A to Z Pool & Spa Services

Water Chemistry

pH Levels

pH is the measurement of acidity of water - measured on a scale of 0 to 14 with 7 being normal. A pH value below 7 means the water is very acidic, as the pH reaches 8, the water becomes very basic (alkaline). Proper pH levels allow the other chemicals to do their work. Low and high levels of pH can cause damage to a vinyl liner. With pH below 7, the liner can grow and develop wrinkles. High pH accelerates the aging process and shortens the life of the liner. Chlorine is much less effective at higher pH levels. At a pH of 8, chlorine is only 22% effective.

Total Alkalinity

Alkalinity is a measuring of the alkaline materials dissolved in water. Alkalinity in the range of 100 to 150 PPM helps pH to resist fluctuations. If the alkalinity is low the result is "pH bounce" in and out of range.

Calcium Hardness

Calcium Hardness refers to the amount of dissolved minerals in the water. A low hardness can lead to rust of pool surface, filter, heater, ladder, ect. A calcium hardness level that is too high causes cloudy water and scaling.

Out of Balance Water

• Water that is out of balance can cause:     
• Eye and skin irritation
• Staining
• Wrinkles in vinyl liners
• Interferes with the efficiency of sanitizers
• Corrosion of metals (pump seals, heaters, lights, ect.)
• Cloudy water
• Scale build up on pool surface as well as inside filters and heaters
• Corrosion of concrete pools

The murky, dull appearance of cloudy water can leave the pool looking unattractive.

Pools with cloudy water or algae

If your pool has cloudy water or algae, try the following to fix the problem:

1. Adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6
2. Add algaecide 60
3. Shock the pool
4. Add majestic Blue
5. Run filter for 1 hour, then turn it off and leave it off overnight
6. The next day, vacuum the pool

The presence of metals in the water such as iron (reddish-brown), copper (blue-green) or manganese (brown-red) can cause cloudy water.

To remove the metals:

1. Add 1 quart Hydrofloc
2. Add 1 quart Majestic Blue
3. Run filter for 1 hour, then turn it off and leave it off overnight
4. Vacuum to waste the next day
5. When pool is completely clear, add Keetrol to remove any stains
6. Use Keetrol weekly to prevent reoccurrence
7. Adding Water Balance Adjustment Chemicals

Preventing Algae

Weekly:

• Brush the walls and the pool floor.
• Vacuum the pool.
• Use a maintenance dose of Algaecide.
• Use a maintenance dose of Majestic Blue.

Daily:

• Maintain a proper chlorine reading.