Pool Maintenance Basics: Water Testing and Chemical Balance

Introduction

• Episode sponsors:
  • HASA: Liquid chlorine for pool safety
  • Bottom Feeder: Battery-powered pool vacuum system
  • Skimmer: Pool service software
• Series: Back to Basics
• Focus: Basic water testing, what to test for, how often, and dosage adjustments

Importance of Water Balance

• Maintaining a balanced pool is crucial to keep it clear and safe for swimming.
• Natural water state is swamp-like; balancing prevents this.
• Unbalanced pools can attract mosquitoes, frogs, or even fish (extreme cases).

Key Water Chemistry Components

• Chlorine: Sanitizer, keeps water crystal clear and bacteria-free.
• pH: Indicates acidity or basicity of the water.
• Alkalinity: Acts as a pH buffer.

Supplementary Tests

• Calcium Hardness: Monthly or quarterly testing.
• Cyanuric Acid: Monthly or quarterly; protects chlorine from UV rays.
• Salt Level: For saltwater pools.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Not covered in detail.

Testing Frequency

• Chlorine: Weekly.
• pH and Alkalinity: Regularly.
• Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid: Monthly or quarterly.

Ideal Ranges

• Free Chlorine: 5-10 ppm with cyanuric acid.
• pH: Target 7.5.
• Total Alkalinity:
  • 80-90 ppm with liquid chlorine
  • 90-100 ppm with trichlor.
• Calcium Hardness:
  • Plaster pool: 300-400 ppm
  • Fiberglass/vinyl pool: 250-350 ppm.
• Cyanuric Acid: 50 ppm for outdoor pools.
• Salt Level: 3000-3500 ppm.

Langlier Saturation Index (LSI)

• Helps determine if water is corrosive or scale-forming.
• Ideal LSI: -0.3 to 0.

Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

• More cyanuric acid reduces chlorine effectiveness.
• Sweet spot prevents excessive chlorine use.
• Example formula: Cyanuric acid * 7.5% = ideal chlorine level.*

Adjusting pH and Alkalinity

• Lowering alkalinity requires less muriatic acid.
• Example: High alkalinity needs more acid to lower pH.

Importance of Adjusted Alkalinity

• Adjusted alkalinity = Total Alkalinity - (Cyanuric Acid * 0.3).
• High cyanuric acid can lower perceived alkalinity.*

Conclusion

• Proper testing and adjustment ensures pool remains clean, safe, and pleasant.
• Use tools like the Arenda and Pool Calc apps for accurate dosages.
• Importance of understanding and applying LSI for balanced water chemistry.
• Encouragement to subscribe and learn more through the speaker's resources.

Additional Resources

• Visit swimmingpoollearning.com for podcasts and further learning.
• Consider the coaching program for professional advice and support.

Closing

• Sponsors reminder: HASA, Bottom Feeder, and Skimmer.
• Wishes for a good week and blessings.