The Critical Importance of Pool Water Balancing for Different Surfaces
Including The Costly Mistake of What Happens Long Term, When The Water Looks Fine But Isn't Properly Balanced
Introduction
Owning a pool is a delightful luxury, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring proper maintenance. One of the key aspects of pool maintenance is water balancing, not only for water quality and health, but also the impact on your pool surface, and equipment. Failing to maintain these parameters can have dire long-term consequences, especially on particular pool surfaces.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of pool water balancing and discuss the specific requirements for various pool surfaces, considering chlorine, pH level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals (especially copper), phosphate levels, and salt (in salt chlorinated pools).
Section 1: Understanding Pool Water Balancing
1.1 Chlorine
Chlorine is the primary sanitizer in pool water. Maintaining the correct chlorine level is crucial because:
- It kills bacteria and prevents the growth of algae.
- Proper chlorine levels ensure safe swimming conditions.
- Too much chlorine bleaches and destroys equipment.
If your chlorine is too low, your pool will turn green, typically starting on the walls or floor. If your chlorine is too high it bleaches surfaces and destroys equipment. Robotic cleaners for example, in high chlorine, their tracks start to melt and seals break down, allowing in water that will kill the engine which is costly to repair.
If your chlorine levels do exceed 8.0 ppm, use a chlorine reducer to prevent further damage to your expensive investment.
Table 1: Recommended Chlorine Levels
| Surface | Recommended Chlorine Range (ppm) |
|---|---|
| All Pool Surfaces | 2.0 - 4.0 |
| With secondary sanitiser | 1.0 - 2.0 |
| Spas | 4.0 - 6.0 |
1.2 pH Level
pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your pool water. Maintaining the correct pH level (between 7.2 and 7.8) is critical because:
- It ensures swimmer comfort by preventing skin and eye irritation.
- Proper pH levels maximize the effectiveness of pool sanitizers.
- It prevents corrosion of pool equipment, such as pumps and heaters
Itchy eyes is a common signal that your pool's pH levels need attention.
The recommended pH varies from one pool surface to the next. Your pool professional has software that will tell you what your specific pool needs and you can see our tables further down in this article. However, below 7.2 or above 7.8 is unbalanced.
One thing that is worth understanding is when your pH exceeds 7.8, your chlorine becomes ineffective. At 8.0 pH your chlorine is only about 20% effecitve, much higher and chlorine becomes so ineffective, you could put in 60 liters of it and still not kill the algae.
Table 2: Recommended pH Levels
| Surface | Recommended pH Range |
|---|---|
| All Pool Surfaces | 7.2 - 7.8 |
| Specific Pool Surfaces | See tables below in section 2 |
1.3 Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, helping to stabilize it. Maintaining it within the range of 80 to 120 ppm is crucial because:
- It prevents rapid pH fluctuations, which can damage pool surfaces and equipment.
- Proper alkalinity levels ensure that the pH remains in the desired range.
Table 3: Recommended Total Alkalinity Levels
| Surface | Recommended Alkalinity Range (ppm) |
|---|---|
| All Pool Surfaces | 80 - 120 |
| Specific Pool Surfaces | See tables below in section 2 |
1.4 Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness is a vital parameter that measures the concentration of calcium ions in your pool water. Maintaining the correct calcium hardness level is of utmost importance, due to several critical reasons:
- Surface Protection: Proper calcium hardness levels safeguard your pool's surfaces, preventing them from suffering damage such as etching or scaling.
- Equipment Longevity: Maintaining the recommended calcium hardness range extends the life of your pool equipment, including pumps, filters, and heaters, by preventing corrosion and scale buildup.
- Water Balance: Adequate calcium hardness contributes to overall water balance, ensuring that your pool water remains stable and comfortable for swimmers.
- LSI Index: The Langlier's Saturation Index (LSI), is a measure of how corrosive your water is. Water always wants to find equilibrium and is incredibly forceful at doing so. It will dump what it doesn't want and eat away at anything it does want.
The recommended calcium hardness levels can vary depending on your specific pool surface. Maintaining calcium hardness within the recommended range is essential to protect your investment.
Table 10: Recommended Calcium Hardness Levels
| Surface | Recommended Calcium Hardness Range (ppm) |
|---|---|
| All Pool Surfaces | 200 - 400 |
| Specific Pool Surfaces | See tables below in section 2 |
1.5 Metals (Especially Copper)
The presence of metals in pool water, including copper, iron, and others, can have a significant impact on water quality and the integrity of your pool surfaces. Managing metal levels, especially copper, is crucial because:
-
Water Clarity: Excessive metals, particularly copper, can cause cloudy or discolored water, negatively affecting the appearance of your pool.
-
Staining: High copper concentrations in pool water can lead to unsightly staining on pool surfaces, including tiles and plaster.
-
Equipment Damage: Copper can cause corrosion of pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
-
Swimmer Comfort: Elevated copper levels can cause skin and hair discoloration, as well as eye irritation, making swimming uncomfortable.
One of the common sources of metals in pool water is the fill water used to top up the pool. Municipal water supplies can contain trace amounts of metals, and over time, these levels can accumulate in your pool.
Copper is often introduced into pool water through various sources, including the use of copper-based algaecides, certain pool chemicals, or even copper pipes in the pool's plumbing system. Small amounts of copper are great at hindering algae growth, but larger amounts cause staining and other impacts.
