The Importance of Balancing Pool Water Chemicals
Taking a dip in the pool is about as fun as it gets on a scorching hot day. However, many things can ruin the experience, and one of them is poor water chemistry. A chemical issue can lead to numerous adverse effects that can be prevented by balancing pool water chemicals.
Here we review the importance of balancing pool water chemicals.
Why should homeowners balance their pool water chemicals?
Without proper pool water chemicals maintenance, a wide range of problems can occur:
Unbalanced pool water chemicals can lead to corrosion. Pool components can corrode in unstable environments. Because pool chemicals can be extremely potent, they can damage such as rusting away of pool ladders.
Eye problems and skin irritation. With unbalanced pool water chemicals, colonies of bacteria can fester and result in eye problems or skin irritation for anyone who takes a plunge.
Damaged equipment. Pools contain expensive equipment that requires proper conditions to remain functional. If pool water chemicals aren’t balanced, the filter and other equipment can break and force a pool owner to spend a lot of money on repairs.
Poor aesthetics. Correctly maintained pools have sparkly clean water ideal for swimming. However, chemical instability creates cloudy water that will put anyone off taking a swim.
What pool water elements should people balance?
There are three main elements you need to keep in check for chemical balance: the pH level, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
pH level
pH levels are used to measure the basicity or acidity of water. The scale ranges from 0-14, where seven is neutral water. Anything under seven indicates acidic water, and levels higher than seven translates to a basic environment. As for pool water, its pH level should remain between 7.4-7.6.
If it’s too acidic, the water will turn corrosive. Conversely, if it’s too basic, the pool water will become cloudy and scaly deposits will form. Balancing the pH level is relatively simple. If the reading shows too much acidity, add a base. If the water’s too basic, add acid to act as a counterbalance.
Total alkalinity
Total alkalinity is directly related to pH levels, as it keeps the levels stable. It measures alkaline substances, carbonates, and hydroxides in the water.
The ideal level is between 80-120, and balancing it works the same as balancing pH levels. If there’s too much acid, add a base, and vice versa.
Calcium hardness
Calcium hardness measures the hardness or softness of water. The desired level for pool water is between 180-200 ppm (parts per million).
If the level exceeds 400 ppm, magnesium or calcium deposits will start forming on the surface, lights, ladders, and lead to cloudy water. High calcium hardness may require draining a part of the water and replacing it with softer water.
On the other hand, extremely low levels can lead to corrosion. To amend this, add a substance that increases calcium levels to the water.
Bottom line
The importance of balancing pool water chemicals is often overlooked. Hopefully, that won’t be the case for your pool after reading this article. Keep track of all three crucial elements, and act according to the readings to keep the water in excellent condition. If you need a professional pool company to service your pool, give us a call!
If you need pool maintenance for your Phoenix, Arizona pool or spa, call us here at Serenity Pools. Our services include new installation set-up, professional maintenance of pools and spas, water features, and fountains. Call today! 480-370-0579.
