Why Pool Chemical Balance is Important

As a pool owner in New Zealand, keeping your pool water clean and safe is a top priority. A well-balanced pool prevents algae growth, protects pool equipment, and ensures swimmers’ comfort. But if you’re new to pool maintenance, balancing pool chemicals can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry—once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier.

In this guide, I’ll break down how to balance your pool chemicals, where to get supplies in New Zealand, and some handy tips to keep your water crystal clear all year round.

Understanding the Key Pool Chemicals

To maintain a healthy pool, there are a few important chemical levels you’ll need to monitor:

1. pH Levels

• Ideal Range: 7.2 – 7.8
• Why It Matters: pH affects how other chemicals work and impacts swimmer comfort. If it’s too high, chlorine becomes less effective; if it’s too low, it can cause skin irritation and corrode pool equipment.
• How to Adjust:
  • To Lower pH – Use pH decreaser (also called pH Down or sodium bisulfate).
  • To Raise pH – Use pH increaser (also called sodium carbonate).

2. Chlorine Levels

• Ideal Range: 1 – 3 ppm (parts per million)
• Why It Matters: Chlorine kills bacteria and algae, keeping your pool safe to swim in.
• How to Adjust:
  • Low chlorine? Add chlorine granules, liquid chlorine, or chlorine tablets.
  • High chlorine? Let the sun naturally lower it or use a chlorine neutraliser.

3. Total Alkalinity (TA)

• Ideal Range: 80 – 120 ppm
• Why It Matters: TA helps stabilise pH levels. If it’s too low, pH fluctuates too much; if it’s too high, it can cause cloudy water and scaling.
• How to Adjust:
  • To Increase TA: Use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
  • To Decrease TA: Use pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate).

4. Calcium Hardness

• Ideal Range: 150 – 250 ppm (for fibreglass pools), 200 – 275 ppm (for concrete pools)
• Why It Matters: Too little calcium can corrode pool surfaces and equipment, while too much can cause scaling.
• How to Adjust:
  • To Increase Calcium: Use calcium chloride.
  • To Decrease Calcium: Dilute by adding fresh water.

5. Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid – CYA)

• Ideal Range: 30 – 50 ppm
• Why It Matters: CYA helps chlorine last longer, especially important in New Zealand’s harsh sun.
• How to Adjust:
  • To Increase CYA: Add stabiliser (cyanuric acid).
  • To Decrease CYA: Partially drain and refill the pool with fresh water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Pool

1. Test Your Pool Water Regularly

   • Use a test kit or test strips to check pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and other chemical levels.
   • Test at least twice a week during summer and once a week in colder months.
   • Recommended test kits: Pool & Spa Test Kits from Bunnings NZ or Chemicals & Testing at Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ.

2. Adjust Chemicals One at a Time

   • Start by balancing total alkalinity, then pH, followed by chlorine and other chemicals.
   • Always adjust chemicals gradually and retest before making further changes.

3. Add Chemicals Correctly

• Always dissolve granular chemicals in a bucket of pool water before adding them to prevent damage.
• Pour slowly around the pool, and let the pump run for several hours to mix everything properly.

4. Shock Your Pool When Needed

   • “Shocking” means adding a high dose of chlorine to kill bacteria and algae.
   • Do this every few weeks, or immediately after heavy use, rainstorms, or if the water looks cloudy.
   • Check out Chlorine Shock Products from Swimart NZ.

5. Prevent Algae Growth

   • Keep chlorine levels in check and use algaecide if needed.
   • Regularly brush and vacuum the pool to prevent algae buildup.

Where to Buy Pool Chemicals in New Zealand

There are plenty of great retailers in NZ to get your pool chemicals and testing kits. Here are a few options:

• Bunnings NZ – Affordable pool chemicals and testing kits.
• Swimart NZ – Extensive range of pool maintenance supplies.
• Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ – Chemicals and expert advice.
• Mitre 10 NZ – Pool supplies at competitive prices.

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Pool Balanced

✅ Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
✅ Keep your pool pump running for at least 8 hours a day in summer to circulate the chemicals properly.
✅ Never mix pool chemicals together—always add them separately.
✅ After adding chemicals, wait at least a few hours before swimming, or follow the instructions on the product.

By understanding these basics and regularly testing your pool, you’ll have a safe and inviting swimming pool all season long. Whether it’s long summer days or spontaneous BBQ swims, a well-maintained pool makes all the difference! Happy swimming! 🚿🌞