Summerizing Your Pool: What you Need to Know!

Chemically balanced pool water makes your time in your Laurel Pool healthier and more enjoyable. Remember, the treatment plan differs depending on the type of chemicals you are using to balance your pool water. For example, you will follow a different regiment for chlorine vs. Biguanide. Contact Laurel Pools if you are unsure at any step of the way.

Follow these four steps when you're ready to open your pool for the season.

Step 1: take a sample of your pool water to Laurel Pools. To assure an accurate sample, follow these simple steps:

• Rinse your water sample bottle with pool water.
• Use it to scoop a quart of water from the pool, submerging your arm to your elbow. To avoid getting surface water, hold the bottle upside down until its completely submerged. Then, turn the sample bottle right side up while its still submerged.
• Laurel Pools will professionally analyze your water sample for (pH), total alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer/cyanuric acid, free available chlorine, and chlorine extender level.
• Laurel Pools will provide you with recommendations for balancing your pool water.

Step 2: check the physical components of your pool. Is your pool equipment up and running? Check the filter and pump operation. Clean the hair and lint trap on the inlet to the pump. Make sure everything is in working order. Is there good water flow in the skimmer? Check for leaves or other debris that might impede flow. Are the return jets cleaned and set at the proper angle? The recommended angle for jets is 45 degrees downward.

Step 3: clean your pool surfaces to remove any debris and algae. If algae is present, use the appropriate products for removal, following Laurel Pools recommendations. If you're not sure of the algae type (or if it's even algae at all), consult a Laurel Pools representative for advice.

Step 4: balance the water in your pool by following Laurel Pools recommendations based on your test results. Our recommendations will address each of the following water balance factors:

• pH [Ideal range 7.2-7.8]
  The pH scale measures the acidic or basic nature of pool water. pH is the most important component of water balance. The ideal pH range is between 7.2-7.4 (the minimum is 7.2, the maximum is 7.8). To increase pH, add pH Up. To decrease pH, add pH Down. When applying pH Up or pH Down, pre-dissolve in water and walk the solution around the perimeter of the pool. Low pH level can cause eye irritation. High pH will lower the effectiveness of the chlorine. Test your water at least weekly with 3-Way Test Strips or a pool test kit.
• Total Alkalinity (TA) [Ideal range 80-150 ppm]
  Total alkalinity acts as a pH "buffer" in pool water to prevent large changes in pH. While the ideal TA range is between 80-150 ppm, the correct TA varies with the level of calcium hardness. To increase TA, add Total Alkalinity Increaser. To decrease TA, add pH Down or muriatic acid. When lowering Total Alkalinity, "slug the acid" using pre-dissolved pH Down. To "slug the acid" means to add acid to the deep end of the pool with the circulation pump turned off and pool water quiet. Allow water to remain quiet for one hour before restarting the pump. If your water's TA is too high; pH levels will tend to drift up. TA that is too low results in a pH level that fluctuates, commonly referred to as "pH Bounce."
• Calcium Hardness (CH) [Ideal range 180-250 ppm]
  Calcium hardness is a measure of dissolved calcium in the pool water. Proper CH is essential in the protection of plaster and pool equipment. The ideal CH range is from 180-250 ppm.
• Stabilizer/Cyanuric Acid (CYA) [Ideal range 40-80 ppm]
  Cyanuric Acid is a granular chemical, commonly referred to as Stabilizer, that helps prevent degradation of Free-Available Chlorine by direct sunlight. The ideal CYA range is from 40-80 ppm.

Remember, the products you will be adding depend on the type of chemical treatment plan you have chosen for your pool: Chlorine, or chlorine alternatives such as Biguanide.

Date created: January 31, 2004
Last updated: March 28, 2010