18
GENERAL INFORMATION
POOL WATER CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTIONS
POOL WATER
BALANCE
Free Chlorine
(ppm)
pH
Total
Alkalinity TA
(ppm)
Calcium
Hardness
(ppm)
Stabiliser -
Cyanuric Acid
(ppm)
Recommended
TDS Levels
(ppm)
Ideal Reading/
Range
1.5 - 3
Concrete &
Tiled Pools
7.4-7.6
Other Surfaces
7.2-7.4
80 - 150
Concrete &
Tiled Pools
200-275
Other Surfaces
100-225
30 - 50
4,000 - 6,000
To Increase
Increase
output of
Sanitiser.
Add chlorine.
Increase
filtration time.
Add Soda
Ash (Sodium
Carbonate)
Add Buffer
(Sodium
Bicarbonate)
Add Calcium
Chloride
Add Cyanuric
Acid
Add equal
quantities of
EcoMineral
Salt and
Activator (1:1)
To Decrease
Decrease
output of
Sanitiser.
Decrease
filtration time.
Add
Hydrochloric
Acid
Add
Hydrochloric
Acid or Dry
Acid
Partially Drain
& Refill Pool
with lower
hardness
water to Dilute
Partially Drain
& Refill Pool
to Dilute
Partially Drain
& Refill Pool
to Dilute
Frequency
of Testing
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Regularly
Regularly
COMMON TERMS
Algae
Microscopic forms of plant life which enter the pool by rain, wind and dust. There are
numerous varieties – some are free floating whilst others grow on walls and in cracks
and come in different colours. Some are more resistant to chemical treatment than others.
Bacteria
The germs that contaminate your pool. Introduced by swimmers, dust, rain storms
and other elements.
Balanced Water
The correct ratio of mineral content and pH level that prevents pool water from being
corrosive or scale forming.
Chloramines
Compounds formed when chlorine combines with nitrogen from urine, perspiration, etc.
Chloramines cause eye and skin irritation, as well as unpleasant odours.
Chlorine Demand
The chlorine required to destroy germs, algae and other contaminants in the pool.
Chlorine Residual
The amount of chlorine remaining after chlorine demand has been satisfied.
This is the reading obtained with your test kit.
Cyanuric Acid
Also known as stabiliser or conditioner. It reduces dissipation of chlorine by direct sunlight.
Liquid Acid
Chemical used to reduce the pH and total alkalinity in the pool water, and for cleaning
Sanitiser Cell.
ppm
An abbreviation for Parts Per Million the accepted measurement of chemical
concentration in swimming pool water. I ppm- l mg/L.
