Chemistry and testing of pool & spa water

           Pool and spa water testing can be intimidating at first, but with some simple ideas and tips you too can have beautiful water quality

                                                            ALWAYS !  read and follow all label directions on containers of chemicals 

                                                               SAFETY !  is always first when using chemicals       
     
                                                   Use eye protection and wear gloves when handling chemicals

                                                                      "NEVER" mix chemicals together        

                                                                           "ADD chemicals to water"    

                                                                       "NEVER add water to chemicals"

    Chemistry for new pools and spas is easier when the water is fresh and new. This is because there are no high levels of contaminents, such as high TDS,
metals, water hardness or stabilizers. As water gets "older" it becomes harder to balance because these levels of contaminents will not "balance" out. When
these levels get "to high" we recommend that you have your pool drained and refilled.

     If you take good care of your water, especially for the first couple of years, it will be easier for you to balance, and the water will "last" longer between refills.
                                                 Draining only partially will just dilute your problems so always drain completely.
                                             And when you decide to drain your pool, "have a professional pool person" help you out.

                                       Draining a  pool  can  be  lead  to  unexpected problems  so  always  seek  professional  help !

                              - - - Proper water balance levels are as follows  - - -                

                                                                             (Click here for testing tips)       

                  Chlorine should be 1.0 ppm - 3.0 ppm to adequately destroy contaminents and bacteria            (chlorine tips)

                                                               (use 1" or 3" tablets in a feeder or floater)

                                             Ph should be 7.2 ppm - 7.6 ppm for chlorine to be affective                                        (ph tips)

                                             (add acid in small amounts to lower (-) ph, add soda ash to raise (+)  ph)

                                    Alkalinity should be between 120 ppm - 140 ppm for adequate balance                       (alkalinity tips)

                       (add acid to lower (-) alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise (+) alkalinity)

                                                        Water hardness should be 200 ppm - 300 ppm

                                          (add calcium choride to raise (+) hardness, drain pool to lower (-) hardness)

                  Conditioner should be 30 ppm - 60 ppm for chlorine stabilization - (2-5lbs is  usually added to new pool startups)

                    (conditioner/stabilizer is in all chlorine tablets, so you should not need to add any more during their use)

                                                                   click on over to  the gallery                          

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