Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to increase pool alkalinity - use 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm. Test first, add slowly, and retest after 6 hours.
Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
Yes, you absolutely need proper alkalinity in your pool water. Alkalinity acts as a pH buffer, preventing rapid pH swings and maintaining water balance for swimmer comfort and equipment protection.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding alkalinity, but wait 4-6 hours first and test your water to ensure pH is below 7.6 for maximum chlorine effectiveness.
Pool chemical shelf life varies dramatically: liquid chlorine lasts 2-5 years, granular chlorine 2-3 years, while pH adjusters and alkalinity increasers can last indefinitely when stored properly.
To clear cloudy pool water, first test your water chemistry and identify the cause (poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or algae). Then shock to proper levels, balance pH and alkalinity, and run your filter continuously until water clears.
Most pool chemicals can be used in spas, but require different concentrations due to higher temperatures and smaller water volume. Chlorine, pH adjusters, and alkalinity increasers work well, but avoid stabilized chlorine and copper-based algaecides.
No, baking soda cannot be used as pool stabilizer. Baking soda raises total alkalinity and pH, while pool stabilizer (cyanuric acid) protects chlorine from UV degradation - they serve completely different functions.
Yes, pool chemicals are absolutely essential for safe swimming water. At minimum, you need chlorine sanitizer, pH adjuster, and alkalinity increaser to maintain proper water balance and kill harmful bacteria.
To increase pool alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) at 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm. Test first, add chemical gradually with pump running, then retest after 6 hours.
IHG points are hotel rewards, not pool-related. However, pool water balance involves key chemistry points: pH (7.4-7.6), free chlorine based on CYA levels, total alkalinity (80-120), and calcium hardness (250-350 for plaster).
Hot tub water care requires maintaining proper pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (80-120 ppm), and sanitizer levels while following regular testing and chemical adjustment schedules. Higher temperatures and smaller water volumes make spas more sensitive to chemical imbalances than pools.
Yes, pool alkalinity absolutely matters as it acts as a pH buffer, preventing dramatic pH swings that can damage equipment and make chlorine ineffective. Proper total alkalinity (80-120 ppm for regular pools, 60-80 for salt water) is essential for balanced water chemistry.
Pool alkalinity typically rises due to fresh fill water with high alkalinity, adding pH increasers or certain sanitizers, excessive aeration from water features, and natural processes like algae growth.
