Tips for Clean, Safe Pool Water

The number one concern for pool owners today is the safety of their water. And it should be. You never know what’s in your pool water. It could be anything from bird droppings to tanning lotions to lawn chemicals…all sorts of things. Before you and your family jump into the pool, you need to know your water is properly balanced. Plus, not properly maintaining the water can cut the life of your pool by up to 50%.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your pool water safe:

• Test your water at least once a week. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are six chemical levels that need to be considered:
  • Cyanuric Acid – Protects chlorine from sunlight and determines the required Free Chlorine level.
  • Free Chlorine – A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs.
  • Acidity/Alkalinity – Also known as the pH level. Keeping your pool’s pH balanced will prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment from eroding.
  • Total Alkalinity – Helps keep the pH in balance.
  • Calcium Hardness – Appropriate levels help prevent plaster damage.


• When all the chemicals are properly balanced, the water should be crystal clear, have no scent, and leave very little residue on your skin.


• Keep your total alkalinity between 80 ppm and 150 ppm to help reduce pH fluctuations.
  • Low total alkalinity can make water acidic which will corrode pool surfaces and equipment, and also make it hard to increase pH.
  • High total alkalinity can make pool water appear cloudy, cause scale deposits to form and also make it hard to decrease pH.


• Make sure your pool’s pH balance is between 7.2 - 7.8.


• Brush the interior surface of your swimming pool at least once a week to prevent algae buildup, remove dirt particles, and smooth the surface to ensure a long lasting finish.


• Clean out your filter at least once a week and clean the pipes utilized by your filter system once a month.


• Keep your pool water level between 1/3 and 1/2 the way up the opening of the pool skimmer.