1. What is your pH reading?
pH is high – ( over 7.6)
If your pH is high, you should add pHix it down. It is also called Sodium Bisulphate or acid
Add pHix it down as per the chart on the container.
Simply broadcast it across the pool, run the filter for four (4) hours and re-test the pH.
KEEPING THE pH OF YOUR POOL WITHIN RANGE WILL KEEP OTHER CHEMICALS WORKING PROPERLY.
THE pH LEVEL OF YOUR POOL SHOULD BE BETWEEN 7.2 - 7.6.
pH is low – ( under 7.2)
If your pH is low, you should add pHix it up
It is also called Soda Ash or Sodium Carbonate
Add pHix it up as per the chart on the container.
Simply broadcast it across the pool, run the filter for four (4) hours and re-test the pH.
KEEPING THE pH LEVEL OF YOUR POOL WITHIN RANGE HELPS OTHER CHEMICALS WORK MORE EFFECTIVLY.
THE pH LEVEL OF YOUR POOL SHOULD BE BETWEEN 7.2 - 7.6.
2. What is the difference between pH and Alkalinity?
pH is the scale which measures the balance between acids and alkalis (bases). Your chemicals work their best when the pH level is in the ideal range which is: 7.2 - 7.6
Alkalinity- Is a measure of just the alkalis. If this is not correct, it will affect your pH readings. Your alkalinity level should be between 80 ppms - 120 ppms. If your alkalinity level is low: broadcast Alka pHix across your pool. (amount needed varies, see bottle for amount needed)Run your filter for 4 hours and test your alkalinity again. Repeat until you your alkalinity level falls into the correct range. If your alkalinity level is high: broadcast pHix It Down to your pool water, run filter for 4 hrs and test alkalinity level of water again.(amount needed varies, see bottle for amount needed)
3. My chlorine level has not been checked or is not correct.
If you are having trouble with your chlorine level, you should check and adjust pH accordingly.
Then add Chlor Guard to the water to help extend the life of the chlorine.
Chlor Guard is a chemical which helps prolong the life of chlorine in the water even in direct sunlight.
Chlorine level is too high
If your chlorine level is too high, the best thing to do is to either discontinue adding chlorine to the pool until the level drops, or you can drain about 1 foot of water out of pool and replace with fresh water.
If your chlorine level is high due to Combined Chlorine, which is a weak, ineffective form of chlorine which is formed when chlorine oxidizes nitrogen compounds such as urine, perspiration, etc., simply add Fast Blast to the pool.
This will eliminate the Combined Chlorine and make the Free Chlorine in the pool more effective.
The most effective way to check for free chlorine is with The Easy Check Pro 5 in 1 Test Strips.
Chlorine level is too low
If your chlorine level is too low, The best thing to do is to check and adjust the pH accordingly and shock the pool using a CHLORINE BASED SHOCK TREATMENT { e.g, green out }.
Shocking is the burning out by oxidation through super-chlorination of contaminants which put a demand on your chlorine.
It is not recommended to use the following: Quick Tabs, Gold Dust, or Slow Tabs as a shock treatment.
4. I have not added a water clarifier.
Check and adjust pH accordingly.
Then you should add a clarifier.
This will bring the smaller particles together, then they will drop to the bottom of the pool where they can be vacuumed out.
You should use Krystal Klear which is a concentrated clarifying agent.
Pour it into the pool by the return.
Then, run the filter for 4-6 hours, turn off the filter for 12 hours and then vacuum the bottom of the pool.
5. I used a water clarifier and the water is clearer.
If you have added water clarifier and the water is getting clearer, the best thing to do is to re-apply the clarifier.
The proper way to add a clarifier is to first check and adjust pH accordingly.
Then you should add the clarifier.
This will bring the smaller particles together, then they will drop to the bottom of the pool where they can be vacuumed out.
You should use Krystal Klear which is a concentrated clarifying agent. Pour it into the pool by the return.
Then, run the filter for 4-6 hours, turn off the filter for 12 hours and then vacuum the bottom of the pool.
6. I have done all the above and my water is still cloudy.
If you have confirmed that your water is properly balanced, your cloudy water may be caused by a malfunctioning filter. Here are some simple things to check: Are your hoses connected to the correct ports? Consult your filter owners manual for proper connections.
If you are using a sand filter, have you changed the sand this season?
If you are using a DE filter, do you see DE returning back into the pool? If so it's time to have your filter serviced.
If you are using a cartridge filter make sure that the cartridge is seated properly and not damaged in any way.
Bringing your water in for professional testing each week is highly recommended. Island Recreational offers FREE water analysis performed on our state-of-the-art water machines. find a store