Keeping your pool water balanced isn’t just about making it look clear—it’s about keeping it safe, comfortable, and easy to maintain. If your chemical levels are off, the water can go cloudy, turn green, or start irritating your skin and eyes. Worse, if you get it really wrong, you could end up damaging your pool surface or equipment.
So, let’s get straight into it. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pool water balanced the right way.
The Key Pool Chemicals You Need to Keep in Check
Balancing your pool comes down to a few core things:
1. pH Levels (The Base of Everything)
Think of pH as the personality of your pool water. If it’s too high (alkaline), it makes chlorine less effective and can cause scaling on surfaces. If it’s too low (acidic), it can corrode pool equipment and irritate your skin. You want it between 7.2 and 7.6. If it’s off, here’s how to fix it:
- Too high? Add pH reducer (sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid).
- Too low? Add pH increaser (sodium carbonate, also called soda ash).
You can pick up these pool chemicals from retailers like Para Rubber or Swimart NZ.
2. Chlorine (The Stuff That Keeps Water Clean)
Chlorine is what keeps your pool from turning into a science experiment. It kills bacteria, algae, and other nasties. The goal is to keep your chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm (parts per million). If it’s too low, the water gets dirty fast. Too high, and it can cause irritation.
- Low chlorine? Add a chlorine shock treatment or chlorine tablets.
- Too much chlorine? Let the sun do its job or use a chlorine neutraliser.
If you’re after quality pool chlorine, check out The Warehouse or Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ.
3. Alkalinity (Your pH’s Best Friend)
Alkalinity acts like a bodyguard for your pH—it stops it from bouncing around too much. The ideal range is 80-120 ppm.
- Too low? Add baking soda (yep, the same stuff you use in the kitchen).
- Too high? Use pH reducer (the same stuff that lowers pH).
4. Calcium Hardness (To Keep Your Surfaces Safe)
If your pool water is too soft (low calcium levels), it can start eating away at plaster, tiles, or grout. If it’s too hard, it causes scaling (that white, chalky buildup on surfaces). Keep it between 200-400 ppm.
- Too low? Add calcium chloride.
- Too high? Dilute the water by partially draining and refilling the pool.
5. Cyanuric Acid (The Sunscreen for Chlorine)
In New Zealand’s strong sun, chlorine gets burned off fast. Cyanuric acid (CYA) protects chlorine from UV rays, so you don’t have to keep dumping more in. Keep it around 30-50 ppm.
- Too low? Add stabiliser granules (you can find them at pool retailers like Bunnings NZ).
- Too high? The only fix is draining some water and topping up with fresh water.
How to Test and Adjust Your Pool Water
You can’t fix what you don’t measure. That means regular water testing—at least once a week during summer and every couple of weeks in winter. Here’s how to do it:
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Use a Pool Test Kit or Strips
You can grab these from hardware stores like Mitre 10 or any pool supply store. Follow the instructions, dip the strip, and compare the colours. -
Adjust pH and Alkalinity First
If these are off, everything else will be harder to balance. Fix these before adding chlorine or other chemicals. -
Check Chlorine & Cyanuric Acid
If chlorine burns off too fast, test your CYA levels. If too high, replace some water. If too low, add stabiliser.
- Monitor Calcium Levels Over Time
You don’t need to test this as often—once a month is fine.
Pro Tips for Easier Pool Maintenance
- Don’t just dump chemicals in. Always read the label and add chemicals gradually to avoid overcorrection.
- Run the filter after adding chemicals. This helps circulate them properly in the water.
- If in doubt, get a professional water test. Many pool stores, like Pioneer Pool & Spa, offer free water testing if you bring in a sample.
- Shock your pool after heavy use or storms. This gets rid of bacteria and keeps the water crystal clear.
The Bottom Line
Balancing your pool doesn’t have to be complicated. Test your water regularly, keep the key chemicals in check, and don’t wait for problems to get out of hand. A little regular maintenance will save you money, time, and frustration in the long run. Ready to dive in? Time to test that water!
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