Understanding pool chemistry is a basic part of owning a pool. Not only does it protect your pool, but it also ensures your water stays safe to swim in. So what happens when you find yourself staring into what looks like a living science experiment? Your filter may not be to blame. The issue might lie in your pool’s pH levels.
Pool Chemistry Is Essential for Cleanliness
You can have a great skimmer and filter, yet still find your water discolored, cloudy, or murky. Pool water stays clean not only from filtration. It also needs the right chemical balance. This balance helps prevent algae and bacteria from growing.
If your pH is too high (above 7.8), the chlorine stops sanitizing. And if the pH is too low (below 7.2), the chlorine burns away too fast and can eat through pool equipment. Experts recommend maintaining the average pool pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent damage and keep your water clean and fresh.
Free Chlorine Explained
The free chlorine in your pool should remain within the range of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm to ensure effective sanitation of the water. If free chlorine drops below this level, bacteria and algae can grow, even if your test shows “chlorine is present.” You might be noticing combined chlorine.
This irritating byproduct can cause burning eyes and strong chlorine smells. But it doesn’t sanitize very well. To keep your pool safe and clear, maintain proper free chlorine levels and make sure combined chlorine stays below 0.2 ppm.
Total Alkalinity Problems
When people think about their pool’s pH, they’re usually thinking about its alkalinity levels. It serves as the shock absorber for your pool. If it’s too low, the pH goes out of control. If it’s too high, everything comes to a standstill, and chlorine stops working.
Proper levels of alkalinity are crucial for maintaining a clean, fresh pool. Otherwise, every rain shower, chemical addition, or swim session will send your pH spiraling.
Is Your Pool Stabilizer Secretly Sabotaging?
Cyanuric acid protects the chlorine in your pool from the sun, but too much of it causes the chemical to stop. Chlorine will appear in your pool test, but excessive cyanuric acid is preventing it from being available. This means your pool water takes on that murky look, and you’re left scratching your head.
How to Fix Pool pH Problems
Run a test first and check all your levels. Then you can start to make strategic adjustments. It’s best to work with an expert who can test your pool water and determine the specific requirements for it to thrive.
Get the answers you need from a team that takes away guesswork. Contact S&R Pool & Spa in Hillsborough, NJ, for expert pool cleaning.