness add calcium chloride.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

“tds”>After a pool has been in use for a time, dissolved solids may begin to accumulate. These unfilterable solids include body wastes, suntan lotion, stabilizer, chlorines, algicide, dirt, pollen, etc. Normally this is less of a problem with outdoor pools because of rain water and no use during winter months. Indoor pools sometimes have a buildup of dissolved solids requiring draining the pool and refilling with fresh water. Most pools should be drained after 3 to 5 years. Ideally pool water contains under 450 ppm total dissolved solids.

Last but NOT least

Chlorine (water disinfection)

A proper balance will ensure water that will not damage pool parts and won’t irritate the eyes and skin.
Just as important is disinfection of the water to prevent the spread of disease and prevent bacteria and algae in the pool. (I know EWW do you want to know what makes up TDS? leave a comment I can go all day.)