Healthy Pool Water Chemistry

It is vital that your pool chemistry is maintained at a good balanced level. This balance makes it safe for your swimmers, along with preventing algae and bacteria growth.  So, what are the main things you need to know about your pool's water chemistry?

• Chlorine

It's important to select the right kind of chlorine.  Although the cheaper sticks may look like the rest, that's where their similarities end.  You will be able to tell the difference when you use them.  The cheaper ones dissolve quickly and will vanish in about three days.  High quality chlorine dissolves very slowly.  The 3-inch tablets are your best bet unless your pool is small, then the 1-inch tablets will be fine.  Try to always get tablets that have at least 85% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione.   For further information on treating your pool with chlorine, see the American Chemistry Council.

• Chlorine Feeding System

If you just place the chlorine in your pool or put it in a skimmer, your chlorine levels will be too high and can corrode your circulation systems or your pump.  Instead check into purchasing a chemical or automatic feeder that work great for slowly dispensing chlorine into your pool.

• pH Levels

If your pH levels are off it will make your swimmers' eyes burn when in your pool.  Rather than use that as your indicator that your pH levels are off, purchase a pH testing kit.  If your pH levels are off by even 1 pH, it prevents the chlorine from working properly and allows insects to occupy your pool without restraint.  The ideal level for a swimming pool is 7.4, plus or minus 0.2 pH.  Normally you will find that you're trying to lower your levels.  Using granular acid (slower) or muriatic acid (quicker but dangerous) while your pump is turned on full blast will reduce your levels without adding too much and overshooting your mark.

These are some of the key elements you need to know in order to maintain a healthy pool chemistry.