Importance of Chemical Pool Balance
As a pool owner, there is a lot of work that goes into keeping your pool in good condition so you can enjoy the refreshing water on a hot day. Pool chemical balance is one of the most important aspects of pool maintenance, and unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just adding chlorine every now and then.
Pool Water Elements to Balance
There are several different elements that must be balanced and kept within a specific range to have ideal pool water conditions:
● pH: between 7.4 and 7.6
● Alkalinity: between 80 and 120 ppm
● Calcium Hardness: between 180 and 200 ppm
● Stabilizer: between 30 and 50 ppm
● Chlorine: between 1 and 3 ppm
Each of these components plays an important role in the appearance, safety, and overall function of your pool.
What Happens When Pool Water is Unbalanced
It may not seem like a big deal if you go a while without testing and balancing your pool water. However, unbalanced pool water can cause problems like skin and eye irritation, corrosion, pool equipment damage, cloudy water, and algae growth.
pH levels under 7 mean the water is acidic and can turn corrosive. Levels over 7 indicate the water is basic and may turn cloudy and start to scale. High calcium levels can lead to calcium deposits and cloudy water. Very low levels of calcium can turn the water corrosive.
There are also important health reasons to keep your pool water balanced. High chlorine levels can cause skin, eye, and nose irritation, but if the chlorine is too low, it will allow bacteria to grow which can lead to ear, nose, and throat infections.
Tips for Balancing Pool Water
It is important to test your pool water regularly and make the necessary adjustments. You should test the water when you open the pool for the season, if you refill or add water to the pool, and on a weekly basis. You should have a test kit at home and know the size of your pool and its capacity for accurate balancing.
Chemical levels are also affected by elements such as rain and water temperature. Heavy rain can decrease your pool’s pH level. Chemicals are less active in lower temperatures, so you may need to add more to achieve the correct balance. The pool water may also need extra balancing if it is unused for a long period of time.
It’s a lot to keep track of. If it seems overwhelming, if you just don’t want to worry about it, or if you’re having trouble keeping the water balanced you can have your pool water tested and balanced weekly with professional pool maintenance services.
Pink Dolphin Pool Care offers weekly full-service pool cleaning that takes the hassle out of owning a swimming pool. This service includes testing and balancing pool water as well as backwashing the filter, emptying the skimmer, brushing and vacuuming, and more. We always leave a pool service slip detailing what pool chemicals were added to your pool.
If you need pool care services in Phoenix’s Northwest Valley, or the surrounding areas, call Pink Dolphin today at 602-688-7465!