You might not be swimming in your pool at the moment, but this is definitely the time to get out and make sure the chemical levels are balanced.
Doing this once a month during Winter will give you the best chance of opening your pool up to sparkling, crystal clear water, rather than the green swamp we all dread in Spring.
Depending on what testers you have you can check for a few different chemical levels. Below is what we would recommend
Pull back a corner of your swimming pool cover, then;
- Using test strips, photometer or phenol red tablets in a testing kit check your swimming pool water for pH balance. During the Winter we would suggest that you keep the pool water on the lower end of the pH scale, so ideally 7.2ppm, but no higher than 7.6ppm as whatever residual chlorine is left in the pool will function more efficiently. If the pH level is higher than this, add pH reducer as directed by the manufacturer, to reach between 7.2ppm - 7.6ppm. If it is higher than 7.6ppm add pH increaser, so the pool water is not acidic.
- Test for Alkalinity levels. The ideal level will be between 80ppm-120ppm. Keeping it above 80ppm will help keep the pH levels in balance, as rain water entering the pool will effect the levels, and if the pool has low Total Alkalinity the pH levels can drop dramatically. Keeping the levels below 120ppm will help keep the pool water clear.
- Test the Calcium Hardness levels. If you have a tiled pool leaving your Calcium Hardness levels low over Winter the leaching effect can do serious damage to the grout and in a Plastered pool can lead to crumbling. Even liner pools can suffer staining in low calcium conditions. Keep the reading between 180ppm-220ppm. If it is higher use Total Alkalinity Reducer, as directed on the tub.
- Not everyone will have testers for Phosphates, but if you do then check. High Phosphate levels in your pool can feed Algae blooms. Add Phosphate Remover, if your reading are high.
- Chlorine levels may be Zero in your pool over Winter and if you have Winterised properly this should not be a problem. As a "Belt & Braces" approach some of our customers use a Floating Chlorine Buoy, set to the very lowest setting, to keep a residual reading of Chlorine in the pool.
Hopefully this has reminded you to check your pool, before it is too late and if you need any help or advice on which chemicals to order, just call us on 01322 554 870