Pool chemical balancing is a crucial step in keeping your swimming pool clean and sanitary. There are a few critical tasks necessary for maintaining the right levels that will not only eliminate germs and bacteria but also reduce skin and eye irritation. Here is a brief guide to pool chemical balancing and the best way to sanitize your swim area.

How to Use Pool Chemicals

1. pH Level

A slightly-above-neutral pH level is where you want your pool to remain. Ideally a range between 7.4 and 7.6 will suffice and can be achieved by balancing pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. It is also helpful to have a pH increaser and decreaser in your arsenal of chemicals in case levels become too low and acidic — which can burn swimmers’ eyes — or too high and basic. Always check pH levels daily with a kit or test strips.

2. Alkalinity & Calcium Readings

Before the pH can be affected by changes in the water, alkalinity should step in to balance the pH. Alkalinity increasers are helpful tools to keep levels maintained at 100 to 150 parts per million. For calcium, aim for 200 to 275 parts per million, especially to stop water from leeching the element from your plaster. Typically, calcium hardness only needs to be added when you open the pool for the season.

3. Pool Cleaning

Most pools use chlorine as their main cleaning ingredient, either in tablet form or powder. There are also salt-to-chlorine generators that can turn regular salt into an effective chemical for killing bacteria and algae. Shocking the water is an important step in pool chemical balancing since this adds excess chlorine to kill bacteria and oxidize the material quickly after. For spas and indoor pools, bromine is the more commonly used chemical since it is unstable in direct sunlight.

4. Algae & Cloudy Water Prevention

To curb algae growth, you may add algaecide to your pool chemical balancing kit. While chlorine is still your best bet, algaecide is an ideal backup when chlorine levels are off. Additionally, when the water never seems to get clear and your chemical levels are correct, you may have a circulation issue. A water clarifier can help with the smallest of particles so they are purged more easily by the filter.

5. Professional Help

If you aren’t sure if your chemical levels are correct or your pool seems out of balance frequently, consult with a pool service company. They can assess your swimming area and diagnose issues that may be causing chemical imbalances and other trouble in the water.

For help with pool chemical balancing, Plainfield, NJ’s Gutierrez Pool Plastering is there. These certified applicators for “Wet Edge” pool finish products bring over 38 years of service for Mendham, Bernardsville, and Short Hills. The company is a top choice in pool remodeling and plastering as well as deck installations to keep your outdoor oasis looking beautiful. Call (908) 756-7585 or visit them online.