Swimming Pool And Spa Chemical Maintenance, The Importance of Water Balance and how to manage it

Attention: Water balance is very important to ensure that your swimming pool chemicals work properly and for as long as they should

Make sure that you understand the workings of your swimming pool or spa before adding any swimming pool chemicals Good water circulation and filtration are essential to achieving a safe and clear bathing environment.

Water balance is the first thing to establish when treating your pool or spa. This helps make sure the later stps like sanitation are effective and use the minimum chemicals required There are three major factors affecting water balance, they are pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness

Calcium hardness

Hardness is the measurement of calcium salts in the swimming pool or spa water and this will vary depending where you live. Low calcium hardness levels (soft water) can lead to corrosion of the materials of construction. Hard water (water high in calcium) can lead to limescale foriming in your pipes and equipment
these are guideline levels
•    Ideal calcium hardness levels are between 100 – 200 ppm (mg/l).
•    If the level is below 75 ppm (mg/l), apply Hardness Plus
•    When the measurement is above 200 ppm (mg/l), apply Scale Inhibitor.

pH Measures

pH can range from 1 to 14 where 1 is very acid and 14 very alkaline It is essential to maintain spa water within the 7.2 – 7.6 range which, because it is mildly alkaline, will protect equipment from corrosion and give the best environment for bather comfort
•    Ideal pH level for spas is between 7.2 – 7.6.
•    When the measurement is below apply pH Plus
•    If the level exceeds 7.6 apply pH Minus
Note
pH can be tricky to control in spas as the system water turns over fast, is highly agitated and is at greater temperature than swimming pools. [All these factors

pH rises can be caused by this which causes chlorine products such as chlorine shock to lose effectiveness. Much higher doses of chlorine sanitisers such as will then be required. avoid this problem by using Bromine. Bromine works effectively over a wider pH range than chlorine Bromine also remains in the spa for longer than chlorine so it reduces the quantity of spa chemicals you use.

Total Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer to prevent pH change. The water pH varies drastically when Total Alkalinity levels are very low
High levels of TA will not only affect water clarity, but also make pH adjustments extremely difficult.
•    Ideal Total Alkalinity is 100 ppm (mg/l) When it is below 80mg/l remedy it with Alkalinity Plus
•    When Total Alkalinity exceeds 140mg/l remedy it with pH Minus to reduce it
The balance of the water needs to be monitored regularly because it is essential to the effectiveness of your other treatments

Test Strips/kits are available for you to test the water regularly.


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