Use and Care Guide

pH -
pH is the abbreviation for "potential hydrogen" and is the measure of relative acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale
runs from 0, which is a strong acid to 14, extremely alkaline. The middle point of the scale, 7, is the neutral
point. Ideally you should maintain your pool water's pH between 7.4 and 7.6. Too high a pH will promote
scaling, clouding, eye irritation and difficulty in maintaining the proper chlorine levels. Too low a pH will make
the water corrosive and can damage liners, heaters and may even etch plaster. To raise the pH of your pool,
add soda ash (sodium carbonate) If the pH is too high you should add acid (sodium bisulfate) to the water. Low
pH is far more common than high pH because of acid rain, organic matter, and the use of trichlor tablets.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is the combined measurement of a group of alkaline solids in the water. It is important to
maintain the level of alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. Failing to do so will create a condition that may cause
the pH to fluctuate very quickly and make it difficult to keep at the proper level. It's a good idea to first adjust
your total alkalinity before altering the pH. To raise the total alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
to the water. To lower the total alkalinity use sodium bisulfate (dry acid). Raise or lower the total alkalinity of
your water slowly and check it often until the desired level is attained. Note that salt-water pools have slightly
different requirements in regards to alkalinity.
Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) helps protect your chlorine from degradation in the presence of ultraviolet light
(sunlight). The use of cyanuric acid is optional. Maintain the level around 50 ppm, adding too much stabilizer
will actually render chlorine less effective and it hard to remove from the water. If you use trichlor tablets to
chlorinate your pool it's doubtful that you will ever have to add more stabilizer to the water.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium is one of many minerals that contribute to hard water. As far as water balance is concerned, it's the
most important one to keep an eye on. Ideally you should maintain a level of 150 to 300 ppm. To raise the
calcium hardness of your water, add calcium chloride. To reduce the calcium level you must drain some of the
water and add new water. If you own a vinyl lined pool, do NOT drain the water more than halfway down the
walls or you may jeopardize the pool's structure.