Master the essential chemicals, testing, and balancing techniques to keep your pool water crystal clear and safe for swimming.
Learn about sanitizers, balancers, and algae control
Master the three testing methods
7-step process for perfect balance
Get answers to frequent water chemistry questions
Proper water balance is the single most important factor to maximizing the life and appearance of any swimming pool
Get monthly professional water assessments to ensure optimal chemistry levels and protect your investment.
Understanding the four main categories of pool chemicals and their specific purposes
Potassium Monopersulfate: Oxidizer that prevents chloramines from forming
Algae makes surfaces slippery and can harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli
Three proven methods to accurately measure your pool's chemical levels
Measure pH, alkalinity, chlorine, and specialty tests like salt or TDS levels.
Color-changing reagents provide accurate measurements of water chemistry.
Smartphone-connected devices offer detailed readings and convenience.
Bring your water sample to our experts for professional testing and personalized chemical recommendations.
Follow this proven sequence to achieve perfect water chemistry balance
Alkalinity acts as a pH buffer. Low alkalinity leads to corrosion and unsafe swimming conditions.
Prevents surface damage, cloudy water, and skin irritation.
Prevents equipment corrosion and surface etching.
Use chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or salt generator.
CYA protects chlorine from UV rays. High TDS requires water replacement.
Weekly or bi-weekly shocking destroys bacteria, algae, and chloramines.
Shock after heavy use, storms, or algae presence
Retest all levels to ensure everything is within proper ranges. Repeat adjustments as needed.
"Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool water not only keeps the water sparkling clean, but it also helps protect your heater, pump, and other system components from damage."
Pool Maintenance Expert
Test your pool water 2-3 times per week during swimming season, and at least once per week during off-season. After heavy use, storms, or when adding chemicals, test before and after to ensure proper levels.
High pH (above 7.8) causes cloudy water, skin irritation, and reduces chlorine effectiveness. Low pH (below 7.0) causes equipment corrosion, surface etching, and skin/eye irritation. Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6 for optimal comfort and equipment protection.
While some household products like baking soda can be used for alkalinity adjustment, always use pool-specific chemicals when possible. They're formulated for pool conditions and won't introduce unwanted additives that could affect water balance or equipment.
Wait times vary by chemical: pH adjusters (20 minutes), chlorine (20-30 minutes), shock treatment (8-24 hours depending on type), algaecide (15-30 minutes). Always test water to ensure levels are within safe ranges before swimming.
Rapid chlorine loss can be caused by high bather loads, algae growth, insufficient CYA levels (chlorine burns off in sunlight), or contamination. Check CYA levels, shock the pool to eliminate chloramines, and consider increasing sanitizer levels during heavy use periods.
Our certified pool professionals provide expert water testing, chemical balancing, and ongoing maintenance support to keep your pool crystal clear and safe.