A. C. Swimming Pools: Pool Water Balance

Home PoolsServicesOur StoreAbout Us Contact Us Links Options

Pool Water Balance

pH
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. The pH scale is 0-14. If the water is acidic (for pools and spas, below 7.2-7.4) it can corrode equipment, danger the surface, and cause skin and eye irritation. If the water is alkaline (above 7.6-7.8) it can cause minerals to fall out of solution, which can cloud the water and cause scale buildup. The sanitizer being used in the pool is also impacted by the pH. If the pH is not in proper range, it can lessen the effectiveness of the sanitizer. For chlorinated and brominated pools, the ideal pH range is 7.4-7.6. For Clear Comfort pools, the ideal pH range is 7.4-7.8.There are many things that can affect the pH of the water, such as rain, debris, pollutants, swimmers, and other pool products that you are adding. Products such as oxidizer and other balancers can have a large effect on the pH. Whenever you add other pool products, it is a good idea to retest the pH several hours afterward and readjust if needed. Having your water analyzed through a pool dealer takes into account any other products that are being recommended and what their impact on the pH will be and make the final pH adjustments for you.To raise pH that is low, use Ph increaser. To lower pH that is too high, use pH decrease. Follow label instructions or water analysis recommendations for instructions.

Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is a measure of the amount of buffering capacity in the water. This “buffering capacity”, put simply, means that the total alkalinity acts as a shock absorber for pH. The total alkalinity scale is 106-200 ppm. The ideal level is 125-150 ppm, but levels outside this range won’t necessarily cause damage or problems depending on other water balance factors. Getting your water analyzed will take into account all of the balancing factors, water temperature and finish type to determine an acceptable level for the alkalinity.Total Alkalinity, like pH, is affected by rain, pollutants, swimmers, and other pool products, but more gradually. Test the alkalinity every three to found weeks.
LOW TOTAL ALKALINITY
If the total alkalinity is to low, the pH tends to drift down and is over-responsive to adjustments (also called “pH bounce”) Low total alkalinity also can cause some of the same problems as low pH. It can corrode equipment and danger the pool surface. To raise the total alkalinity, use Alkalinity Increaser. Follow label instructions or water analysis recommendations for instructions.
HIGH TOTAL ALKALINITY
f Total Alkalinity is too high, the pH tends to drift up and is very difficult to lower. High alkalinity, like high pH, can cause minerals to fall out of solution and create a buildup of scale on the pool and equipment surfaces. It can also cloud the water. To lower the alkalinity gradually, so that the pH is not lowered too much during the process. Apply a small amount of pH Decrease, pre mix with water in a plastic bucket, add to pool straight down in one place. Do not add it around the returns. Do this each day until the alkalinity is in an acceptable range. For more specific instructions, take to your pool dealer and have them to perform a complete water analysis and follow the recommendations.

Total Dissolved Solids
Total Dissolved Solids is a measure in part per million (ppm) of all the dissolved solids in the water. At high levels, the water can become cloudy. If the level is higher than 2500 ppm, it is recommended to drain partially. Do not drain without consulting your builder or manufacturer. Environmental or manufacturing considerations may create conditions that could damage the pool if it is drained even partially.

CYA or Stabilizer
CYANURIC ACID (CYA) also called Stabilizer, helps prevent loss of chlorine from the ultra-violet rays of the sun. In an outdoor chlorinated pool, it is important to establish an initial residual of 30-40 ppm CYA. Many chlorinating products come with stabilizer built-in to help replenish what is lost through backwashing and splashout. Chlorinating sticks and tablets all contain stabilizer to help them last longer.
LOW STABILIZER
If the stabilizer level is less than 30 ppm, add conditioner directly to the pool with the pump running. For pools that have plastic piping, Condititioner can be added VERY SLOWLY through the skimmer with the pump running. Do not backwash for 48 hours. Add according to label instructions.
HIGH STABILIZER
High stabilizer is lowered by performing a partial drain and refilling with fresh water. If the pool is commercial, many health departments require that the CYA residual not exceed 100 ppm. For residential pools, a partial drain is recommended when the residual exceeds 200 ppm. CAUTION: DO NOT drain the pool if it will void the manufacturer’s warranty or if there is a danger of damage due to high water tables or other environmental or structural factors. Consult your builder or manufacturer for more information.

TOTAL HARDNESS
Total hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. There minerals naturally occur in varying amounts in fill water. Ideal levels of total hardness depend on the water temperature and other balancing factors. When having your water analysized, the adjusted pH and total alkalinity, along with the water temperature, are used to calculate an acceptable level of total hardness without raising it higher than necessary.
LOW TOTAL HARDNESS
Low total hardness can cause equipment corrosion and surface damage. For plaster pool finishes, a low total hardness can cause etching.To raise total hardness, add Calcium Hardness Increaser according to label.
HIGH TOTAL HARDNESS
High total hardness results in the beginning of scale formation. If the hardness is too high for the water temperature and other balancing factors, the water cannot hold it in solution any longer, and the minerals begin to fall out of solution, or crystallize. This causes the water to become cloudy, and eventually scale can form on the pool surface and equipment. Scale is very hard and often forms sharp edges. If scale has been present for some time on the pool surface, it is not easily removed. Often, the pool has to be acidwashed or sandblasted to remove the scale. Vinyl liners usually have to be replaced completely. If the buildup has accumulated on equipment, those affected parts sometimes have to be replaced. The only way to economically lower the total hardness level in a pool is to drain part of the water and refill with fresh water with a lower total hardness. If this is not feasible, stain & Scale Prevention can be used to prevent scale buildup. Add according to label.

A.C. Swimming Pools
3621 Messanie * St. Joe. Mo. 64507
816-232-9198 Fax:816-232-7979

Seal Black Background.jpg

YOUR FUN IN THE SUN HEADQUARTERS !