During the warmer months, many people take advantage of the many benefits of swimming in their pool. However, regular pool maintenance is also important to ensure a healthy and happy swimming pool.
One of the most important components of a pool system is the chemical levels. Doing so will help keep the system running smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.
Importance of pool chemical levels
The chemicals in your pool help balance the water and make it safe to swim in. Having the right balance of these chemicals can help keep the pool clean and protect its finish from staining.
Not regularly using the pool can cause it to stagnate, and it can also contribute to the accumulation of toxins in it. Having the proper balance of chemicals can help keep it in good working order.
How often do I need to check my pool?
These simple tasks can be performed each week during the pool's season. Before and after a rainstorm, make sure to test the levels of chlorine and pH in your pool. Also, make sure to check the water's chemical content before it gets too hot.
Here are some general guidelines for testing specific pool chemical levels:
- Chlorine: Minimum once a week
- pH: Test when you check your Chlorine levels
- Total Alkalinity: Once per week. Alkalinity changes the stability of your pH levels.
- Calcium Hardness: Once per month. These levels will fluctuate depending on weather and added chemicals.
- Dissolved Solids: Once per month. If the level gets too high, it directly affects the other chemicals.
- Salt: Once per month. This is tied to your chlorination system.
- Metals: Every 3 months. Metals like Manganese, Iron and Copper need to be removed if detected.
What if I ignore the pool chemical levels?
Too many chemicals in a pool can have detrimental effects on the structure and appearance of the facility.
Not testing the water is a big mistake, and it can affect the quality of the swimming experience for everyone. Having the proper equipment and procedures in place will help keep the water safe and sanitary.
How do I test my pool chemical levels?
You can test your pool water using test strips, a liquid test kit, or a digital test kit. Or, you can take a sample to your local pool store and ask them to test it.
Get a pool water sample from the middle of the pool, away from the jets and skimmers. This is the best place to collect it. Position it on top of the water and pull it out. This method is very easy and effective to use.
There are recommended levels for some of the tests you, or your pool supply store will perform:
- pH:7.2 – 7.8
- Chlorine:1.0 – 2.0 ppm
- Total Alkalinity:80 – 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness:200 – 400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid:20 – 50 ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids:below 5000 ppm
Test Strips
Pool owners can easily test the chlorine, pH, and alkalinity of their water using strips. They’re also commonly used to check the presence of other minerals such as iron and salt.
Dip a strip into the water and test its effects. It will take about 20 seconds to thoroughly inspect the colors. Then, adjust the chemical levels in the water according to the guide.
Liquid Test Kit
A basic liquid test kit will do the job for you. It will provide you with the necessary information to maintain a healthy and safe pool. To test, collect a sample in a tube that has been labeled with the letters pH and Chlorine. Then, add the desired amount of phenol red to the water. For chlorine testing, add the OTO drops to the water. Test the water by holding the tube up to a neutral or white background.
Digital Testing Kit
A digital reading kit is a device that will tell you the color of the scales and measure various chemicals. It is similar to a liquid test but does more work for you.
As with all testing kits, follow the order in which the chemicals are adjusted. Doing so could affect the other levels in the water.
- Total alkalinity
- pH
- Calcium hardness
- Cyanuric acid
- Chlorine
Testing calcium hardness
Hard and soft water are determined by the levels of magnesium and calcium in ot. Make sure to check the water's total hardness with a professional-grade tester.
Get your pool ready for the summer season with a healthy and safe swimming pool chemical test. This simple and quick procedure will help keep your pool looking its best.
This post was originally published on Fixd
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