Pool Water Chemistry Guide
Balancing Pool Water
Adjust Total Water Chemistry For Perfect Pool Water
Balancing your pool water is crucial for keeping your water clear and inviting. When pool water is “balanced,” it means that the total water chemistry is right where it should be. Balanced pool water makes swimming more comfortable by preventing eye and skin irritation. It also helps the chemicals work better to keep water clear. Lastly, balanced water prevents corrosion to metal parts as well as scaling on pool surfaces.
Lets look at four factors and how to adjust them to stay balanced.
pH
pH is a measure of how acidic (low pH) or how basic (high pH) your water is. Based on a scale of 0 to 14, the acceptable pH range is between 7.2 and 7.6 (Ideal 7.4 – 7.6). pH is the most important factor in balancing your water.
Adjusting pH
You want a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. If you see your pH is too low after testing, add OMNI pH Increaser. If your pH is too high, add OMNI pH Decreaser.
TOTAL ALKALINITY
Total Alkalinity refers to the total concentration of several chemicals in your pool water. It is not the same as pH, but proper total alkalinity does help stabilize pH. If your total alkalinity is too low, the pH level will be very sensitive and may suffer drastic swings. High alkalinity, in addition to contributing to cloudy water and scaling, can keep your pH rigidly fixed.
Adjusting Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity should be between 125 and 150 ppm for all pools. If it is too low, add OMNI® Total Alkalinity Increaser. If it’s too high, add OMNI pH Decreaser.
CALCIUM HARDNESS
How “hard” water is has to do with the amounts of dissolved calcium in it. Pool water needs a proper calcium hardness level to prevent damage or scaling to surfaces and equipment.
Adjusting Calcium Hardness
The desired range for water hardness is between 200- 250 ppm for plaster pools, and 175 – 225 ppm for vinyl, fiberglass and painted pools. If your water is above 500 ppm, just drain some water from the pool and replace it with new water lower in calcium hardness. If your calcium hardness level is low, add OMNI Calcium Hardness Increaser.
METALS
Some pool water contains traces of metals including iron, copper and manganese. The metal content usually depends on your source or fill water.
Adjusting Metals
When dissolved iron, copper and manganese are in the water, they may cause stains on pool surfaces.
Your OMNI Select Dealer can test for metals in your pool water and advise you appropriately.