Keeping your pool chemically balanced regularly will not only ensure your water is clear and healthy to swim in, but it will also save you money by making your pool chemicals work together, rather than 'chasing' the perfect balance.
If your water is correctly balanced, this means that the waters chemical demands have been met. However, if chemical levels are out of the ideal ranges, the water can affect other areas of your pool or spa. For example, it could seek the missing elements it needs by attacking or depositing additional elements onto the surface & equipment which can lead to more expensive problems later if not corrected.
Also, if not properly balanced, the sanitising process (killing bacteria and algae) can be impaired.
The main 'variables' in your water balance are:
pH - Potential Hydrogen
pH ranges from 0-14 with 7.0 being neutral and values below 7 being acidic. Ideal ranges for your pH is between 7.4 - 7.6 for pools and 7.6 - 7.8 for spas. When your pH is within these ranges your, sanitiser (chlorine) most effective and therefore keeping your pool free of algae.
Chemicals we use
Balance Pak 200 for raising the pH
Lo’N’Slo for lowering pH
TA - Total Alkalinity
The ideal value of Total Alkalinity is 80 - 125ppm in pools and 100 -120ppm in spas. Keeping your Total Alkalinity within these ranges will stabilise your pH levels. When your TA is low, your pH will fluctuate a lot and therefore reduce the effectiveness of your sanitiser and can cause mild skin & eye irritation.
Chemicals we use
Balance Pak 100 for raising Total Alkalinity
Lo’N’Slo for lowering Total Alkalinity
Ca - Calcium Hardness
This is a measure of the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water. Depending on your pool surface, we recommend a range between 200 - 250ppm. When the Calcium level is too low, the water will draw calcium from the surface of the pool causing deposits to form. Similarly, if the calcium levels are too high, this will form hard, unsightly deposits on the surface of the pool and equipment.
Chemicals we use
Balance Pak 300 for increasing calcium hardness
Stabiliser - Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid or as its more commonly known as ‘pool sunscreen' is used as a chlorine stabiliser in swimming pools to reduce chlorine loss due to UV rays (sunlight) if there is no pool cover. Levels should be maintained at approx. 30 - 100ppm. When your stabiliser levels are low, your sanitiser will not last as long in the water and therefore you won’t get effective algae control. If levels become too high, this can block the sanitiser from being effective also.
Chemicals we use
Stabiliser prevents chlorine loss due to sunlight
*Values are approximate ranges that are dependent on your pool/spa type, other balances and factors.
For more information about your pool water balance, speak to one of our knowledgeable staff by calling our Traralgon shop on 03 5174 7333. You can also ask us a question on our Facebook page HERE.