Water Chemistry
      Back to home
      1. Help Center
      2. Pool Maintenance
      3. Water Chemistry

      Water Chemistry

      Here is a breakdown of the water chemistry involved in keeping a clear and healthy pool.

      Adding Chemicals In general, chlorine and other chemicals should be added directly to the pool water with the filter running. 

       

      – ALWAYS add chemicals to water, NOT water to chemicals

      – NEVER mix chemicals – add them to the pool separately.

      – NEVER add chlorine products in your skimmer.

       

      Stabilizer – Chemically, a stabilizer (also called conditioner) is Cyan Uric acid. It slows down the degradation of chlorine in the water by sunlight. Too much does not slow down chlorine activity or effectiveness.

      Adding stabilizer will also prevent “chlorine burn off” which is the deterioration of chlorine from extreme heat. Minimum level is 10 ppm.The ideal level of stabilizer is 25 ppm. 

      pH Importance – A low pH indicates acidic water and a high pH indicates alkaline (basic) water. pH should always be adjusted to the proper range before the addition of chlorine or other chemicals otherwise it will seriously affect their performance.

       

      Symptom 

      Cloudy / Milky water (no green slime)

      Cause

      A. pH or Alkalinity problem

      B. Low Sanitizer level

      C. Calcium based chlorine

      D. Suspended particles

      Solutions

      A. Test & balance with recommended products.

      B. Shock pool & check Chlorine level

      C. Discontinue use and start with stabilized chlorine.

      D. Clean filter. Continue to filter. Keep water balanced

       

      Symptom

      Brown or Rusty water (not slimy)

      Cause

      Iron or Mineral problem

      Solutions

      Add mineral remover, keep filter clean.

       

       

      Symptom

      Rapid Loss of Chlorine 

      Cause

      A. Insufficient Stabilizer (cyanuric acid)

      B. Large bather load

      Solutions

      A. Add Stabilizer

      B. Shock pool & check Chlorine level 

       

      Symptom

      Green / Slimy water

      Cause

      Algae 

      Solutions

      A. Shock pool & check Chlorine level

      B. Add Algaecide

      C. Adjust pH to 7.2 – 7.6 by adding pH products 

       

      Symptom

      Spots on Liner

      A. Brown

      B. White

      Cause

      A. Low Alkalinity

      B. Improper use of Chlorine

      Solutions

      A. Test and add Alkalinity increaser

      B. Read label and follow directions of use

       

      Symptom

      Strong Chlorine smell

      Cause

      Chlorine efficiency depleted 

      Solutions

      A. Shock pool & check Chlorine level