APS’ Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining your Pool Water Chemistry

Written By Gary Neff

Pool Chemistry isn’t rocket science…..you can easily handle balancing your pool water’s chemistry to ensure it stays crystal-clear throughout the year. Just follow these easy steps every 2-3 weeks!

STEP 1: TEST YOUR WATER Use test strips or a liquid kit to check:

  • pH (Ideal: 7.4–7.6)

  • Chlorine (Ideal: 1–3 ppm)

  • Alkalinity (Ideal: 80–120 ppm)

  • Calcium Hardness (Ideal: 200–400 ppm)

  • Cyanuric Acid (Ideal: 30–50 ppm)

STEP 2: BALANCE THE pH

  • Low pH (<7.2): Add Soda Ash (sodium carbonate).

  • High pH (>7.6): Add Muriatic Acid or pH Decreaser.

TIP: If both alkalinity and pH are off, adjust alkalinity first.

STEP 3: ADJUST ALKALINITY

  • Too Low (<80 ppm): Add Baking Soda.

  • Too High (>120 ppm): Add Muriatic Acid + aerate.

STEP 4: SET CHLORINE LEVELS

  • Low Chlorine (<1 ppm): Add Liquid Chlorine or Tablets.

  • High Chlorine (>5 ppm): Let sunlight lower it or use Neutralizer (Sodium Thiosulfate).

For algae: Shock pool with 10–12 ppm chlorine.

STEP 5: STABILIZER LEVEL (CYA)

  • Low (<30 ppm): Add Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer).

  • High (>60 ppm): Dilute water by draining and refilling.

STEP 6: ADJUST CALCIUM HARDNESS

  • Low (<150 ppm): Add Calcium Chloride.

  • High (>400 ppm): Drain and refill or use a Scale Inhibitor.

STEP 7: SHOCK THE POOL

  • Use Liquid Chlorine or Cal-Hypo.

  • Run pump 24–48 hrs.

  • Brush and vacuum pool.

STEP 8: RUN YOUR FILTER SYSTEM

  • At least 8–12 hours/day.

  • Clean or backwash filters weekly.

STEP 9: RETEST AFTER 24 HOURS

  • Recheck pH, chlorine, and alkalinity.

  • Fine-tune levels if needed.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

  • Test 2–3x/week in summer.

  • Maintain consistent chlorine/pH.

  • Use algaecide or clarifier as needed.

  • Clean skimmers and filters weekly.

Questions? Need Supplies? Contact Argyle Pool Services Today!

Gary Neff