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Filter system
It’s recommended you run your pool filter eight
hours per day. On rainy days, run it for at least
10 hours. Allowing the filter to do most of the
work trapping organic and inorganic matter
means you can add less chlorine and keeps the
pool’s water balanced.
You’ll need to run your filter longer under
extreme conditions. Keep in mind it’s cheaper
to run the filter system than it is to correct
problems with chemicals.
Maintenance of water balance
Following are recommended levels for
maintaining your pool’s water balance:
Weekly tests
Min.
Ideal
Max
Free chlorine (PPM)
1.5
3.0 3.0
pH values
7.2 7.4 – 7.6 7.8
Total alkalinity (PPM)
80 100 120
Monthly tests
Min.
Ideal
Max
Calcium hardness (PPM)
200 200 – 300 450
Cyanuric acid (PPM) (Stabilizer) 50 50 – 80 100
*Salt system pools reduce the need to
add chlorine but you must maintain other
recommended levels.
The following chemicals keep your pool
water balanced:
Liquid chlorine
Muriatic acid (lowers pH and alkalinity)
Sodium bicarbonate (raises pH and alkalinity)
Stabilizers
Calcium
When using chlorine tablets that contain
stabilizer, keep in mind they hamper chlorine’s
effectiveness, requiring higher ppm levels.
This results in chlorine over-feeding which can
result in discoloration of the pool’s surface. The
products you put in your pool also affect the
water’s balance and can stain the pool.
Problems that may arise
May cause discoloration and staining:
pH above 7.8; alkalinity above 140 ppm
calcium levels above 450 ppm
Low pH
May etch the pool’s finish, damage equipment,
and cause discoloration and staining.
Low alkalinity
Allows the pH to swing up and down which may
cause aggressive or scaling water. It may result in
heater damage or discoloration and staining.
Low calcium hardness
Creates aggressive water. It can etch the pool’s
finish and strip metal out of heaters or other
metallic components.
Nitrates
One of the most common signs of nitrate
problems is algae in the pool. If you see it, call
for service.
If you see hard water buildup on the tiles or
calcification, adjust the pool’s chemical levels.
