Your job does not end with owning the pool. You have to test and balance your pool's chemistry regularly, so it does not create any problems for you. An imbalance in the pool's chemistry can lead to skin irritation, rust in pool equipment, and much more.
You can also call us for swimming pool maintenance, but if you're looking for a guide, keep reading to learn about pool testing and balancing.
Step #1: Adjust the Alkalinity of the Pool
The ideal alkalinity range for the pool is around 80-120ppm. It's the first thing that you must check in the pool. The greater the alkalinity level, the more it will neutralize the water's pH levels.
To decrease alkalinity, you can add sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid to the water. Moreover, you can add baking soda to the water to increase its level.
Step #2: Adjust the pH Levels of the Pool
The optimum pH level for the pool is around 7.4-7.6. It's important to balance this number to avoid damaging your pool and equipment. To increase the pH, you can add sodium carbonate to the water. On the other hand, muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate can help in reducing the pH level of the pool's water.
Step #3: Check Calcium Hardness and Adjust It
The calcium hardness should be maintained at about 200-400 ppm. Calcium easily builds up in the pool and can be identified with a white line near the water line. The increase or decrease of calcium buildup can destroy the pool and its equipment.
To increase its amount, you must add calcium chloride to the pool. If there is an excess of calcium buildup, then it's best to drain the pool and refill it again. Don't forget to vacuum all calcium buildup before filling it again.
Step #4: Sanitize the Water
Sanitization is another crucial step to keep the bacteria out of your pool. It ensures the swimmer's safety, which is why you should definitely opt for it. Some common types of sanitizers include chlorine, minerals, bromine, and biguanide. All these sanitizers should be added to the pool in instructed amounts to avoid problems.
Step #5: Shock the Swimming Pool
Last but not least, you need to shock your pool every now and then to keep the water fresh. It's a simple process that cleans the entire pool in one go.
To do it, mix one pound of shock material in a bucket full of warm water. Stir ingredients until they dissolve, and pour the mixture into the pool while walking around it for equal distribution. You can check the pool after six hours of the procedure and make necessary adjustments.
If you're looking for an expert in swimming pool maintenance, then we're here to help you. We can help you with swimming pool cleaning, new swimming pool equipment installation, and more in Atwater, California. Schedule your meeting with us today or call us now for more details.