Understanding Pool WaterChemistry | Billabong Pool Service & Supply

From pH to calcium hardness, here’s your guide on pool water chemistry. Visit Billabong Pool Service & Supply on the Sunshine Coast for great pool supplies.

Understanding Pool Water Chemistry

Creating perfect pool water is a delicate process and requires a precise balance in order to be clean and healthy. Understanding pool water chemistry and properly maintaining it in your own pool is essential for keeping it crystal clear so it can always be enjoyed. Testing your water and adding chemicals regularly is vital to ensure you avoid dealing with algae, bacteria build-up and other issues.

Chlorine

Chlorine is one of the most important chemicals for your pool and is commonly used as a primary sanitiser, destroying viruses, fungi and bacteria. There are a number of ways to add chlorine to your pool water. These include liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets, granular chlorine, and a Salt Chlorine Generator, which turns salt into chlorine. The ideal chlorine level is between, depending on the application, 1 and 3 ppm.

pH

A pH reading measures the acidity and alkalinity of a solution. Rainwater, swimmers and just about anything that enters your pool water can affect the pH level. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH level above 7 is considered base or alkaline while below 7 it’s acidic. You need to aim for a specific range – ideally between 7.2 and 7.8, which is slightly above neutral. If pool water is too acidic, or too alkaline, it can damage pool components and irritate your skin and affect the efficiency of chlorine.

Total Alkalinity

Or T.A. as it maybe referred to, in addition to the right pH levels, you don’t want your pool water to fall below the recommended total alkalinity range. The total alkalinity level of your water should be between 80 and 120 ppm. This helps stabilise your pH.

Calcium Hardness

 If your calcium hardness levels are too low, the water will draw calcium from wherever it can, in this case, the surfaces in your pool. This is basically what calcification on your pool walls and floor is. If your water’s calcium hardness levels are too high you may find calcium shedding around your pool as the water tries to rid itself of excess calcium. Aim to keep your calcium levels between 180 and 250 ppm.

Quality Swimming Pool Services - Sunshine Coast

For all your pool cleaning needs, Sunshine Coast’s experts at Billabong Pool Service & Supply can help. We supply everything from swimming pool chemicals to a range of other products . Visit us at one of our three locations in Maroochydore, Noosaville or Caloundra or contact us online with any  questions.