Managing pool and spa chemicals effectively can seem very confusing, yet it is the most important part of swimming pool maintenance. In this article, we will share some smart tips to help you manage your pool chemicals correctly.
Because hot tubs and jacuzzis are more likely to be kept open year-round, it is important to maintain their chemicals on a more consistent basis. Using an effective jacuzzi/spa bio cleaner can certainly cut back on the time and energy you spend keeping your hot tub sanitized.
Keeping a consistent schedule is at the basis of proper swimming pool chemical maintenance. Test your water daily during the warm months. During the cold months, you can probably maintain your chemical levels properly with weekly testing.
Understanding Chemical Levels
Chlorine is the main chemical used in pools. It is very important for preventing algae growth, killing bacteria and sanitizing the water. Keep your chlorine range between .5 and 3.0 parts per million (PPM).
You can use chlorine in a granular or liquid form, introduced to the pool manually, via automatic in-line chlorinator or with an automatic floating chlorinator. The automatic in-line model is best because it introduces the chlorine in a consistent, regulated manner. You will need to treat your pool with chlorine more frequently in warm weather when the pool is active and less frequently during the cool and inactive months.
Testing Pool Chemicals
Keep track of the acidity and alkalinity of your pool water by keeping a close eye on the pH level. The ideal level falls between 7.2 and 7.6 PPM. A low pH level is damaging to your pool, uncomfortable for swimmers and also causes chlorine to deteriorate rapidly. A high pH level causes cloudy water. Smart use of muriatic acid lowers your pH levels. Sodium bicarbonate raises pH levels.
Another cause of cloudy water is calcium hardness. The level of dissolved calcium in pool water should be maintained at between 252 500 PPM to avoid damage to your pool. Calcium hardness can be raised with the addition of calcium chloride or lowered with the addition of trisodium phosphate.
Monitor total alkalinity (TA) closely because keeping TA levels at 80 to 120 PPM helps control pH levels. Chemicals used to control TA are:
* Sodium Bicarbonate
* Sodium Bisulfate
* Muriatic Acid
* Soda Ash
Follow manufacturer’s instructions closely, and understand that it takes quite a bit of experience and trial and error to learn to apply these chemicals correctly.
Proper use of cyanuric acid is an important part of monitoring your pool water quality and handling and managing the various chemicals needed. This chemical is a stabilizer that helps slow down chlorine dissipation. Used correctly, it reduces the hard work you put into swimming pool maintenance. Cyanuric acid levels should be maintained at 30 to 50 PPM.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Service Professional
While managing pool chemicals effectively is not rocket science, it is easy to see that it takes a certain amount of skill and effort. Additionally, if you are going to do it yourself you must keep in mind that you must store all these chemicals safely and securely to prevent accidents. The expertise, effort and security issues involved in DIY pool maintenance play a big part in the smart decision many people make to engage a professional pool service!
**When you hire Sun Valley Pool Service we will always provide the chemicals along with the maintenance, so you will not have to worry about storing dangerous products around your home.
Thank you! This was so informational. I had many confusions about the alkalinity of the pool. I’m very glad that cleared up! 🙂
Great information on PH balancing! I have seen a lot of people that don’t understand that a filter alone can not keep your pool healthy and clean. If your pools water is not tested and treated regularly it could quickly grow dangerous pathogens that can carry disease that are harmful to your family. Also it is important to remember that properly maintained water will protect your pools surfaces and equipment from wear and excessive maintenance.
Keep up the good work I look forward to reading more!
Thank you Nina.
in the pool maintenance process, it is more efficient to look for and maintain the chemical level of the pool. The pool chemicals level should be kept at the stable state, if they exceed, they may become harmful
Great post! I agree that managing your pool chemical levels is a task that anyone can do at home with the right knowledge. However I find that most people struggle with constantly checking their levels since they tend to forget from time to time. If you’re one of these people then hiring a professional is the way to go. They will make sure that your pool is properly maintained at all times and it will be one less worry for you.
After installing a pool, maintenance must required to to give it a nice look as well as makes it perfect to swim in it. So it is a better way to conserve the balance of chemical level to keep it free from chance of algae growth. Maintaining pH level of water in the range between 7.2 to 7.6 ppm keep balancing of acidity and alkalinity of your pool. With the addition of calcium chloride or lowered with the addition of trisodium phosphate perpetuate calcium hardness thus avoid damage to your pool. It is wiser consult with a pool contractor and maintain it by his team to get your pool in hygienic condition to enjoy in it.
You must be careful to use chemicals in pools.and this post is the right one to make you be aware of this.Thanks for this nice share.
Thanks for this advice for pool chemicals. I actually didn’t know that cyanuric acid could help slow down chlorine dissipation. You mentioned it should be used properly so perhaps it’s important to know exactly when the chemical should be put in the pool.