| Correct water
chemistry starts with balancing the following factors |
| Free Available Chlorine |
When any chlorine compound is added to the
water hypochlorous acid - the active sanitizer - is formed. The strength and
effectiveness of chlorine sanitizer is dependent on the Ph level of the
water. |
Pools: 1.0 to 2.0 ppm
Spas: 2.0 to 3.0
ppm
|
| Combined Chlorine |
When free active chlorine reacts with
ammonia, organic nitrogen compounds and other contaminates in the pool water,
it forms chloramines. Chloramines are not an effective disinfectant and causes
eye irritation and chlorine odor. |
Pools: 0.0 ppm
Spas: 0.0 ppm
|
| Bromine |
When bromine is added to water Hypobromous
Acid is formed. Like chlorine, this is a sanitizer. |
Pools: 2.0 to 3.0 ppm
Spas: 2.0 to 3.0
ppm |
| PH |
When pH is not balanced bathers experience
discomfort, chlorine loses its effectiveness, and pool surfaces and equipment
is damaged. pH is raised by adding soda ash or caustic soda, and lowered by
adding sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid. |
Pools: 7.2 to 7.4
Spas: 7.2 to
7.4
|
| Total Alkalinity |
Without proper balance of total alkalinity
wild fluctuations in pH may occur. Total alkalinity is raised by adding sodium
bicarbonate and lowered by adding sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid. |
Pools: 60 to 150 ppm
Spas: 60 to 150
ppm
|
| Calcium Hardness |
Without proper calcium hardness balance,
calcium is leached from pool surfaces or deposited on equipment. Calcium
hardness is raised by adding calcium chloride. |
Pools: 200 to 400 ppm
Spas: 150 to 250
ppm
|
| Total Dissolved Solids |
The total amount of all material dissolved in
the pool water. As water is reused and chemicals are added, a load develops
that adversely affects water balance. High TDS pool water must be diluted with
fresh make-up water. |
Pools & Spas:
Should not exceed 1,500
ppm
|