Maintaining balanced pool levels is essential for ensuring the overall health and cleanliness of your pool. Balancing your pool involves adjusting the levels of four key chemicals: pH, total alkalinity (TA), calcium hardness (CH), and stabilizer (CY). In this article, we will explain how to test for and balance each of these chemicals in your pool.
To test the pH level of your pool water, you will need to purchase a pH testing kit from a pool supply store such as Think Water. These kits typically come with test strips that you can use to measure the pH level in your water. To use the test strips, simply dip the strip into your pool water and compare the resulting colour to the colour chart provided with the kit. The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pH level is too high or too low, you can use pH balancers to adjust it.
Total alkalinity (TA) is another important factor in pool water balance. High TA levels can cause pH levels to fluctuate, leading to problems with water clarity and sanitiser effectiveness. To test for TA, you will need to use a TA testing kit, which is available at most pool supply stores. These kits come with test strips that you can use to measure the TA level in your pool water. The ideal TA level for pool water is between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). If your TA level is too high or too low, you can use TA balancers to adjust it.
Calcium hardness (CH) is a measure of the amount of calcium in your pool water. High CH levels can cause scaling and cloudy water, while low CH levels can cause corrosion and other problems. To test for CH, you will need to use a CH testing kit. These kits come with test strips that you can use to measure the CH level in your pool water. The ideal CH level for pool water is between 175 and 225 ppm. If your CH level is too high or too low, you can use CH balancers to adjust it.
Stabiliser, also known as cyanuric acid (CY), is a chemical that helps to protect your pool water from the sun’s UV rays. High levels of stabiliser can cause problems with chlorine effectiveness, so it’s important to maintain the proper CY level in your pool water. To test for CY, you will need to use a CY testing kit. These kits come with test strips that you can use to measure the CY level in your pool water. The ideal CY level for pool water is between 30 and 50 ppm. If your CY level is too high or too low, you can use CY balancers to adjust it.
Alternatively, many stores will test your pool water for you. All you need to do is take a sample of your pool water to your nearest store. The team will test the water for you and give you some advice on how to restore the balance in your pool.
Think Water supplies a range of products to help bring your pool back into balance, and one of our favourites is the Focus Brand.
Focus has 2 products that are designed to regulate and maintain your pool’s pH levels. If your pool’s pH level isn’t high enough, then the pool water will begin to damage and break down the surface or lining of your pool. This can cause your pool to leak or the damaged surface breaks down into your pool’s water, further destabilising it. To prevent this from happening, consider using the Focus pH Buffer or Pool pH Increaser, depending on your situation.
If your pool’s pH level is soaring out of control, then you will need to bring it back down using pool acid. Focus offers the choice of dry acid, hydrochloric acid and a tablet that can be added to your pool skimmer. The choice of which acid is often based on which medium the pool owner prefers to handle.
In conclusion, maintaining balanced pool levels is crucial for ensuring the overall health and cleanliness of your pool. By testing for and adjusting the levels of pH, TA, CH, and CY, you can ensure that your pool water is properly balanced and free of problems. Remember to use pool balancers to help you adjust the levels of these chemicals in your pool water and to test your pool water regularly to ensure that it remains balanced.
If you need more help with this, talk to one of our expert team at Think Water.
To find your nearest Think Water store, search here.