Maintaining a Healthy Water Balance In Your Swimming Pool

Swimming is a fun and a refreshing activity that people of all ages can enjoy. However, maintaining a swimming pool can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to maintaining the water balance. The water balance in a swimming pool refers to the levels of various chemicals and minerals present in the water, which can have a significant impact on its quality and safety. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of keeping a good water balance in a swimming pool and some tips for achieving it.

Why is it important to maintain a good water balance in a swimming pool?

Maintaining a good water balance in a swimming pool is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the safety of swimmers by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. When the water balance is not properly maintained, it can lead to the growth of algae (you can make use of  Africhem Algaecide's to kill off green & black algae) and other harmful microorganisms, which can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Secondly, maintaining the water balance in a swimming pool can help extend the lifespan of the pool equipment eg. swimming pool pumps, filters, saltwater chlorinators etc. When the water balance is off, it can cause corrosion of the pool's metal parts, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Lastly, keeping a good water balance in a swimming pool helps to maintain the pool's aesthetic appeal. Proper water balance prevents staining and discoloration of the pool's surfaces, and keeps the water crystal clear.

How to maintain a good water balance in a swimming pool?

Maintaining a good water balance in a swimming pool requires careful monitoring and adjustment of several factors, including pH level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Here are some tips for achieving a good water balance in your swimming pool:

1. Test the water regularly: Testing the water regularly is the key to maintaining a good water balance in a swimming pool. You can use test strips or a water testing kit to measure the levels of various chemicals and minerals in the water. The ideal pH level for a swimming pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8.

2. Adjust pH level: If the pH level is too high, you can add a pH reducer to lower it eg. Africhem PH Down. If the pH level is too low, you can add a pH increaser to raise it. It is important to note that the pH level affects the effectiveness of chlorine in the water.

3. Maintain total alkalinity: Total alkalinity refers to the level of alkaline substances in the water. The ideal range for total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm for a concrete/marbelite swimming pool. If the total alkalinity is too low, you can add an alkalinity increaser eg. Africhem Boost & Buffer to raise it. If it is too high, you can add an alkalinity reducer to lower it.

4. Check calcium hardness: Calcium hardness refers to the level of calcium in the water. The ideal range for calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm. If the calcium hardness is too low, you can add a calcium hardness increaser eg. Africhem Calcium Chloride to raise it. If it is too high, you may need to partially drain and refill the pool to lower it.

5. Monitor chlorine levels: Chlorine is a disinfectant that helps to kill harmful microorganisms in the water. The ideal range for chlorine levels in a swimming pool is between 1 and 3 ppm. You can use chlorine tablets (Africhem Stabilized Chlorine Pills) or a granular chlorine solution (Africhem Granular Chlorine) to maintain the appropriate chlorine levels in the water.

In conclusion, maintaining a good water balance in a swimming pool is essential for the safety, lifespan, and aesthetic appeal of the pool. By regularly testing (Pool Test Strips) the water and making adjustments as necessary, you can ensure that your pool remains a safe and enjoyable place for swimming and relaxation.