Pool Chemistry
Keep these 5 basic components of a healthy swimming pool’s water in mind, and you’ll be further on your way to having a stable, clear, blue pool.
pH - The ideal pH reading of a healthy swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.6. A reading of less than 7.0 means your water is acidic, and your chlorine will dissipate into the atmosphere too quickly. A pH of 8.0 or above means your water is basic, and means that the chlorine is rendered inactive!
Total Alkalinity - this refers to the level of alkaline in your pool’s water. It’s difficult to have a discussion of alkalinity without referring to pH, as the two go hand-in-hand.The average swimming pool should have an alkalinity reading of 100ppm .
Calcium Hardness - The ideal range of calcium hardness readings in healthy swimming pools is between 200 and 400 ppm. Too low, and your plaster will erode. Too much, and your water could cloud up, scale could form on the bottom, and staining might begin. Keep it around 300 ppm and you’re golden.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) - Too many dissolved solids in your water means that as water evaporates, these minerals become more concentrated in your pool. Not only could this damage your plumbing and pump system, makes it harder for your chemical additives to work, and can lead to stains. Keep your Total Dissolved Solids less than 3,000 ppm.
Stabilizer- This is what keeps the chlorine in your pool, instead of evaporating out into the atmosphere (where it doesn’t do any good). Think of stabilizer like insulation in your home… it keeps the good stuff inside! The ideal level of stabilizer in a healthy swimming pool is between 40 and 100 ppm.