The Pool Chemistry Behind Crystal Clear Pools and Cloudy Pools

October 29th, 2014

1 min. read

Crystal clear pools are only possible if the chemistry of a pool is nice and balanced. Allow the balance to get “out of whack” and you’ll undoubtedly end up with a cloudy pool. As daunting as maintaining proper pool chemistry may seem to new or inexperienced pool owners, it isn’t nearly as difficult as it may sound.

The Magic Beyond Crystal Clear Pools: A Balanced pH

The biggest secret behind preventing a cloudy pool is to maintain a balanced pH. When kept at optimal levels, the pH enables the chlorine to do its job at cleaning and sanitizing the pool.

Your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, with a lower pH being optimal
High pH levels can be reduced with muriatic acid or granular acid

Chlorine to Keep Pools Clean

The next most important part of keeping your pool chemistry balanced: chlorine. This should test as being anywhere between 1 to 3ppm. Pool owners have their choice between 3-inch and 1-inch tablets, or sticks, with 3-inch being the most common and the most suitable for standard to large sized inground pools (1-inch tablets are better suited to above ground pools or smaller inground pools).

Other Important Factors

Crystal clear pools rely heavily on pH and chlorine, but there are other factors that require testing. Total alkalinity, or “TA”, will help you determine the effectiveness of the chlorine.

Gunite and concrete pools should have a TA of 80 to 120ppm
Vinyl, fiberglass and painted pools should have a TA of 125 to 170ppm

Calcium hardness is another important consideration when trying to maintain crystal clear pools. A pool with an imbalanced calcium hardness will corrode the surface of your pool. Aim for a calcium hardness in the range of 200 to 400ppm and you won’t have to worry about scaling and cloudy pools.

Shasta Pools is a Phoenix pool builder who provides a variety of services including swimming pool remodeling, commercial pool building, and pool service and repair. Since its establishment in 1967, Shasta has helped over 80,000 families realize their dream of pool ownership. By providing exceptional value, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service, the Shasta team continues to fulfill the corporate mission of astonishing and delighting their customers and exceeding expectations. You can learn more about Shasta Pools & Spas by visiting them online, or by connecting with them on Facebook or Twitter.

Topics:

Pool

Pool Equipment

cloudy pool

pool chemistry

crystal clear pools

The Pool Chemistry Behind Crystal Clear Pools and Cloudy Pools

6 Small Swimming Pool Designs

The Best Plants And Shrubs For Saltwater Pools

5 Tips on How to Winterize Your Arizona Pool

New Pool Demand Continues to Increase to Historic Highs

10 Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas for Phoenix Pools

6 Skills for Learning How to Swim at Home

Free Online Design Consultations Now Available

7 Questions Your Arizona Pool Builder Should be Answering

Arizona Pool Design Trends Everyone is Talking About

Modern Pool Design Inspiration

Design Inspiration for Your Pool Waterfall

Benefits of Having an Inground Swimming Pool

How to Design a Backyard for Your Lifestyle

Why We’re the Best Swimming Pool Repair Company in Arizona

Top 5 Best Games to Play in the Pool Without Toys

What elements should I include when designing a backyard pool?

The Dreamiest Pool And Spa Ideas Everyone Will Love

Beginner’s Guide to Pool and Spa Maintenance

How to Choose the Best Swimming Pool Builder

Enjoying Your Pool in the Fall

Pool Maintenance Ideas for the Late Summer and Fall

The Shasta Difference: The People

Creating Your Picture Perfect Backyard

What is the Shasta Difference?

Tips for Determining Your Swimming Pool Budget