How to test/maintain your pool water

WHAT CHEMICAL LEVELS DO I NEED TO TEST FOR REGULARLY?

The four main tests to perform with a test kit are pH, Chlorine (or other sanitizer residual, Total Aklalinity and Calcium Hardness.

You need to get a routine and test your water daily and stay up on the maintenance so that it never gets out of balance.

WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED LEVELS?

  • pH: 7.2 – 7.8
  • Chlorine: 1.0 – 2.0 ppm
  • Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
  • Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm, though some say 200 – 400.
  • Cyanuric Acid: 25 – 50 ppm
  • Total Dissolved Solids: 500 – 5000 ppm