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Pool Water at a Glance by Spectrum Pool Care
Balanced water is what keeps a pool clear, comfortable and easy on its equipment. Here are the numbers we aim for on every visit, with a sentence on what each one does.
The Numbers
Ideal Ranges for a Residential Pool
Free chlorine · 1 – 3 ppm The sanitizer that keeps water clear and free of algae and bacteria . Sunlight and warm weather use it up faster, so summer needs more. Read more →
pH · 7.4 – 7.6 How acidic or basic the water is. In this range chlorine works at its best and the water feels gentle on eyes and skin. Read more →
Total alkalinity · 80 – 120 ppm The buffer that holds pH steady . When alkalinity is right, pH stays put instead of drifting from day to day. Read more →
Stabilizer (CYA) · 30 – 50 ppm A sunscreen for chlorine , so the California sun doesn’t burn it off in hours. Salt pools usually run a little higher. Read more →
Calcium hardness · 200 – 400 ppm The calcium in the water. In this range water is kind to plaster and tile , neither pulling from surfaces nor leaving scale. Read more →
Salt · about 2,700 – 3,400 ppm For salt pools only . This is the range most salt cells are designed for; your system’s label gives its exact target. Read more →
General guidelines for residential pools. Your pool’s surface, equipment and sanitizer system may call for small adjustments.
Good Habits
Keeping It in Range
Test regularly. Once or twice a week is a good rhythm, more often in summer heat or after a pool party.Adjust one thing at a time, starting with alkalinity, then pH, then chlorine, and give the pump time to mix between steps.Keep the filter clean and the pump running long enough each day to turn the whole pool over.Top off with fresh water as it evaporates, so levels stay steady.
From our routes: on weekly service we test and balance these on every visit, so the water stays in range without you having to think about it.
We Can Help
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From Spectrum Pool Care, a family-owned company serving the San Fernando Valley, Westside, Santa Monica and Malibu since 1999.
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