The Instructions for Pool Chemicals
- 1). Test your pool water and check the levels for your pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness. The pH is the level of acidity or alkalinity of the water and is the most important level in the pool. The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6. The total alkalinity helps to buffer the pH and keep the water from becoming cloudy. The total alkalinity should be in between 125 and 150 parts per million. The calcium hardness level is the level of dissolved calcium in your water and helps to protect your pool liner and equipment. The calcium hardness level should be between 175 and 225 parts per million. Adjust the chemical levels in your pool according to chemical manufacturers instructions.
- 2). Sanitize your pool water with chlorine. Sanitizing your pool water helps to kill bacteria that can be harmful to swimmers and also helps to control algae. The free chlorine level should be in between 1 and 3 parts per million. Sanitizer is available in a three inch puck, a one inch stick and a powdered version. Add sanitizer according to chemical manufacturer's instructions. Check on the sanitizer level often as it can burned up rapidly dude to heavier swim load or extremely dirty water.
- 3). Shock your pool on a weekly basis. As debris and body waste build up in the water it can cause skin and eye irritation and make your pool water look dull. Shocking your pool water destroys the organic contaminants that swimmers can introduce into the water. Pool shock is available in one pound bags and can be purchased in chlorine or non chlorine versions.