Pool Chemical Maintenance

This is the part that most pool owners dislike the most.  Part of the problem is
that pool chemistry has become very complicated when in fact, it does not need to be.  We recommend looking at the water chemistry
section on our site.  It will give you a much better understanding of this topic.

1.  Test the Chemicals – using a good test kit test the chemicals on the
following schedule

Chlorine* – one or two times per week (testing
instructions)

pH* – one or two times per week (testing
instructions)

Total Alkalinity – once per week (testing
instructions)

Calcium Hardness – once or twice per month (testing
instructions)

Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) – once per month (testing
instructions)

*On heavily used pools or semi-public pools, these levels should be checked at least
once each day.  Consult local pool codes for more information.

2.  Fill the Chlorinator – add enough chlorine tablets to the chorine
feeder to feed the pool for the next week.  The exact number of tablets will depend on the size and usage of the pool.

3.  Make Adjustments – add chemicals as needed to bring chemical levels up
the required ranges.  

	Proper Level	Making Adjustments
Chlorine	2.0-4.0	Adjustment Charts
pH	7.4-7.8	Adjustment Charts
Total Alkalinity	80-120	Adjustment Charts
Calcium Hardness	200-500	Adjustment Charts
Stabilizer	50-80	Adjustment Charts

4.  Close the Pool – close the pool and ask swimmers to get out for
sufficient time to allow the pool chemicals to dissolve and dilute.  Re-open the pool once the chemical levels are within the proper ranges.

With the water chemistry taken care of, it is time for the last part of your weekly
pool service – pool equipment care.