BASIC WATER CHEMISTRY
Understanding the basics of pool water chemistry and balanced water will
help you to properly maintain your pool. Clean and healthy pool water is
achieved through chemical treatment, water balance, good maintenance
(cleaning and vacuuming) and proper circulation/filtration. All of these
elements work together to provide sparkling clear water and a comfortable
pool. Remember, clean, healthy pool water is not only free of debris that
you can see, but also free of bacteria which you cannot see.
Chemicals used in swimming pools include: Sanitizers to disinfect and destroy harmful or
otherwise objectionable organisms; Alkalinity and pH Adjusters to maintain a consistent acid-
base relationship and acid buffering capacity; Chlorine Stabilizer to prevent unnecessary loss
of chlorine; Algaecide to kill and prevent algae, and Filter Aids to help remove foreign material.
Most chemical brands offer weekly treatment programs that will include some or all of the
chemicals mentioned above. Be sure to read and follow all manufacturersĄŻ instructions for the
chemical treatment program recommended by your Syracuse Pool & Patio professional.
The following is a listing of proper chemical parameters for your vinyl lined pool.
TEST
IDEAL
SimpleBlue
Oxidizer- SimpleBlue
1 ppm
Calcium Hardness
300-500 ppm* SimpleBlue only
Other Chemical Maintenance Programs
pH
7.4-7.6
Total Alkalinity
80-150 ppm
Free Chlorine-
1.0-3.0 ppm
BioGuard 1,2,3, SPARCO, Intellichlor
Free Chlorine- w/ mineral system
0.5-1.5 ppm
FROG OR Nature
SoftSwim B
30-
50 ppm
Sodium Chloride Intellichlor Salt Generator 3,000-3,500 ppm
The following tests should be performed by Syracuse Pool & Patio
TEST
IDEAL
TDS (total dissolved solids)
1000-2000
Calcium Hardness
300-500 Simple Blue, all other programs 250-500 ppm
Cyanuric Acid (conditioner/stabilizer)
5
0-100 ppm
Metals- NO metals should be present
0