Summer Pool Water Balance

When summer is in full swing and when the heatwaves hit your pool needs extra attention to stay clear and safe for swimming. High temperatures, more swimmers, and long hours of sunshine can quickly deplete chlorine levels and throw your water balance off, leading to cloudy or even green pool water.

Just like pools in the warmer northern states, your water is now warmer than ever! Making it the perfect place for algae and bacteria to grow. Staying on top of your pool water chemistry will help keep your water clean and clear and ensure it’s safe for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s what you need to know to maintain a healthy pool during the summer heat:

Chlorine Levels

Ideal ranges: Covered pool = 1 – 2ppm, Uncovered pool = 2 – 3ppm

Chlorine is your pool’s main defence against bacteria and algae, but in summer, it gets used up quickly and can be depleted even faster by the sun’s UV rays as it burns off chlorine. With more people in the water, extra demand is placed on your sanitiser. Low chlorine means a higher risk of murky water, bacteria growth, and potential skin irritations for swimmers.

How to stay on top of chlorine levels:

• Test your water weekly using a test strip or pool water test kit.
• If chlorine levels are low, add the appropriate amount of chlorine or shock your pool if needed.
• Run you chlorinator at a higher setting to ensure enough chlorine production.
• Use pool stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to help prevent chlorine loss from sunlight.
• Run your pump every day to keep water circulating and evenly distribute chemicals.

pH Levels

Ideal range: 7.4 – 7.6

With more swimmers in the pool, sunscreen, sweat, and body oils can cause pH levels to rise. High pH reduces chlorine’s effectiveness, making it easier for algae and bacteria to grow. It can also lead to eye irritation and dry, itchy skin for swimmers.

On the flip side, a very low pH means the water becomes too acidic, which can damage your pool’s surface, corrode equipment, and make the water uncomfortable to swim in.

How to keep pH balanced:

• Test your pH weekly and adjust as needed.
• If pH is too high, add hydrochloric acid in small doses and retest.
• If pH is too low, use a pH increaser to bring it back to the ideal range.
• Ensure proper filtration and circulation by running your pump daily.

Keep Your Water Filtered & Moving

Your filter is just as important as your chemical balance when it comes to keeping your pool clean. Hot weather means more contaminants (dust, leaves, sunscreen, and debris) entering your pool. If your filter isn’t doing its job, chemicals alone won’t be able to keep your pool clear.

Make sure to:

• Run your pump every day – at least 8 hours for peak summer conditions.
• Run overnight or consistently for 24 hours if required.
• Backwash or clean your filter regularly to ensure proper flow.
• Use a pool skimmer or vacuum to remove floating debris.
• Need Help? Bring in a Water Sample!

If you don’t have a home test kit or want to ensure your entire water balance is correct, bring a sample into the store for a professional water test. We’ll check all levels, including alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer, salt and phosphates to keep your pool in top condition.

Your Pool Care Checklist:

✅ Test chlorine & pH weekly and adjust as needed
✅ Run your pump every day & clean your filter regularly
✅ Bring a water sample in for a professional test every month

If the pool is heavily used and a bit cloudy, run the chlorinator for 24 hours and if still cloudy, come and see us with a water sample

By staying proactive, you’ll keep your pool looking amazing and ready for summer fun, even through a heatwave!