What are proper pool numbers?

A pool that is "balanced" has proper levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness. These are: pH: 7.2-7.8, Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm, Calcium Hardness, 180-220 ppm and Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30-50 ppm. Chlorine levels should remain constant in the 1-3 ppm range.

What is properly balanced pool water?

A properly balanced pool has a pH level is in the range of 7.2 to 7.8 on a pH test kit's numeric scale. The scale has levels from 0 to 14. 0 to 7 reflects a low or acidic pH, and 8 to 14 means the pool has a base pH level.

Do you adjust pH or alkalinity first?

We always recommend adjusting alkalinity first as it's so important to the pH. Alkalinity is, after all, a measure of how much acid the water can neutralize.

What is the proper ppm for a pool?

The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. Before adding salt to your pool, test the water to check your salt level.

What chemicals go in pool first?

The Rules of 8 Ball Pool (Eight Ball Pool) - EXPLAINED!

What is the golden rule when using pool water chemicals?

Chemical Adjustment

The simplest strategy is to follow them, remembering the two golden rules of adding chemicals: only add chemicals to a pool that is running, and only add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.

What happens if ppm is too high in pool?

Your total alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm). And your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Anything much higher or lower will disrupt your water chemistry, affect your pool's ability to sanitize, and can damage your pool equipment in the long run.

Is 7.5 ppm chlorine too high?

CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.

Is it safe to swim in 20 ppm chlorine?

Safe chlorine levels range between 1 and 3 parts per million. At concentrations above 6 ppm, the pool is unsafe.

What is more important pH or alkalinity?

Regardless of the starting pH, the higher the alkalinity of the water source, the more acid is required to reduce pH to 5.0. For all water sources, it is the alkalinity that actually determines how much acid to use, not the pH.

Does pH go up if alkalinity goes up?

From a water balance standpoint and from a practical standpoint, a high alkalinity will continuously raise the pH. You will always be adding acid to a pool that has high alkalinity.

What happens if pH and alkalinity is high?

When water is too alkaline, it reduces the effectiveness of the chlorine — the pool chemical that kills pathogens. Water with a pH that's too high also can cause skin rashes, cloudy water and scaling on pool equipment.

What is the best pool water level?

You should aim to have your water sitting at the halfway point of your skimmer hatch (which sits on the side of your pool). It is recommended you have your swimming pool water level between one-third and one-half up the pool skimmer box opening.

How do you balance pool water for dummies?

Do you add chlorine or pH first?

Chemicals that affect the levels of pH and alkalinity need to be added to the swimming pool first. Getting the pH and total alkalinity sorted out will allow for the addition of further chemicals that affect the hardness and cleanliness of the water.

How do you tell if a pool is properly chlorinated?

A clean pool is also one that literally feels clean. In other words, when you put your hand in the water, it should feel wet and nothing else. However, if you're noticing a slimy feeling on your hand, it means the chlorine isn't working.

Is it bad to swim in chlorine everyday?

Swimming in chlorinated pool water, and particularly the disinfection byproducts caused by the reaction of the chlorine with our skin and hair, can cause numerous health problems. These include hormone disruption, asthma and allergies, skin issues, and intestinal issues.

How often should you add chlorine to your pool?

You should aim to keep the chlorine level at between 1 and 3 ppm. We suggest shocking the pool every week to two weeks; with hot weather or increased use, you may need to shock more often. When tabs run out, replace them.

What ppm chlorine kills algae?

Chlorine is still one of the most effective killers of algae so doing a super-chlorination of 10-20 ppm of chlorine can go a long way towards wiping out the algae. Liquid chlorine is an ideal shock for algae because it is fast acting and does not add cyanuric acid (CYA) or calcium to the water.

How many ppm is a pool shock?

The breakpoint chlorination value is 10 times the combined chlorine (CC) level. For example: 0.8 ppm (CC) from the above example × 10 = 8 ppm of chlorine to achieve breakpoint. Taking into account the free chlorine all ready in the pool, chlorine will have to be added to the level of 8 ppm.

Will baking soda lower chlorine level in pool?

She says: 'Contrary to popular belief, baking soda does not directly decrease the chlorine levels of a swimming pool, but aids in the neutralization process of chlorine. One of the high alkaline chemicals is baking soda and adding this to your swimming pool will increase the water's pH and alkalinity.

What is the most important chemical in a pool?

Chlorine is the most common sanitizer used for disinfecting pools and spas. It is available in liquid, granular, and tablet or stick form. Chlorine kills germs, bacteria and algae that could make your pool unsafe.

What is the 25 10 rule in swimming pool?

Follow a 25:10 rule.

If children cannot swim 25 meters continuously without assistance, ensure an adult is within 10 feet at all times.

Do you brush pool before or after chemicals?

Brush after Adding Chemicals: Many powdered or granular pool chemicals don't dissolve right away when added to the pool water. Brushing helps dissolve and disperse the chemicals so that they aren't able to stain, scale, or etch the interior surface.