Swimming Pool Water Chemistry 101

The summer swim season is heating up! As we’re planning the opening of our pools (or maybe even getting ready for the installation of a new one!), it’s a good time to review the importance of maintaining proper water chemistry. It’s crucial to the life of your pool and to your family’s health as well. The simplest way to ensure proper water chemistry is to stay on top of it from the day you open your pool. It’s much easier to be proactive than to restore the balance once it’s gone astray. Don’t be discouraged by the word “chemistry;” there are great tools to simplify the process and we’re going to break down the basics for you so that you maintain a crystal clear and swim-ready pool the whole summer.

Water Balance

Water balance is the interaction of the physical characteristics of water. It consists of pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature and total dissolved solids. Much like the ratios of sweet, salty and sour ingredients in a recipe, if the balance of one is off, it can throw off the whole dish. So let’s take a look at each one of those ingredients and how they can affect the life of your pool overall.

Acidity (pH)

pH is the standard notation for the “potency of hydrogen.” It’s the measure of the acidic nature of the water. The measurement scale for pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. It is the opposite of alkalinity, and its job is to keep alkalinity in check. As you’ll see when we talk about alkalinity next, it can do some damage if left unchecked.

The recommended range for your total pH for most pools is a minimum of 7.2 ppm to a maximum of 7.6 ppm, with 7.4 to 7.6 ppm being ideal. The recommended range for fiberglass pools is 7.2-7.6 ppm)

Alkalinity (ALK)

Alkalinity is the measure of water’s ability to buffer itself from wide swings in pH. (So, it’s the yin to pH’s yang.) If your alkalinity is low, your water will become corrosive. This can cause stains on your pool’s surface. If your alkalinity is high, your water will become cloudy or scaly, with a white film. This can plug filters, which reduces circulation

The recommended range for your total alkalinity is a minimum of 60 ppm to a maximum of 180 ppm, with 80-100 ppm being ideal. The recommended range for fiberglass pools is 80-120 ppm.

Calcium Hardness (CH)

Next, let’s talk about calcium hardness (CH). Hard water in your pool, just like in your shower, can cause etching on your fiberglass pool’s surface, as well as pits in your concrete and pool deck and trouble with your grout, so it’s really important to keep your CH level under control.

The recommended range for your CH is a minimum of 150 ppm to a maximum 200 ppm. For fiberglass pools, you should stay on the lower end of the ideal range.

Temperature Factor (TF)

This one is pretty obvious, and it’s the only non-chemical factor in water balance. So, if you have a heater on your pool, it will be easier to control the temperature factor, but don’t get it too warm. Although you might enjoy a “bathwater” feel, you should try to keep it no warmer than 82℉  (28℃). Otherwise, that warm water can help bacteria thrive, which can make it harder to keep your water balanced.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS is any chemical that remains after the water evaporates. TDS can be measured chemically or electronically. The recommended TDS level is no more than 1500 ppm.

Saturation Index (SI)

Water balance overall is referred to as the saturation index, or SI. It’s the overall balance of pH, TF, CH and ALK. Water is considered balanced if the SI is between -0.3 and +0.3. Refer to the chart to calculate your Saturation Index.

Balanced Water is Not Synonymous with Healthy Water

It’s important to note that maintaining both balanced water and healthy water is essential. Sanitation and filtration are key to ensuring that your pool water is healthy and safe for your friends and family. Talk to your local pool professional about the steps you need to take for water sanitation and to ensure that your pool is filtering your water properly.

Tools to Help You With Water Balance

The really good news is that there are lots of great tools that will help you balance your water–super easy-to-use handheld calculators, test kits and even apps you can download on your smartphone or tablet. Taking just a few moments to familiarize yourself with water chemistry and staying on top of your water balance is easy and will help you enjoy an endless summer of carefree days swimming in your crystal-clear pool. Happy swimming!

How Do I Know If I Have A Groundwater Issue?

Groundwater is virtually everywhere. It lies below the earth’s surface in the cracks and spaces of soil, rock, clay, and sand. In some areas, it may be closer to the surface than in others. The upper level of which the ground saturates with water is known as the water table. Often homeowners know they have a ground water issue when they have a high-water table. Their yard may remain soft and wet for many days after rain. Your water table does vary over time and is generally at its highest later winter/ early spring. Even if you do not have a high-water table, you still need to be aware that ground water exists and can have damaging effects on your fiberglass pool if it is not accounted for properly.  

