Understanding Pool Water Chemistry
Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential for a safe, clean, and enjoyable swimming experience. Balanced water prevents equipment damage, extends the life of your pool surfaces, and ensures swimmer comfort.
Essential Water Chemistry Parameters
| Parameter |
Ideal Range |
Why It's Important |
| pH |
7.2 - 7.8 (7.4-7.6 optimal) |
Affects sanitizer effectiveness, swimmer comfort, and equipment longevity |
| Total Alkalinity |
80 - 120 ppm |
Buffers pH changes, prevents pH bounce |
| Calcium Hardness |
200 - 400 ppm |
Prevents surface etching or scaling |
| Free Chlorine |
1 - 3 ppm |
Sanitizes water, kills bacteria and algae |
| Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) |
30 - 50 ppm |
Protects chlorine from UV degradation |
| Total Dissolved Solids |
< 2000 ppm |
Affects water clarity and sanitizer effectiveness |
Testing Your Pool Water
Regular testing is the foundation of proper pool maintenance. We recommend testing your water at least 1-2 times per week during swimming season, and more frequently during periods of heavy use or after rain.
Testing Options:
- Test Strips - Quick and easy, but less accurate
- Liquid Test Kits - More accurate, requires more time
- Digital Testers - Most accurate, but more expensive
- Professional Testing - Bring a water sample in a sealed container. (Plastic waterbottles work great) to Nevada Pool Company for comprehensive analysis. We will test this in our office for you free of charge. We will also tell you what chemicals you need to add to your pool to get your levels right.
Pro Tip: Testing Best Practices
For the most accurate results, collect water samples from 18 inches below the surface and away from return jets. Test immediately after collection, and follow the test kit instructions precisely for timing.
Adjusting Chemical Levels
Adjusting pH:
- To raise pH: Add sodium carbonate (soda ash)
- To lower pH: Add sodium bisulfate (dry acid) or muriatic acid
Adjusting Total Alkalinity:
- To raise alkalinity: Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- To lower alkalinity: Add muriatic acid
Adjusting Calcium Hardness:
- To raise hardness: Add calcium chloride
- To lower hardness: Partially drain and refill with fresh water
Adjusting Chlorine:
- To raise chlorine: Add chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or shock treatment
- To lower chlorine: Add chlorine neutralizer or allow time for natural dissipation
Important Safety Note
Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals. Add chemicals one at a time with the pump running, and wait at least 4-6 hours between different chemical additions. Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Pool Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool in top condition. Following these maintenance tips will help ensure your pool stays clean, clear, and ready to enjoy.
The Three C's of Pool Maintenance
1. Circulation
Proper water circulation prevents algae growth and helps distribute chemicals evenly throughout your pool.
- Run your pool pump 8-12 hours daily (more during hot weather)
- Ensure skimmer and pump baskets are clean
- Backwash or clean your filter when pressure rises 10 psi above normal baseline
- Position return jets to create circular water movement
- Angle jets downward to improve circulation at pool bottom
2. Cleaning
Regular cleaning removes debris and prevents buildup that can lead to water quality issues.
- Daily Tasks:
- Skim surface debris
- Empty skimmer baskets
- Weekly Tasks:
- Brush walls, steps, and ladders
- Vacuum pool floor or use automatic cleaner
- Clean waterline tile
- Monthly Tasks:
- Check equipment for leaks or damage
3. Chemistry
Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential for swimmer comfort and equipment longevity.
- Test water 1-2 times weekly
- Balance pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness
- Maintain proper sanitizer levels
- Shock treat after heavy use and allow for a swim wait time. Periodically test levels prior to swimming.
Pro Tip: Shocking Your Pool
Shock treatment is best done in the evening after sunset to prevent UV rays from degrading the chlorine. Run your pump for at least 8 hours after shocking to ensure proper distribution. Test levels prior to swimming.
Pool Type-Specific Maintenance
Fiberglass Pools
- Non-porous surface makes algae growth difficult
- Requires less chemicals than other pool types
- Use soft brushes to avoid scratching the gel coat
- Maintain proper water level to prevent liner issues
Concrete/Plaster Pools
- More porous surface can harbor algae
- Requires more frequent brushing
- Higher pH and alkalinity requirements
- May need acid washing every few years
Vinyl Liner Pools
- Use gentle brushes to avoid liner damage
- Avoid sharp objects in pool
- Maintain proper water level to prevent liner shrinkage
- Some chemicals can damage liner if added directly
Common Pool Problems and Solutions
Even with regular maintenance, pool problems can occasionally arise. Here's how to identify and resolve the most common issues.
