Maintaining water chemistry is very important with swimming pools and spas. Keeping the water chemistry within the specified ranges will not only ensure clean and clear water; it will also provide healthy water for swimmers and prolong the life of the pool and spa equipment. It is important to note that the frequency of pool use and varying weather conditions will affect the amount of sanitizers and other balancing chemicals that you may use. Test your water with Testing Strips and by stopping by one of our two store locations with a water sample for a step by step chemical analysis.
SALT
In order for your salt system to work properly, make sure your salt levels are in ideal range. Salt is broadcast throughout the shallow end of the pool then, through a Salt Cell and electrolysis, the salt is broken down and converted to sodium hypochlorite.
Refer to your salt systems owner’s manual for ideal salt ranges.
ALKALINTY
Total Alkalinity serves two purposes in swimming pools and spas:
- 3- “Buffers” pH levels
- 4- Protects Copper coils and other metals in Heaters
When the TA is in range, it prevents rapid pH changes & stabilizes pH levels. If both TA and pH need to be adjusted, always adjust TA first, then adjust the pH.
LPS ideal Total Alkalinity range: 80-140ppm
To adjust TA:
- Turn pump off for 10 minutes
- Broadcast Alkalinity Increaser in center/deepest part of pool
- Wait 10 minutes then turn pump on
Test water 8 -12 hours later to see if more adjustment is needed Alkalinity Increaser: Brings Alkalinity Levels up pH Decreaser: Brings Alkalinity down, (hydrochloric acid may also be used)
pH
The pH should only be adjusted when the alkalinity is within the proper range.
LPS ideal pH range: 7.2-7.6
** Chemicals used to adjust pH always get broadcasted around the pool**
**Test water 8 -12 hours later to see if more adjustment is needed**
pH Increaser (Up) : Increases pH Level
pH Decreaser (Down): Decreases pH Level
SANITIZER
Once the salt, alkalinity and pH are balanced, it is time to sanitize your water. It is very important that each pool has its own chlorine “niche.” For a Salt pool, the % of chlorine output can be adjusted on control panel. Ideally, on a weekly basis, the chlorine output % should create a Free Chlorine residual between .5ppm to 2ppm. See Owner’s Manual and/or Liverpool Pool and Spa for more information.
Make sure you replace your Nature 2 Mineral Cartridge each season
PLEASE 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 4-6 times per season for a professional analysis
