What are pool balancers, and why are they important?
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Pool balancers are chemicals used to maintain balanced water chemistry in swimming pools, primarily by adjusting and stabilizing levels of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
A balanced pool is essential for your safety and health, as well as the protection of your pool equipment and surfaces. When your pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels are all correct, it results in a pool that operates more efficiently, feels better to swim in, and actually requires fewer chemicals over time. Having an unbalanced pool can be unsafe for swimmers, as it can irritate your eyes and your skin.
What levels should I be trying to maintain?
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Water Chemistry
Accepted Levels for Pool and Spa Water Chemistry
| Pool | Spa | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Balance | ||
| pH | 7.2 - 7.8 | 7.2 - 7.8 |
| Total Alkalinity | ||
| Plaster | 80 - 120 ppm | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Vinyl | 100 - 150 ppm | 100 - 150 ppm |
| Fiberglass | 80 - 120 ppm | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | ||
| Plaster and Tile | 200 - 400 ppm | 200 - 400 ppm |
| Vinyl | 175 - 300 ppm | 175 - 300 ppm |
| Fiberglass | 80 - 120 ppm | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Total Dissolved Solids | <2000 ppm | <2000 ppm |
| Sanitizer and Stabilizer | ||
| Chlorine | ||
| Total | 1 - 3 ppm | 2 - 4 ppm |
| Free | 1 - 3 ppm | 2 - 4 ppm |
| Bromine | 2 - 4 ppm | 3 - 5 ppm |
| Metals/Other | ||
| Copper | <0.3 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
| Iron | <0.3 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
| Phosphate | <100 ppm | <100 ppm |
How do I balance the water in my pool?
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The basic steps to balancing a pool are as follows:
What are the main types of pool balancers?
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The primary types of balancers are used to adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
Alkalinity Increasers will boost your pool's alkalinity levels while simultaneously reducing it's acidity.
Calcium Hardness Increasers are designed to raise your pool's calcium hardness.
pH Adjusters (pH Plus and pH Minus) are used to raise or lower your pool's pH levels.
How much of my balancer should I add?
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Always follow the dosing instructions of the chemical balancer you are using, as they will specify the amount to add based on the size of your pool.
How often should I test the water in my pool?
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You should test your water for at least pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and sanitizer levels at least once a week, more often if you have heavy use or if it has rained. You also want to test every time you add chemicals.