Here are some ways you and your pool builder can prevent and reduce the risk of groundwater issues:

Install a well pit or sump pit. A well pit or sump pit is usually an 8”-10” corrugated pipe that runs from the top of the deck to 1’ below the deepest depth of an inground swimming pool.  The well pit allows you the ability to visually see when groundwater is present and when necessary to be able to drop a pump to pump the groundwater away from the pool.  

Install a perimeter drain. Install a perimeter drain around the base of the excavated pool area. A perimeter drain will provide the water an easy path to the well pit.

Maintain proper water level. Most groundwater damage to inground pools happens when a pool is empty, or the water level is low. This provides an easy opportunity for the groundwater pressure outside the pool to exceed the internal pressure of the pool.

Reroute downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are rerouted out and around the pool.

Regardless of whether or not you believe you have a groundwater issue, these simple steps can drastically reduce the risk of groundwater issues associated with inground pools. Talk to your pool builder about including them as part of your inground pool project.

Get Your Pool Ready for Summer

The warm air has finally arrived, and you are itching to celebrate.  There is no better way to celebrate summer’s arrival than to enjoy a relaxing day poolside with those whose company you enjoy most. Do you want to get pool ready for summer? Here are some tips on how to getget pool ready for summer your pool summer ready. 

  1. Remove the cover. Before you can begin, you will need to be sure you have pumped off any water that may be on top of the cover. Once you have removed any water from on top of the cover, you can begin removing the winter cover or opening your automatic safety cover.
  2. Check water level. Ensure your pool water level is appropriately ½ to ¾ of the way up on the pool skimmer.
  3. Remove debris from around pool equipment. Remove any debris that may have gathered around your pool equipment over the winter months.
  4. Circulate for 12-24 hours. Get your pool equipment running and let your pool water circulate for 12 to 24 hours. After you have allowed your water to circulate properly, you should clean out your skimmer basket(s) and test your pool water. If you use reagents as part of your test kit, consider replacing them. Reagents should be replaced every season. Adjust the water chemistry as needed until your pool water is properly balanced. If you struggle to get your water properly balance, you may want to consider consulting a pool professional.
  5. Give the pool a good clean. Wipe down the water line. Brush down the pool walls and vacuum the pool floor. Repeat as needed until your pool is free of debris.
  6. Outfit the area. Set out your patio furniture. Wipe down any furniture that may have collected dust from being stored. Check out our style guide.
  7. Break out the fun. Now you’re ready to start summer off with a bang.

Once your swimming pool is summer ready, we know you will be making memories around your pool. To be able to do this, it is important to take care of your fiberglass pool. Check out our past blog post to learn about some maintenance tools that will help you keep your swimming pool ready for your backyard pool parties.

Maintenance Tools for Your Inground Pool

How to Clean a Fiberglass Pool

We all know that fiberglass pools are a low maintenance option in comparison to other inground swimming pools. However, you might be wondering the easiest ways of how to clean a fiberglass pool. Even though they are low maintenance, there is tools and equipment that you should consider purchasing so you can properly take care of your pool. The tools you buy will make your durable fiberglass pool last longer and allow you to enjoy your fiberglass swimming pool for as long as possible.

Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners have their own filtration system and operate independently from your pool pump and filter. They can clean your pool faster and more efficiently than you can imagine. If you have a larger pool that may be difficult to clean, investing in a robotic pool cleaner will save you a lot of time.

Cleaning Equipment

how to clean a fiberglass poolCleaning tools, such as a skimming net or a telescoping pole, will be a lifesaver for you when it comes to cleaning out leaves, bugs or other debris from your swimming pool. Do what you can to maintain a regular maintenance schedule to clean out debris like leaves and bugs. Another tool you can use that will help clean out dirt at the bottom of your pool is a leaf vacuum. These cleaning tools will help you clean your pool in no time at all.

Automatic Pool Cover

If you don’t want to have to use cleaning equipment to clean out debris from your pool, you should consider purchasing an automatic pool cover. When you’re not using your swimming pool, you can cover your pool and the automatic pool cover when undoubtedly will keep leaves and dirt out of your pool. A pool cover will reduce the amount of maintenance work for you and also help maintain the right temperature.

Another important thing to keep in mind is balancing the water chemistry of your pool. Check out one of our past blogs to learn about proper water chemistry.

You will not regret purchasing any of these tools for your pool. If you feel like you need more information about the maintenance of your swimming pool, our Independent Dealers are an excellent resource.