• Total Alkalinity:

Total alkalinity in pool water, measured in parts per million (ppm), indicates the concentration of carbonates and bicarbonate salts. It stabilizes pH levels, preventing significant fluctuations. Low alkalinity causes pH to vary drastically with minor chemical changes, while high alkalinity increases acid demand and can lead to scaling issues when pH is elevated.

Recommended Levels:

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• Concrete pools: 80 - 130 ppm

• Fiberglass pools: 80 - 120 ppm

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Adjusting Total Alkalinity:

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To Increase: Add 900 grams of alkalinity increaser per 50,000 liters of pool water to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm.

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To Decrease: Add 1.2 kg of dry acid or 1 liter of hydrochloric acid per 50,000 liters of pool water to lower alkalinity by 10 ppm. Alternatively, use low alkalinity tap water for dilution.

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Always pre-dissolve acid in a bucket of water before distributing it evenly across the pool surface and filter the water thoroughly after making adjustments.

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• pH Levels:

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of pool water and is influenced by factors like temperature, chemical additions, rain, and bather contamination. Proper pH control is vital for the effectiveness of chlorine and to prevent damage to pool surfaces and equipment.

Recommended Levels:

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• Concrete pools: 7.4 - 7.6

• Fiberglass pools: 7.0 - 7.2

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Adjusting pH:

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To Increase: Add up to 1 kg of pH increaser per 50,000 liters of pool water at a time. Distribute it evenly over the pool surface and filter well.

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To Decrease: Add up to 1 kg of dry acid or 1 liter of liquid acid per 50,000 liters of pool water. Pre-dissolve the acid in a bucket of water before distributing it evenly. Filter the water thoroughly after the adjustment.

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• Calcium Hardness:

Calcium hardness measures the concentration of calcium carbonate in pool water. Proper levels prevent water from becoming corrosive (low calcium) or causing scale formation (high calcium).

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Recommended Levels:

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• Pebble, tiled, concrete, painted, or marble pools: 200 - 225 ppm

• Vinyl or fiberglass pools: 150 - 190 ppm

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Adjusting Calcium Hardness:

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To Increase: Add 500 grams of hardness increaser per 50,000 liters of pool water for every 10 ppm increase required. Broadcast evenly and circulate the water well.

 

To Decrease: Dilute the water with tap water that has a lower hardness value or use a suitable sequestering agent.

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• Sanitation:

Sanitation involves killing bacteria and organisms in the water to ensure safety. Chlorine is the most common sanitizer due to its effectiveness, though alternatives like ozone gas and hydrogen peroxide exist but are less common due to higher costs and limited availability.

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Recommended Levels:

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• Maintain a free chlorine level between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm for safe recreational use.

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• Stabiliser:

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Chlorine degrades when exposed to sunlight. Adding a stabilizer (cyanuric acid) protects chlorine from UV degradation, maintaining its effectiveness during the day.

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Recommended Levels:

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• Stabiliser levels should be between 35 and 50 ppm, depending on the type of chlorine used.

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• Filtration:

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Effective filtration, along with proper water balance and sanitation, ensures clean and healthy pool water. Microscopic algae spores and organisms can proliferate without treatment. Common filtration methods include sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

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Recommended Practice:

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• Filters should run for at least two passes of the total pool volume per day (8 to 12 hours) to remove solids effectively and maintain water clarity.

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Your pool is more than water; it’s a harmonious blend of precision and care. Embrace the balance.