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lower total alkalinity and add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise total alkalinity. Be sure to read and
follow the respective manufacturer’s instructions.
Stabilizer (cyanuric acid)
is necessary in most outdoor pools to maintain appropriate levels of chlorine.
Chlorine stabilizer helps give an appropriate residual chlorine reading of the pool water. Without stabilizer, UV
radiation from the sun destroys most chlorine within 2 hours, but excessive amounts of stabilizer can decrease
the effectiveness of chlorine. Chlorine stabilizer should be maintained at 40-80 ppm to offset the harmful
effect of the sun while maintaining the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Nitrates and Phosphates
, generally associated with fertilizer thrown on nearby grass, can put very high
demands on chlorine; most often nitrates and phosphates will bring the chlorine level down to zero (0). You
can have your water tested for nitrates and phosphates by the local pool professional.
No nitrates or
phosphates should be in your pool.
To reduce phosphate levels, use a phosphate remover from your local
pool professional. To reduce Nitrate levels, the pool must be partially or fully drained. (Please check with your
local pool professional prior to draining the pool)
Metals
(certain metals)
can cause loss of chlorine and can stain your pool. If a water test reveals the
presence of metals, refer to your local pool professional for recommended methods of removal.
New Pool Water
in recently filled or newly refinished pools may contain undesirable matter. The ability of the
Auto-Chlor Chlorine Generator to purify your pool could be hindered by this matter so it is best to balance the
pool chemicals first.
Calcium Hardness
, like pH and alkalinity, affects the water’s tendency to be aggressive or scale forming.
Lower levels of calcium hardness improve the chlorine generator’s performance and provide softer silkier
water for the swimmers.
Saturation Index
determines whether the pool water is balanced, aggressive, or scale forming by
comprehensively taking into account all the relevant factors, including pH level, alkalinity level, calcium
hardness, and temperature. These factors should be tested periodically then plugged into the worksheet on
the following page to verify the proper balance of the pool and make adjustments as necessary.
