The Basics of Water Balance in Pools

Keeping your pool in tiptop shape is about more than just running the filter and using a skimmer every now and then. To properly maintain your pool, you need to become something of a chemist and learn a bit about maintaining the balance of chemicals in your pool's water. Any pool construction Brisbane professional will tell you that people who fail to keep their pool's chemicals in check face many serious problems. After the Brisbane pool builders have left, make sure you know the basics of achieving - and maintaining - the proper water balance.

pH -

Even if you've never owned a pool before, you've probably heard other pool owners mention pH. pH refers to the measure of how alkaline or acidic the water in your pool is; its scale ranges from zero to 14. A measure below 7 means the water is acidic, a measure above 7 is alkaline, and a measure of 7 is neutral. Optimally, you want to keep the water within the neutral range; a measure between 7.0 and 7.8 is considered best. If you have a fibreglass pool, you'll want to aim for a pH between 7.0 and 7.2.

A Note About pH And Chlorine -

pH has a major effect on the sanitising effects of chlorine therefore it is important to keep your pH levels in balance. If your pool's pH levels get out of whack, no amount of chlorine is going to keep it sanitary.

Total Alkalinity -

Total alkalinity - often referred to as T.A. - is another important measure of the water balance of your pool. Basically, total alkalinity is a measure of the carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in your pool water. Optimally, you'll want to maintain a T.A. of approximately 60 to 200 ppm, or parts per million. When you have your pool installed, the Brisbane pool builders who have installed it can tell you the exact level you'll want to maintain for your specific pool.

Low levels of total alkalinity can cause concrete and painted surfaces in the pool to erode. pH levels also become very unstable when the T.A. gets too low, and it is difficult to maintain the proper pH. There are various products you can use to change the T.A. of your pool; they include bicarbonate of soda, which raises total alkalinity, and acid, which lowers T.A.

Calcium Hardness -

Calcium hardness is a measure of the level of dissolved calcium in your pool water. Optimally, it should be between 80 to 500 ppm. As with total alkalinity, low levels of calcium hardness can lead to erosion in your pool. Unlike pH and T.A., calcium hardness cannot be measured with a regular testing kit but can usually be tested by your local pool supply shop.

Swimming Pool Pumps Keep Your Water Clean and Fresh

Swimming pool pumps are some of the most important tools around for the maintenance and upkeep of pools. If you are going to spend the large amount of money that it costs to invest in a pool, than obviously you want to protect that investment. Who wouldn't? To keep it clean and functioning, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will have to keep in full working order is the pump.

A swimming pool pump is a mechanical device that works with the filter to maintain your pool's cleanliness. Pool pumps are offered in a large selection with many different sizes and pumping capabilities, depending on your specific needs. Some are designed for smaller above ground pools and spas, while others are designed for "in-ground" pools. No matter what type you have, there is a pump designed to do the job of keeping your pool both clean and safe.

A pool pump works by taking water from the pool, running it through a basket, and then through the filter, in order to trap as much debris and dirt as possible. The pump then sends the cleansed water back into the pool, minus dirt and debris, thereby keeping the water much cleaner than it would otherwise be. A pump can have multiple speeds and different power levels, once again depending on design and function.

Every pump has a certain capability level that lets you know how much water it can circulate. It is absolutely critical to note the pump's circulation ability and see how much it can pump either by the minute or by the hour. One general rule of thumb that many pool owners use is that a residential pool should be able to circulate its entire water contents in ten hours or less.

Another similar aspect that is important to look at is the energy efficiency of the pump as well as any warranty coverage to figure out the best deal. Pumps can vary widely in price. They can be found from as low as $50 to as high as over $500. You want to make sure to get the best combination of effectiveness and cost for your pool.

Swimming pool pumps are a necessary part of maintenance. They are just as necessary as filters or chemicals. If you don't have any idea what type of a pump your pool needs, then don't be afraid to ask! That's what the experts are there for. Know the model and make of your pool, and write down any other information you think could be relevant to help them know what you should be looking for. This will help the people at the pool supply find you exactly the swimming pool pump you need, and with the proper pump you will be able to more fully enjoy the wonderful benefits of your pool.