Pool Chemical Basics

If you're a pool owner, you know that keeping your pool sparkling clean and safe to swim in requires a bit of effort. One of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is understanding the basics of pool chemistry. In this blog post, we'll cover the essential pool chemical basics that every pool owner should know.

Chlorine

Chlorine is the most common pool sanitizer used to kill bacteria, viruses, and algae that can grow in your pool. Typically, chlorine is added to the pool water in small doses, measured in parts per million (ppm), to maintain a consistent level of chlorine throughout the pool.

The ideal chlorine level for most pools is between 1 and 3 ppm. Too little chlorine, and your pool may not be adequately sanitized, leading to unsafe swimming conditions. Too much chlorine can irritate swimmers' eyes and skin and even damage your pool's surfaces and equipment.

We recommend Chlorine Tablets placed in your pools skimmer basket for the most consistent results.

pH

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of your pool water. A pH level of 7.0 is neutral, while anything below 7.0 is considered acidic, and anything above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal pH level for most pools is between 7.2 and 7.8, as this range provides a comfortable swimming environment while also allowing chlorine to work effectively.

When the pH is too low, the water is acidic, and this can cause skin and eye irritation in swimmers. It can also damage your pool's surfaces and equipment. On the other hand, high pH levels can cause cloudy water, reduce chlorine's effectiveness, and create scaling on pool surfaces.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper pool chemistry is essential to ensure that your pool is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable to swim in. By understanding the basics of pool chemistry, you can maintain a healthy and sparkling clean pool all season long.

Need help, or have more specific questions about your pool? Get in touch and we’d be happy to help!