pH
We are not only first-class installers of premium fibreglass moulds. We are also well versed in the upkeep and maintenance of our customers’ pools who love our services because we’ve managed to keep their water crystal clear in the years we’ve balanced their PH.
TOTAL ALKALINITY
A close cousin of pH, the level of alkalinity in the water is a measurement of all the alkaline substances found in the pool water. Alkalinity is defined as the ability of the water to resist changes in pH. Low alkalinity is raised by the addition of a base such as sodium bicarbonate. High levels of alkalinity are lowered by the addition of an acid.
A very important component of water balance, alkalinity should be maintained in the 80-120 ppm range. Levels should be tested weekly.
CALCIUM HARDNESS
When we speak of scale, we are talking about Calcium Carbonate that has deposited itself on surfaces. The test for Calcium Hardness is a measure of how hard or soft the water is. Hard water can have high levels of calcium and magnesium. If these levels are too high, the water becomes saturated and will throw off excess particles out of solution, which then seek to deposit themselves on almost any surface inside the pool. This is calcium carbonate scale, a whitish, crystallized rough spot. If the levels are too low, the water is under saturated. The water becomes aggressive as it attempts to obtain the calcium it needs. Such soft water will actually corrode surfaces inside the pool which contain calcium and other minerals to maintain its hardness.
If your Calcium Hardness levels are too high, you can use TSP to lower the levels, or a product called Hydroquest. It can also be accomplished by dilution (adding water to the pool which has a lower calcium hardness content). Levels which are too low require the addition of calcium chloride. Recommended range for calcium hardness is 200 – 400 ppm.
Levels should be tested weekly.