Maintaining proper copper levels, along with other metals, in your pool is essential for water clarity, surface protection, equipment longevity, and the comfort of swimmers.
Table 11: Recommended Metal Levels in Pool Water
| Metal | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm (for most pool surfaces) |
| Iron (Fe) | < 0.3 ppm |
| Manganese (Mn) | < 0.05 ppm |
| Zinc (Zn) | < 0.3 ppm |
1.6 Phosphates
Phosphates are an often-overlooked aspect of pool water maintenance, but they can play a significant role in water quality and the effectiveness of your pool treatments. Understanding and managing phosphate levels is crucial because:
- Algae Growth: Phosphates serve as a nutrient source for algae, promoting their growth. Elevated phosphate levels can lead to persistent algae problems.
- Water Clarity: High phosphate concentrations can result in cloudy or hazy water, affecting the overall clarity of your pool.
- Chemical Efficiency: Excessive phosphates can hinder the effectiveness of pool sanitizers and chemicals, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced and safe swimming environment.
Managing phosphate levels involves regular testing and the use of phosphate removers when necessary. Phosphate removers work by binding and precipitating phosphates, effectively removing them from the pool water.
Table 12: Recommended Phosphate Levels in Pool Water
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Phosphates (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
1.7 Salt (for Salt Chlorinated Pools)
Salt chlorinated pools use a salt chlorinator to generate chlorine from salt in the water. Maintaining the correct salt levels is crucial for the proper functioning of your salt chlorinator and the comfort of swimmers. Understanding the importance of salt levels is essential because:
- Chlorine Generation: The salt chlorinator relies on the appropriate salt concentration to generate chlorine, which is the primary sanitizer for the pool.
- Swimmer Comfort: Insufficient salt levels can lead to ineffective chlorine generation and potentially result in water that is less comfortable for swimmers.
- Equipment Efficiency: Maintaining the recommended salt levels ensures the efficient operation of your salt chlorinator and prolongs its lifespan.
The recommended salt level for salt chlorinated pools varies, depending on your brand of chlorinator, but typically falls within the range of 2500 to 4500 parts per million (ppm). Your exact chlorinator manufacturer will determine what these levels need to be. Not enough salt and your cell struggles to produce enough salt, but running levels too high or too low, can also dramatically reduce the life of your chlorinator cell.
Table 13: Recommended Salt Levels for Salt Chlorinated Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Salt (NaCl) | 2500 - 4500 ppm |
| Your Specific Chlorinator | Please see your manufacturer's userguide or manual |
Section 2: Impact of Improper Balancing on Different Pool Surfaces
2.1 Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are known for their smooth and non-porous surface. Improper water balance can result in:
- Staining: Unbalanced water can cause unsightly stains on the fiberglass surface.
- Discoloration: The gel coat can lose its luster.
- Surface Degradation: Over time, imbalanced water can weaken the fiberglass.
Table 14: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Fiberglass Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 100 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 175 - 225 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
2.2 Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools have a vulnerable vinyl surface. The consequences of improper water balance include:
- Wrinkling: Drastic pH changes can cause the vinyl liner to wrinkle.
- Fading: High pH levels can lead to color fading.
- Liner Deterioration: The vinyl liner may degrade prematurely.
Table 15: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Vinyl Liner Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.2 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 175 - 225 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
2.3 Fully Tiled Pools
Fully tiled pools have a visually appealing and durable surface. Unbalanced water can result in:
- Scale Buildup: High calcium hardness can lead to scale formation on tiles.
- Grout Damage: Improper pH can erode the grout between tiles.
Table 16: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Fully Tiled Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 - 300 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
2.4 Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are sturdy but susceptible to surface erosion and scaling due to improper water balance. Consequences include:
- Surface Erosion: Low pH can eat away at the concrete surface.
- Scale Formation: High calcium hardness can lead to scale deposits on the pool walls.
Table 17: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Concrete Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 - 400 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
2.5 Pebble Finish Pools
Pebble finish pools are known for their natural and textured appearance. Issues arising from unbalanced water include:
- Scale Formation: High calcium hardness can lead to pebble scaling.
- Discoloration: Improper pH can cause the pebbles to lose their color.
Table 18: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Pebble Finish Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 - 400 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
2.6 Quartzon Pools
Quartzon pools have a stunning quartz aggregate surface. Neglecting water balance can result in:
- Scale Formation: High calcium hardness can lead to scale buildup on the quartz aggregate.
- Loss of Luster: Improper pH levels can diminish the surface's visual appeal.
Table 19: Recommended Water Balance Levels for Quartzon Pools
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 - 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 - 400 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Phosphate (PO4) | < 200 ppb |
| Salt (if salt pool) | 2500 - 4000 ppm |
Conclusion
Properly balancing your pool water, considering chlorine, pH level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals (especially copper), phosphate levels, and salt (in salt chlorinated pools), is essential for preserving the longevity and functionality of your pool, regardless of the surface type. Neglecting water balance can lead to costly repairs and a less enjoyable swimming experience. Refer to the recommended balance levels provided in this article, and remember to regularly test and adjust your pool water to keep it in pristine condition. A well-balanced pool is a happy pool!