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Regular Maintenance Checks
Weekly:
•
Visually check the cell electrodes. If calcium build-up is present, manually clean the cell.
•
Check the free chlorine.
•
Check the total alkalinity. Adjust if necessary.
•
Check the pH of the water. Adjust if necessary.
•
Check the pressure gauge on the filter to see if backwashing is necessary.
Monthly:
•
Check the salt concentration of the pool and adjust as necessary.
•
Check the chlorine stabilizer reading. Adjust if necessary.
Tips On Water Chemistry
How to Adjust pH
A pH range of 7.2 - 7.6 is ideal for maximum comfort and minimum chlorine demand. Always adjust total
alkalinity before adjusting pH.
Low pH (acidic water) leads to stinging eyes and corrosion of open metal fittings. Raise the pH by adding
sodium bicarbonate or soda ash. Consult a pool professional regarding which chemical is best for your
situation and the proper amount to use. Check the pH after 4 hours of circulation, adjusting as necessary
to achieve the proper range.
High pH (alkaline water) leads to clouding of the water and reduces the amount of active chlorine which
allows algae and germs to grow. Lower the pH by adding muriatic acid to the pool water. The acid
demand indicated by your 4-in-1 test kit will show the amount of acid to use.
If the pH remains inconsistent, recheck your total alkalinity.
Total Alkalinity Affects pH
Total alkalinity is a measure of the alkaline chemicals in pool water (eg. bicarbonates, carbonates, and
hydroxides). It can be thought of as the buffering system necessary to control pH. Low alkalinity can
allow pH to fluctuate and drift rapidly in one direction. pH will be difficult to maintain and staining
of pool surfaces may occur.
Total alkalinity should be in the range of 80 - 120 ppm.
To raise total alkalinity, add pH buffer (sodium bicarbonate) at the rate given in the manufacturer’s
instructions to achieve the 80 - 120 ppm range. Generally, 1.5 lbs. of sodium bicarbonate raises 10,000
gallons of pool water by 10 ppm.
To lower the total alkalinity, use muriatic acid. The acid demand chart in your 4-in-1 test kit will indicate
the amount. Adjust as needed until the reading (taken at least 24 hours after adjustment) is in the
80-120 ppm range.
Maintenance
