What Affects My Swimming Pool Water Chemistry?
Even with proper care and maintenance, swimming pools in the Fort Walton Beach area can still get out of balance and need a little adjusting. Your water chemistry is constantly changing due to environmental factors, usage, and even the toys you put in the pool. Learn five factors that play a major role in your swimming pool water chemistry, and how you can control common issues in this area.
Swimming Pool Water Chemistry: pH Balance
pH is the major factor you should keep balanced when maintaining your swimming pool water chemistry. pH refers to the level of acidity in your water and comes from the use of pool chemicals to keep it balanced and free from contaminants and algae growth. You want your pH to remain between 7.4 to 7.6 at all times to avoid burning eyes and to allow for free chlorine use.
Swimming Pool Alkalinity
Closely connected to pH, the alkalinity is the amount of base, or hydrogen ions, in your water. It also refers to the ability of your water to contain and reduce the loss of hydrogen. Keeping your alkalinity balanced helps to keep your pH levels optimal when additional acids or bases are introduced to the water. You want your pool’s alkalinity to be between 80 and 150 parts per million (PPM).
Pool Water Calcium Hardness Levels
Your pool has dissolved calcium salts in its water. These can increase or decrease from the oils and salts on people’s skin, from debris that falls into your pool, and from the chemical reactions that form from maintaining your water balance. You want to keep these levels around 250 ppm. If the calcium level is too low, it can create pitting in the plaster, while high amounts of calcium make the water cloudy and can result in scaling.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in Your Swimming Pool
When a pool has been in use for a long time, things like suntan lotion, chlorides, dirt, debris, algaecides, and other contaminants can be introduced into the water from leaves, tree bark, dirt, skin chemistry, and other factors. TDS can’t be avoided, but it should be kept under 450 ppm.
Pool Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is, for many people, a vital part of keeping the chemistry in their water properly balanced. Too much chlorine, and you’ll end up with burning in the eyes and a strong odor. Too little, and the pool’s alkalinity and pH will be out of control, leading to things like cloudy water and algae growth. Ideal chlorine levels should be at 0.2ppm or less, and free chlorine should be in the range of 1 to 3 ppm.
If you are looking for the best selection and best prices on pool chemicals, turn to Patriot Pool & Spa for friendly advice and great customer service so you can rest easy and focus on simply enjoying your pool. We also offer a 10% OFF discount for military and first responders.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Veteran-owned and operated for over 18 years, Patriot Pool & Spa of Fort Walton Beach specializes in hot tubs and spas, swim spas, above ground pools, and inground pool repair and renovation. Patriot Pool & Spa carries hot tubs and swim spas from Jacuzzi, Sundance, Dream Maker, and Bahama Spas. They also sell hot tub parts and hot tub accessories, as well as hot tub chemicals.
As a State of Florida Certified Pool Contractor, Patriot Pool & Spa can take care of all your inground swimming pool remodels, pool renovations, and swimming pool repairs, as well as pool equipment upgrades. If you need vinyl liner replacement, pool tile repair, pool lighting, pool decking, pool coping, pool replastering, added water features, pool plumbing, and much more, then Patriot Pool & Spa of Fort Walton Beach is the best choice in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and surrounding areas.
Patriot Pool & Spa is also the local Ft. Walton Beach above ground pool expert. They sell above ground pool parts, above ground pool equipment, and specialize in above ground pool installation. Their experts can help you find the best above ground pool for you.
In addition, Patriot Pool & Spa has a full swimming pool and hot tub retail center, carrying swimming pool chemicals, swimming pool supplies, swimming pool equipment, hot tub chemicals, hot tub supplies, and hot tub accessories. Patriot Pool & Spa of Ft. Walton Beach offers an everyday 10% OFF military and first responder discount on in-store retail purchases.
