1. Pool Chemistry Fundamentals
Water Testing
And Maintaining Clear,
Clean, and Safe Water

2. Introduction Sanitation Water Balance Chlorine/Bromine, Ozone, etc. pH
Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
Cyanuric Acid
Temperature
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

3. Sanitation Ideal Range 2 – 4 ppm
Chlorine Cleans, Disinfects, and Keeps Water Clear.
Ideal Range 2 – 4 ppm
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Calcium Hypochlorite
Lithium Hypochlorite
Gas Chlorine
Trichlor
Dichlor
Bromine
% Available Chlorine Content
10-12%
65-78%
35%
100%
90%
56-63%
27%
% Active Strength
29%
99%
95.50%
pH in 1% Solution
9-14
8.5-11
10.8
4.8
pH Effect in Water
Raises
Lowers
Neutral
Physical Appearance
Liquid
Granular/Tabs
Granular
Gas
Copyright National Swimming Pool Foundation 2009

4. Water Balance pH
Total Alkalinity
Calcium
Cyanuric Acid

5. pH Adjustments
pH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6

6. pH Adjustments (cont’d)
pH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6
If Low Add Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) If High Add Muratic Acid

7. Total Alkalinity Total Alkalinity Ideal Range 80-120 ppm
If Low Add Sodium Bicarbonate If High Add Muratic Acid

8. Calcium Hardness Calcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppm
If Low Add Calcium Carbonate If High, Drain Water and Refill

9. Cyanuric Acid Ideal Range Between 40 – 50 ppm
Not Necessary in Spas or Indoor Facilities
Maintains Chlorine’s Active Strength in the sunlight. Without it, more chlorine is required.
If Low add Stabilizer
If High drain and refill body of water

10. Summary Chlorine/Bromine 2 - 4ppm pH 7.4 – 7.6 Alkalinity 80 – 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppm
Cyanuric Acid 40 – 50 ppm
These will ensure safe, clean and clear pool water!