What Affects My Swimming Pool Water Chemistry?

Even with proper care and maintenance, a swimming pool can still get out of balance and need a little adjusting. Your water chemistry is constantly changing due to environmental factors, usage, and even the toys you put in the pool. Learn five factors that play a major role in your swimming pool water chemistry, and how you can control common issues in this area.

Swimming Pool Water Chemistry: pH Balance

pH is the major factor you should keep balanced when maintaining your swimming pool water chemistry. pH refers to the level of acidity in your water, and comes from the use of chemicals to keep it balanced and free from contaminants and algae growth. You want your pH to remain between 7.4 to 7.6 at all times to avoid burning eyes and to allow for free chlorine use.

Swimming Pool Alkalinity

Closely connected to pH, the alkalinity is the amount of base, or hydrogen ions, in your water. It also refers to the ability of your water to contain and reduce the loss of hydrogen. Keeping your alkalinity balanced helps to keep your pH levels optimal when additional acids or bases are introduced to the water. You want your pool’s alkalinity to be between 80 to 150 parts per million (PPM).

Pool Water Calcium Hardness Levels

Your pool has dissolved calcium salts in its water. These can increase or decrease from the oils and salts on people’s skin, from debris that falls into your pool, and from the chemical reactions that form from maintaining your water balance. You want to keep these levels around 250 ppm. If the calcium level is too low, it can create pitting in the plaster, while high amounts of calcium make the water cloudy and can result in scaling.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in Your Swimming Pool

When a pool has been in use for a long time, things like suntan lotion, chlorides, dirt, debris, algaecides, and other contaminants can be introduced into the water from leaves, tree bark, dirt, skin chemistry, and other factors. TDS can’t be avoided, but it should be kept under 450 ppm.

Pool Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is, for many people, a vital part of keeping the chemistry in their water properly balanced. Too much chlorine, and you’ll end up with burning in the eyes and a strong odor. Too little, and the pool’s alkalinity and pH will be out of control, leading to things like cloudy water and algae growth. Ideal chlorine levels should be at 0.2ppm or less, and free chlorine should be in the range of 1 to 3 ppm.

If you’re looking to build a new swimming pool in the Pearland area, turn to McKinney Custom Pools for the best design, construction, and a pool that’s easy to take care of. With springtime upon us, now is the time to get started! Check out our galleries and give us a call at (281) 489-9800 for answers to all your questions today.

About the Company

McKinney Custom Pools specializes in the design and construction of luxury pools, working closely with Pearland area homeowners to create beautiful pools customized to reflect their unique style and needs. Started by Anya and Jeremy McKinney, both long time Pearland residents, McKinney Custom Pools serves the areas of Friendswood, League City, Sienna Plantation, Sugar Land, Manvel, Kemah, Deer Park, and surrounding cities.

Jememy McKinney brings a work ethic that led him to a career in the NFL and Anya McKinney brings industry experience and a keen eye for pool design and details. When you work with McKinney Custom Pools in Pearland, you will be working directly with the owners who will make sure your project is done perfectly.

McKinney Custom Pools is a member of the Better Business Bureau, The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, among other prestigious business and swimming pool industry associations. Contact McKinney Custom Pools today to get started on your dream backyard.