Chemicals

Total alkalinity impacts your water pH’s resistance to change. Generally, the number should be 125-150 ppm on most systems. A number lower than that means your pH level is very susceptible to change. A number too high will mean that it will be more difficult to adjust the pH level of the water.

pH is the measure of your pool or spa water’s acidity or basicity. The best pH for a pool or spa is 7.5, but any number between 7.2 and 7.8 should still be okay. When the pH of the water becomes too acidic, sanitizers become less effective at neutralizing bacteria. If the pH becomes too basic, calcium can build up and potentially ruin your pool/spa and equipment.

Hardness is defined by the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. If your pool or spa water has too little calcium, the water will become corrosive. If it has too much calcium, it can create calcium buildup. Both of these instances can significantly shorten the lifespan of your pool/spa and equipment, so it is important to maintain proper calcium levels.

Most pools and spa use chlorine and bromine to sanitize the water from sweat, soaps and shampoos, body oils, dead skin, and other pollutants left behind by our bodies. Having the proper amount of sanitizer prevents your water from becoming green and helps protect swimmers from health issues.