I know I have written about this before, and I know I will have to do it again, BUT as it is getting toward the end of swim season (sniff sniff) it is important to make sure your pool water is properly balanced prior to closing.
Each type of pool whether it be concrete, vinyl liner or fiberglass has its own slightly unique needs in regards to proper water balance and maintaining the water chemistry.
I get asked frequently “what does water balance actually mean?” Well, water balance is very important in the overall maintenance of your pool as well as keeping the water safe and comfortable for your swimmers. Balancing your pool means keeping the PH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Chlorine at proper levels.
If you do not balance your pool water properly, you can slowly ruin your pool, its surface and the pool equipment, not to mention how uncomfortable your swimmers will be.
Vinyl Liner Water Balance
If water isn’t properly balanced in a vinyl liner pool, it will slowly ruin the liner in your pool. The liner can bleach out, wrinkles may start to appear, discoloration and staining may occur, calcium deposits may form on pool surfaces and equipment. Swimmers skin may become irritated as well as their eyes.
Things that effect your water balance are:
- Swimmer load
- Suntan Lotions
- Dirt
- Leaves
- Pets
- Weather
Don’t use the cheapest pool test kit on your pool, IT WILL NOT save you money! Use a 5 way or 7 way test strip from a pool store for better results. You should test your water at least 1 time per week, although twice is better with your test strips. Monthly I recommend having the water professionally tested.
When adjusting your chemicals, FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS very carefully. Add only 1 chemical at a time to the pool water as recommended, allowing each to dissolve properly before adding the next chemical.
Remember your pool is an investment you have made to enhance your home, as with any investment, wouldn’t you do everything you could to protect it? Maintaining proper water balance is a very important step in ensuring you get the most from your investment!
Happy Swimming!
