Chlorine

This should be maintained between 1.5ppm and 3.0ppm depending upon the temperature of the water. The warmer the water, the higher the chlorine level needs to be. Do not exceed 3.0ppm. It is also important that a minimum level be maintained otherwise ear, eye and skin infections from bacteria can result.

 

pH

This should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6. This is the ideal range for swimmer comfort and chlorine performance.

 

Total Alkalinity

This should be maintained between 80ppm and 125ppm. Ideally, keep the level around 100ppm at all times.

 

Calcium Hardness

This needs to be maintained between 175ppm and 250ppm. If the level is too low, the water will attack the surface of the pool and degrade concrete, tiles and fibreglass. If the pool is running with a magnesium additive, it is important to check the ‘Total Hardness’.

If all the levels are in the correct range, then the water is balanced. This will eliminate the risk of surface or equipment damage, sore and irritating eyes and skin, potential for water carried illness, algae build up and scale formation.

 

Salt and/or Mineral Levels

These must be tested and maintained at all times to prevent damage to the chlorinator and to provide the correct level for maximum sanitizer production.

 

Stabiliser

This prevents the loss of chlorine to sunlight and should be maintained around 50ppm.

Do not allow it to drop below 30ppm as it will not protect the chlorine from being removed by UV rays.

NOTE: Stabiliser is not to be used in mineral pools

 

Pool Maintenance

Now that you are a pool owner, it is a good idea to make a regular maintenance program.

WEEKLY – Test pH and chlorine levels to ensure water is safe to swim in. Clean your skimmer basket and pump basket

if necessary. If the “o” ring is dry use a silicone based lubricant. Give the pool surface a brush. Check that the water level is high enough. Check the filter pressure gauge and clean or backwash if necessary.

MONTHLY – Do everything you would do on your weekly maintenance and also do the following Visit your pool shop and get the Total Alkalinity, Stabiliser, Calcium or Total Hardness, Salt or mineral levels checked. Adjust if necessary. Check that the salt cell and sensor do not require cleaning. Clean if necessary using Purex Salt Cell Cleaner.

ANNUALLY – Clean the filter chemically using Purex filter cleaner and degreaser. The exception to this is a pool that is operating Viron Active glass as this will not require cleaning.

 

Algae formation

This is due to either the incorrect level of sanitizer, poor circulation or lack of maintenance. It is important to try and determine the cause of the algae so you can prevent it returning. Algae comes in various forms, such as Green, Mustard or Black. It is important to seek the advice of your professional pool shop to determine the correct treatment.

 

Cloudy water

This can be due to inadequate sanitizer levels, inadequate filtration time or algae formation.

Again, it is important to seek the advice of a professional pool shop to determine the correct product to fix the issue.

 

Low sanitizer levels

This can be due to inadequate filtration time, excess bather load, animals in the pool, high levels of phosphates or environmental conditions. Various treatments are available to prevent this from occurring.