Pool maintenance is something that every pool owner must commit to so as to ensure their comfort as well as the longevity of their pool equipment. In addition to ensuring the filter, basket, and pool is clean, one should maintain the recommended chemical levels in the pool water. If the total alkalinity or PH level is too low, or there’s a high level of Calcium Hardness, your pool will have serious problems.
It’s important to note that maintaining the proper balance in your pool water usually depends on specific chemical properties. We both know that you want to keep your swimming pool safe and healthy for use. Well, to achieve this, you must commit to testing your pool water on a regular basis and making the necessary adjustments to maintain the proper balance.
What Causes Pool Water Balance to Change?
The first thing you should keep in mind is that there’s really no alternative or rather substitute for keeping a proper chemical balance and good filtration when dealing with your pool. Secondly, understand that nearly everything that makes its way into your swimming pool affects its balance. Whether it’s your pet, yourself, bathers, dirt, chemicals, fill water, or weather conditions, all these are likely to affect water balance.
When each of the mentioned elements come in contact and interacts with the pool water, it changes the alkalinity level and PH of the water. Here are some tips on how you can maintain the proper chemical balance of your swimming pool.
Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is all about carbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in your pool water. It’s responsible for buffering the PH level, thereby making it more stable. Note that low alkalinity can also affect the water heater. Be sure to add an alkalinity increaser (sodium-bicarb) to raise the total alkalinity if it’s too low. The recommended levels are between 80 and 120 ppm.
PH
Pool PH is one of the most important factors that affect the water balance of the water. PH, in this case, refers to the level of basicity or acidity of the pool water. According to the PH scale, seven is considered neutral while anything below it is acidic and anything above is basic. A PH of above 7.8 can result in staining and discoloration of the pool surface. A lower PH, on the other hand, can damage your pool equipment. It’s recommended to maintain a PH of between 7.4 and 7.6.
Calcium Hardness
When it comes to calcium hardness, it’s all about the hardness or softness of your pool water. Hard water often leaves stains on pool surfaces. Desirable levels should be between 180 and 220 ppm. When the water is too soft, it’s likely to cause corrosion on pool surfaces. It may also strip metals out of your water heater and other metallic parts. When the calcium hardness level is too high, it’s likely to result in cloudy water and leave scale formations and deposits on your pool surface.
If you’re having trouble maintaining your pool or looking for pool cleaning services in New Braunfels, let the technicians at Crystal Clear Pool Care help. We will protect your investment.