The Importance of Balancing Your Pool Water: A Key to a Healthy Pool and Happy Swimmers
The following is general advice only. Requirements for individual pools and pool systems may vary.
As a pool owner, ensuring your pool is safe, clean, and comfortable is a top priority. One of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is balancing your pool water. Properly balanced water not only helps maintain the health of your pool, but also contributes to the safety and comfort of everyone who uses it.
What Does It Mean to Balance Pool Water?
Balancing your pool water involves adjusting several key chemical levels to ensure they are within ideal ranges. These include:
pH levels
Total Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
Chlorine levels (or other sanitisers)
Each of these components plays a critical role in keeping your pool water healthy and your pool equipment running smoothly.
Why is Balancing Your Pool Water Important?
Protects Your Pool Equipment
When the water chemistry is out of balance, it can cause corrosion or scaling of your pool’s equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater. Low pH (acidic water) can lead to rust and damage, while high pH (alkaline water) can cause calcium deposits and scale buildup, leading to inefficiencies or even equipment failure. Balancing your water keeps these problems at bay, ensuring your equipment operates at its best and lasts longer.
2. Prevents Algae and Bacteria Growth
Balanced water helps your sanitiser (typically chlorine) work effectively. When your pH or alkalinity is off, it can reduce the efficacy of chlorine, allowing harmful bacteria and algae to thrive in your pool. This not only leads to unsightly green water, but it also creates unsafe swimming conditions. Proper water balance helps to maintain a hygienic swimming environment and prevents unwanted growth.
3. Improves Swimmer Comfort
Swimming in water that’s not properly balanced can lead to uncomfortable experiences. For instance, water with a low pH can irritate swimmers' eyes and skin, while water that's too alkaline can feel harsh or slippery. Properly balanced water ensures that your pool is comfortable for all swimmers and that everyone can enjoy a safe, refreshing swim.
4. Optimises Chemical Efficiency
When your pool water is correctly balanced, you’ll find that your chemicals work more efficiently, meaning you may not need to use as many chemicals to maintain clean water. For example, proper pH levels help chlorine to do its job more effectively, reducing the need for excessive chlorine usage. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it also helps reduce the overall chemical load in your pool, making it safer for the environment and those who swim in it.
5. Prevents Staining and Scaling
Unbalanced water, especially when it comes to calcium hardness, can cause staining or scaling on pool surfaces. Too much calcium in the water can lead to cloudy water and scale buildup on pool tiles and equipment. Keeping your calcium hardness within the recommended range helps prevent these issues, preserving the aesthetics and functionality of your pool.
How to Balance Your Pool Water
Balancing your pool water isn’t difficult once you know the right steps. Here’s how you can get started:
Test Your Water Regularly
Invest in a good quality pool water test kit or take a water sample to your local pool shop for analysis. Testing regularly (at least once a week) will help you stay on top of any imbalances.
Adjust pH Levels
pH should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.6. If the water is too acidic (pH below 7.2), add a pH increaser (like soda ash or sodium bicarbonate). If the pH is too high (above 7.6), use a pH decreaser (such as hydrochloric acid or sodium bisulfate).
Adjust Alkalinity
Total alkalinity should be maintained between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). If it’s too low, add sodium bicarbonate. If it’s too high, add an acid like hydrochloric acid to lower it.
Manage Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness should generally fall between 200 and 400 ppm. If the level is too high, you may need to partially drain the pool and refill it with fresh water. If it’s too low, you can add calcium chloride to bring it back to the optimal range.
Maintain Chlorine or Other Sanitiser Levels
Chlorine should generally be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm to effectively sanitise your pool water. Use shock treatments periodically and adjust your chlorinator or add chlorine tablets as needed.
Monitor Your Pool Regularly
Keep an eye on the water’s appearance, clarity, and smell. If something looks or feels off, test your water again to see if adjustments are needed.
Tips for Easy Pool Water Balancing:
Use quality chemicals from reputable brands to ensure better results.
Test your water regularly, especially during changes in weather, such as after a rainstorm or heatwave.
Don’t overdo it — adding too many chemicals can cause further imbalances.
Clean your pool regularly to remove debris and prevent chemical imbalances.
Ask your local pool experts for advice — they can provide personalised recommendations based on your specific pool needs.
Conclusion
Balancing your pool water is an essential part of pool maintenance that shouldn't be overlooked. Whether you're a seasoned pool owner or new to the pool game, understanding and maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial for the longevity of your pool, the efficiency of your equipment, and the safety and comfort of your swimmers.
Need help with testing or balancing your pool water? WaterPro Pool and Spa offers professional water testing, expert advice, and the right products to keep your pool safe, clean, and enjoyable all season long. Our services include inhouse water testing, home visits if you prefer DIY, and a variety of pool services. Contact us or call us on 1300 447 665 for more information.