As temperatures rise and spring graces Australia, pool enthusiasts begin their preparations for a revitalising swimming season. After a lengthy period of cooler weather, your pool may not be in optimal condition. Balancing your spa and pool water chemistry is an essential step to ensure it remains safe, clean, and inviting for the upcoming months.
The Importance of Water Balancing
Throughout winter, even with protective covers or minimal maintenance, pool water can accumulate undesirable debris, lose its ability to sanitise and experience imbalances in pH and alkalinity. If these issues go unaddressed, you might encounter:
Cloudy or Green Water: Prevent this common dilemma with proper treatment.
Scale Buildup on Surfaces: Protect your investment by maintaining optimal levels.
Corrosion of Equipment: Avoid costly repairs by ensuring balanced chemistry.
Eye and Skin Irritation: Keep your swimmers comfortable and happy.
By adjusting your water chemistry in preparation for spring, you not only save time and money throughout the season but also guarantee a safe swimming environment.
Conduct a Thorough Water Test
Begin your spring preparations with a comprehensive water test, using reliable home testing kits. Key factors to assess include:
pH Levels: Ideal range is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Total Alkalinity (TA): Aim for 80 –120 parts per million (ppm).
Calcium Hardness: A range of between 175 – 225 ppm for fibreglass pools and for spas 100 – 200 ppm is crucial to prevent scaling and corrosion.
Chlorine or Sanitiser Levels: Maintain within recommended guidelines for safe swimming.
A thorough testing ensures clarity regarding necessary adjustments before introducing any chemicals.
Adjust Alkalinity and pH
Total Alkalinity serves as a buffer for your spa and pool's pH. Low alkalinity leads to erratic pH levels, causing both discomfort and potential equipment damage.On the other hand too much alkalinity can make the water cloudy.
You can use the following products for balance:
Low TA: Add Performance Up / Balance Pak 100
Low pH: Add Comfort Up / Balance Pak 200
High TA or pH: Add Aquality / Lo N Slo
Sanitise and Shock Your Pool
Winter can leave spas and pools tainted with organic contaminants. Following the balancing of pH and alkalinity, reintroduce your regular sanitiser to uphold safe levels. Additionally, a pool shock treatment is advisable to eliminate residual organic matter and restore water clarity such as Purity and Burn Out Extreme.
Achieve Ideal Calcium Hardness
Calcium plays a vital role in safeguarding both spa and pool surfaces and equipment. Insufficient calcium can lead to mineral extraction from plaster or grout, while excessive calcium may result in scale formation. Gradually adjust calcium levels with a dedicated calcium increaser like Shield / Balance Pak 300 as required.
Maintain Consistency
Once your pool and spa is balanced, adhere to a weekly maintenance schedule that includes testing and cleaning. Regularly monitor chlorine levels, scrub surfaces, and clear debris. Consistent care will make spring swimming more enjoyable.
A Bright Season Ahead
Spring is an ideal time to reset your spa and pool's water balance, ensuring everything is in order as the warm days approach. By giving your water chemistry a little extra attention now, you can enjoy crystal-clear, healthy water all season long.
At Shop Endless, we’re committed to helping you maximise your pool and spa experience this spring. From expert advice to premium chemical supplies and maintenance tips, we have everything you need for a seamless start to your swimming season.