Pool water should be tested once per week using test strips. Keeping the water chemistry within the specified ranges will ensure clean, clear water. It is important to note that the frequency of pool use and varying weather conditions will affect the amount of sanitizer and other balance chemicals that you may use. While the initial sanitizing chemicals may be included in the pool package, balancing chemicals are the pool owners’ responsibilities due to the fact that the quality of water in each area cannot be predicted.
Weekly Maintenance
Adjusting Alkalinity (proper range 80-140ppm)
Alkalinity is the first level that should be adjusted when changing water chemistry. If the alkalinity is not correct it will be very difficult to adjust the pH of the water. Use Alkalinity Increaser to raise the alkalinity and pH Decreaser or Muriatic Acid to lower the alkalinity.
To adjust alkalinity:
1. Turn the pump off and wait 20 minutes for the water to stop
circulating.
2. Pour the appropriate chemical in one spot in the deepest part of your pool – do not scatter the chemical or stir the water.
3. Wait 20 minutes and turn the pump back on.
4. Retest after 12 hours of circulation. If the level is still not correct, repeat the process.
Adjusting pH (proper range 7.2-7.8)
The pH should only be adjusted when the alkalinity is within the proper range.
Use pH Increaser to raise the pH level and pH Decreaser to lower the pH.
To adjust pH:
- Make sure the pump has been running for at least 12 hours.
- Sprinkle the appropriate chemical all over the surface of the water.
- Retest after 12 hours of circulation. If the pH is still not correct, repeat the process.
- NOTE: There are other chemical levels that need to be balanced which your test strips cannot measure. We recommend bringing in a water sample from your pool at least 3-4 times per season for a professional analysis.
Once pH and alkalinity are balanced, it is time to sanitize your water.
The sanitizing system is comprised of three main products.
- Stabilized & Unstabilized Chlorine Tablets act as the sanitizer and kill bacteria and algae. These chlorine tablets (1 per 10,000 gallons of pool water) should be placed in the skimmer basket ONCE PER WEEK to maintain the chlorine level between 1-3 ppm.
- NOTE: Using too many stabilized chlorine tablets will lead to high levels of Cyanuric Acid which (if left at high levels for a long period of time) will cause your liner to become brittle and fade. It will also cause corrosion in your heater. The only way to reduce your level of Cyanuric Acid is to add fresh water to your pool.
- Granular Shock / Liquid Shock is a product that oxidizes organic waste and keeps the water sparkling clear. If these wastes are not eliminated on a regular basis (every 7-10 days), they will cause skin irritation, red and/or burning eyes, chlorine odor, and algae growth.
- Algaecide is used to safeguard against algae growth. After every shock treatment wait about four hours and then add a maintenance dose of your chosen algaecide.
