Swimming pool maintenance is something you can’t avoid when owning a pool. Now that it’s summer, you just want to relax in the cool water or enjoy the time with your family. So it’s time to keep your pool chemically balanced and properly sanitized.
Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool water not only keeps the water clean and safe, it also helps protect the components of your pool, like the filter and pump, from excessive damage.
What is the pH Level in Your Pool?
The pH level of your pool water is the measure of its acidity. The acids and the alkalis need to be balanced. Water that is either too acidic or too alkaline will make the chemicals in your pool unbalanced and potentially ineffective.
If the water is too alkaline, the chlorine will lose its power to destroy pathogens and can cause scaling on the surface of the pool and the plumbing. You’ll know if there’s too much alkaline if the pool water becomes cloudy.
If the water is too acidic, the chlorine will dissipate faster, corrode metal equipment, cause irritation and dryness to the skin and stinging to the eyes.
If both the acid and alkaline are too high, the effectiveness of the chlorine will be drastically reduced. This signifies the importance of a properly balanced pool.
How to lower pH level in pool
The pH in chlorine pools can get high over time or because there are too many chemicals in the water.
The two main chemicals that are used to bring down the pH levels of a pool are sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid.
Sodium Bisulfate
Also called “dry acid,” is a chemical that comes in a powder form. If you are looking for it at a pool supply store, it’s often referred to as “pH Decreaser.”
To use the product, pour it into your return jet sites, which is where the water enters the pool. Then allow the dry acid to dissolve—about 15 minutes. You will need to repeat the process if the pH and alkalinity remain too high.
Muriatic Acid
This chemical comes in a liquid form and balances your pool chemistry by lowering total alkalinity and pH levels that have become too high. It’s also known as hydrochloric acid, and since it’s a strong chemical, you should always use it with caution and store access product in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Most pool-owners are familiar with this chemical acid because it’s commonly used to clean pool filters.
To use the liquid, turn the pump off and pour it into the deepest end of the water. Or, you can add it to the pool at the return jets. Your pump will then disseminate the acid throughout the water.
Champions Dependable Pool Services
Adding sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid to your pool can be dangerous if not done correctly. It can also be difficult when trying to lower the pH, as you need to know with proper measurement and accuracy what adjustments you should make. Muriatic acid is very caustic. If you’re not careful, in seconds the product can burn your skin, and the acid’s vapor can lead to severe respiratory problems.
Using a swimming pool maintenance service is your best bet to regular care and cleaning. You can attempt to find inventive ways to get the job done on your own, leaving the potential for injury, or stay safe and leave it to a dependable swimming pool maintenance service who can professionally clean your pool so you don’t risk you or your family’s health.
So whether you choose muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate when the pH balance is off, it’s best to leave it to professionals like Champions dependable pool services to ensure your pool is crystal clear all summer long and beyond.
If you’re interested in hiring a dependable pool service, look no further than Champions Pool Repair and Service. Call (261)355-8504 for peace of mind and ensure this summer your pool is relaxing and worry-free.
Now that summer is just around the corner, it is about time to get ready and start using your pool more often. The weather will soon be perfect for enjoying a refreshing swim or letting the kids splash around while still remaining socially distant and safe at home. This is why it is important to test your pool water as soon as possible to ensure it is sanitary and will be ready to enjoy. So how often should you test your pool water?
The answer is, regularly. A pool water test kit can be handy, and it will tell you what needs to be cleaned or adjusted. But in most cases, hiring a professional will take out all of the guess work leaving more free time to enjoy the pool. If you are still interested in knowing how to analyze your water, we’ve put together a handy list of what you should be testing for and when.
Topics Covered
Chlorine is the most important chemical to add to your pool because it effectively sanitizes it.
Frequency: You should check your levels at least two or three times a week. If you don’t, your pool water may turn green much faster as the temperature is rising.
pH levels and chlorine work in tandem. If you keep your pH balanced, you will know the chlorine is cleaning your pool water.
Frequency: Two or three times a week. In effect, testing your pH levels should happen on the same days when you check your chlorine.
Total alkalinity or TA is the measure of the pool water’s ability to resist changes in pH. TA is important to check because it acts as a buffer to keep the pH levels balanced.
It is essential for you to know how much TA substances are in your pool water. Unbalanced alkalinity can lead to severe damage to your pool’s structures. If the TA is low, then corrosion, scaling, and staining may result. If TA is high, your water will turn murky.
Frequency: Check your TA levels once a week.
Calcium hardness can also damage your pool. It is important to maintain your calcium hardness because this allows the pool water to be in proper chemical balance with no damaging effects. If the calcium hardness is too low, the water can corrode the surfaces of your pool. If the calcium is too high, the pool water will become cloudy.
Frequency: The good news is that you don’t have to check for calcium hardness frequently. You only have to do this once a month.
5. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is checking all the substances that have dissolved in your pool water. Some common solids that can cause damage are magnesium, sulfates and irons. However, it is important to know this rule: Everything that has been added to your water, increases the TDS and will change the balance of the water. This means airborne things such as dust and falling leaves or debris, dead bugs and other contaminants. This also includes everything a swimmer brings into the water, such as sweat, hair, sunscreen, tanning lotion or oils and grooming products. High TDS levels decrease the efficacy of the chlorine in your pool and can lead to eye and skin irritations for swimmers.
Unfortunately, removing TDS can be difficult. To lower the TDS level, you may have to drain your pool water level down or completely and refill it with fresh water. Pool filters won’t solve the problem, as they do not remove suspended particles in the water.
Frequency: Add fresh water periodically. This will keep your TDS level in check.
Your swimming pool needs regular maintenance if you want to protect your investment and keep your loved ones safe while swimming. You can use a water test kit, but remember, deciphering it can be tricky.
The leading smart lab water testing resource near you is Champions Pool Repair & Services. You can call us at (281) 355-8504 or send us a message at https://championspools.com/contacts/ and we’ll let you know the process to have your pool’s water tested and how we can assist. Trust your safety and summer swimming fun to our expert services and technicians to lengthen the life span of your pool.
Champions Pool Repair and Services would like to send well wishes to our customers and their families during this time. We truly value your business and want to thank you for choosing us to service all your pool needs.
We know many of our customers and their children are at home, remaining safe and compliant, with this city-wide order. We’ve all been sanctioned to stay at home and have been told to only go out when it’s absolutely necessary. This would include going grocery shopping or seeing your doctor, if you’re feeling ill. But even then, we must practice social distancing, and are urged to wear masks when in public scenarios.
Champions Pool Repair and Supply would like to send well wishes to our customers and their families. During the COVID-19 Stay Home - Work Safe order, we remain open with the same operating hours, for our customers and community. We are honoring all scheduled pool maintenance & pool cleaning services.
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