Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
Yes, you can use pool pH increaser in your spa since both use sodium carbonate (soda ash) as the active ingredient. However, you'll need to adjust dosing for your spa's smaller volume and retest after 30 minutes.
To raise pool pH, add sodium carbonate (soda ash) for quick increases or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for gradual increases. Test first, calculate dosage based on pool size, and add chemicals slowly with circulation running.
Yes, green pool water can make you sick with infections, gastrointestinal illness, and respiratory problems. The algae indicates dangerous bacteria and parasites are present, making swimming unsafe until properly treated.
Pool algae can cause skin rashes, irritation, and other health issues through direct contact or by creating conditions that harbor harmful bacteria. The key is eliminating algae through proper SLAM treatment and maintaining balanced water chemistry.
Clear cloudy pool water by testing and balancing your chemistry first, then shock with liquid chlorine to 3x your CYA level and run your filter 24/7 until the water clears completely.
You don't necessarily need to shock your pool weekly. Shocking frequency depends on usage, weather conditions, and your free chlorine levels. Most well-maintained pools need shocking every 2-3 weeks or when combined chlorine exceeds 0.5 ppm.
Yes, you can swim during your period safely. Proper menstrual protection and maintaining balanced pool chemistry ensure hygiene and comfort for all swimmers.
Yes, you can shock your pool two days in a row if your chlorine levels haven't reached the proper shock level or if you're treating algae. However, test your water first to avoid over-chlorination.
Yes, you absolutely need proper alkalinity in your pool water. Alkalinity acts as a pH buffer, preventing rapid pH swings and maintaining water balance for swimmer comfort and equipment protection.
Pool algae itself cannot kill you, but certain types like blue-green algae can cause serious illness, and algae creates slippery, dangerous swimming conditions that increase drowning risk.
You should not add salt to a regular chlorine pool without a saltwater system. Salt will not provide sanitization and can damage pool equipment while creating water balance issues.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding algaecide, but timing matters. Wait at least 2-4 hours between applications and always add algaecide first, then shock.
To lower pool chlorine levels, stop adding chlorine and let it naturally dissipate over 24-48 hours, or speed up the process using UV exposure, adding fresh water, or using sodium thiosulfate neutralizer.
