Support · 16 answers
Pool Chemicals.
Water balance basics: alkalinity, pH, calcium, clarifiers and conditioners.
Water Balancers / Alkalinity
Alkalinity (5)
- What is pool alkalinity, what is the ideal range, and why is it important?Pool alkalinity helps prevent sudden pH changes, with a recommended total alkalinity range of 80–120 ppm for most residential pools.
- What happens if pool alkalinity is too low or too high?Low alkalinity can cause pH swings and corrosion, while high alkalinity can cause cloudy water, scale and reduced sanitizer effectiveness.
- What is pool alkalinity increaser, and when should I use it?Pool alkalinity increaser raises low alkalinity, usually with sodium bicarbonate, which can also raise pH slightly.
- How do I add alkalinity increaser, how much should I use, and how long should I wait to swim?Add alkalinity increaser as directed, run the pump for at least 4 hours, and wait until the product has fully circulated before swimming.
- How often should I test pool alkalinity, and should I adjust alkalinity or pH first?Test alkalinity at least weekly during swim season or after major water chemistry changes, and adjust it before major pH changes.
Water Balancers / Calcium
Calcium (5)
- How do I know if my pool needs calcium hardness increaser, and when should I add it?Test your pool's calcium hardness regularly. Add calcium hardness increaser when the reading is below 200 ppm.
- What should I do before adding calcium hardness increaser, and how often should I test?Confirm calcium is low and pH and alkalinity are balanced before adding increaser, and test regularly, especially after fresh water or chemical changes.
- What is calcium hardness increaser and what are the ideal levels for pools and spas?Calcium hardness increaser raises calcium in the water, with ideal levels of 200-400 ppm for most pools and 150-250 ppm for most spas.
- When should I avoid calcium hardness increaser, and what can high or low levels cause?Avoid calcium increaser if calcium is above 400 ppm, scale is present, or pH or alkalinity is unbalanced; high or low calcium can damage your pool.
- Do pools and spas use the same calcium hardness increaser?Yes, pools and spas both use calcium chloride, but dosing, package sizes, and target calcium hardness levels differ.
Water Balancers / Clarifiers & Conditioners
Clarifiers & Conditioners (2)
- When should I use a clarifier?Use a clarifier for lingering cloudiness or fine particles after sanitizer and pH are balanced, or when heavy spa use overwhelms filtration.
- Why do I need a conditioner and clarifier for my pool or spa?Conditioner helps control foam, scum, and metal-related water problems, while clarifier helps your filter trap tiny particles that cloud the water.
Water Balancers / pH
pH (4)
- How do I test my pool water and use pH Plus if the pH is too low?Test water from elbow depth, follow the product directions to raise low pH with the pump running, and retest after a few hours.
- What is pH Plus?pH Plus raises pool or spa water pH when it drops below the recommended range of 7.2-7.6. It also raises alkalinity.
- Why is proper pH balance important, and how often should I test my pool water?Keep pool pH at 7.2–7.6 and test at least weekly during swimming season to help chlorine work properly and protect swimmers and equipment.
- Can pH Plus be used the same way in pools and spas?pH Plus raises pH in both pools and spas, but dosing and circulation times differ.
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