Green Water (Algae)
Causes: Poor circulation, inadequate sanitizer levels, high pH, warm temperatures
Solutions:
- Test and balance water chemistry
- Shock treat with chlorine (typically 2-3 times normal dose)
- Brush walls and floor thoroughly
- Run filter 24 hours
- Use algaecide as directed
- Vacuum dead algae
- Maintain proper chlorine levels to prevent recurrence
- Wait for the water to maintain its clarity and test levels prior to swimming.
Prevention Tip
Regular shocking, proper circulation, and maintaining adequate sanitizer levels are the best defenses against algae growth.
Cloudy Water
Causes: Poor filtration, chemical imbalance, high calcium hardness, fine particles
Solutions:
- Check and clean filter
- Test and balance water chemistry
- Use water clarifier
- Run filter continuously until clear
- Consider using a flocculant for severe cases
Stained Surfaces
Causes: Metals in water, organic debris, algae
Solutions:
- Metal Stains (brown, green, or black): Use a metal sequestrant and stain remover
- Organic Stains (brown or green): Shock treatment and brushing
- Scale (white or gray): Balance water chemistry, use scale remover
Eye/Skin Irritation
Causes: Improper pH, high chloramines, high chlorine
Solutions:
- Test and adjust pH to 7.4-7.6
- Shock treat to eliminate chloramines
- Ensure proper sanitizer levels
- Check for proper water balance
Equipment Problems
Pump Issues:
- Noisy pump: Check for air leaks, clogged impeller
- Pump not priming: Check water level, clogged skimmer, air leaks
- Overheating: Check for blockages, ensure adequate airflow
Filter Issues:
- High pressure: Backwash or clean filter
- Low pressure: Check for blockages, air leaks
- Short filter cycles: Deep clean filter, check water chemistry
Heater Issues:
- Not heating: Check gas/power supply, flow rate
- Cycling on/off: Check flow rate, clean filter
- Scale buildup: Balance water chemistry, professional descaling
When to Call a Professional
While many pool problems can be resolved by homeowners, some issues require professional attention. Contact Nevada Pool Company if you experience persistent problems, equipment failures, or if you're uncomfortable handling chemicals or equipment repairs.
Seasonal Pool Care in Las Vegas
Las Vegas's unique climate requires specific seasonal pool maintenance strategies. Follow these guidelines to keep your pool in optimal condition year-round.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the time to prepare your pool for the upcoming swimming season.
- Remove and clean winter cover if used
- Clean and inspect pool surfaces
- Check and service equipment
- Balance water chemistry
- Shock treat the pool
- Begin regular maintenance routine
- Consider professional opening service
Spring Tip
Spring is an ideal time for equipment upgrades or repairs before the peak swimming season. Consider energy-efficient options that can save money during the hot summer months.
Summer (June-August)
Summer in Las Vegas means intense heat and increased pool usage, requiring more vigilant maintenance.
- Test water chemistry 2-3 times weekly
- Run pump longer (10-12 hours daily)
- Shock treat weekly, especially after heavy use
- Clean skimmer and pump baskets more frequently
- Monitor water level (evaporation increases)
- Check for algae growth more frequently
- Consider using a pool cover when not in use to reduce evaporation
Fall (September-November)
Fall maintenance prepares your pool for reduced usage while still maintaining water quality.
- Adjust chemical levels for cooler temperatures
- Clean up falling debris more frequently
- Reduce pump running time (6-8 hours daily)
- Consider using a leaf net or cover
- Maintain regular cleaning schedule
- Begin preparing for winter maintenance
Winter (December-February)
While Las Vegas winters are mild, proper winter maintenance is still important.
- Reduce pump running time (4-6 hours daily)
- Adjust chemical levels for winter
- Continue regular cleaning, but less frequently
- Monitor for freezing temperatures (rare but possible)
- Consider using a winter cover for infrequently used pools
- Check equipment periodically
Las Vegas Winter Tip
Even though Las Vegas rarely experiences freezing temperatures, it's important to run your pump when temperatures drop below 40°F to prevent potential freeze damage to pipes and equipment.
Year-Round Maintenance
Regardless of season, some maintenance tasks should be performed consistently:
- Monitor water level
- Check sanitizer levels
- Inspect equipment for leaks or damage
- Keep deck areas clean and safe
- Address problems promptly to prevent escalation
Professional Seasonal Services
Nevada Pool Company offers specialized seasonal services to help maintain your pool year-round:
- Spring Opening: Comprehensive service to prepare your pool for swimming season
- Fall Closing: Preparing your pool for reduced winter usage
- Equipment Winterization: Protecting your equipment during colder months
- Seasonal Inspections: Thorough evaluation of your pool system
Contact us at (702)8-NEVADA to schedule any of these seasonal services or to create a customized maintenance plan for your pool.
