Intro to Pool Water Chemistry
Why Water Balance Matters
Balanced Water = Safe, Sparkling, and Stress-Free
Keeping your pool water balanced is the #1 way to:
- Protect your swimmers from harmful bacteria and skin/eye irritation
- Prevent corrosion or damage to your pool surfaces and equipment
- Make chlorine and other chemicals work effectively
- Avoid cloudy or green water problems
Unbalanced water costs you more time, money, and frustration in the long run. That’s why we always start with the basics.
Quick Weekly Water Test
Test Prior to Adding Weekly Chemicals
Every week, do a quick check using test strips or a digital tester to monitor your pool's key water chemistry levels:
- Chlorine or Bromine levels
- Free vs. Total Chlorine
- PH
- Total Alkalinity
- Calcium Hardness
- Salt Levels (for saltwater systems)
Why It Matters
Weekly testing ensures consistent sanitizer levels and balanced pH, which helps prevent common issues like:
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Algae growth
- Skin and eye irritation
- Damaged pool surfaces and equipment
Pro Tip
🧠 Check your balance yourself weekly, and have it professionally tested monthly for maximum accuracy.
3 Step - Weekly Maintenance
Sanitize
Oxidize (Shock)
Oxidize (Shock)
Step # 1
- Add chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria and keep water safe.
- Use tabs, granules, or your salt system.
Oxidize (Shock)
Oxidize (Shock)
Oxidize (Shock)
Step # 2
- Use a non-chlorine or chlorine-based shock to remove organic buildup (like sweat, sunscreen, etc.).
- Do this weekly—especially after heavy use or rain.
Algaecide
Oxidize (Shock)
Algaecide
Step # 3
- Prevent algae growth with a weekly dose of algaecide.
- Even if your pool looks clean, this keeps it that way.
Monthly Water Balancing
Professional Water Testing
Monthly water balancing should be performed by a pool care professional who can accurately measure and adjust key chemical levels like pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer. Professionals use advanced equipment and specialized software to precisely calculate the exact amounts of chemicals needed for your pool.
Why It Matters
Professional monthly testing creates a stable, healthy water environment that supports your weekly sanitizer and algaecide routine and protects your pool surfaces and equipment from damage.
Pro Tip
💡 Almost all pool care professionals offer free water testing — take advantage of this service to keep your pool in top condition. Professionals measure extra parameters like Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and compute the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), helping prevent scaling and corrosion, while using software to tailor chemical dosing exactly to your pool’s needs.
