Water Chemistry & Testing Jump to section
Proper water chemistry is essential for keeping your pool safe, comfortable, and protected from unnecessary wear and damage. When your water is balanced, your equipment runs more efficiently, your liner lasts longer, and your pool simply feels better to swim in.
At West Cove Pools, water chemistry is treated as a core part of every service visit, not an afterthought.
Why Balanced Water Matters Jump to section
Protects your investment: Unbalanced water can damage liners, heaters, pumps, and filters far faster than normal use.
Comfort for swimmers: Poor chemistry often leads to red eyes, itchy skin, and strong chlorine odours, even when chlorine levels are not actually high.
Prevents algae and cloudy water: Consistent chemistry keeps algae, scale, and staining under control, reducing the need for "emergency" cleanups and shock treatments.
Helps maintain warranties: Many equipment and liner warranties require that water be kept within recommended ranges to remain valid.
Key Water Chemistry Targets Jump to section
While every pool is a bit different, these are the core ranges most residential pools should aim for:
pH: 7.2 – 7.8
Controls how comfortable the water feels and how effectively chlorine works. Water that is too low (acidic) can damage liners, heaters, and metal parts; water that is too high can cause scale, cloudy water, and poor sanitizer performance.
Total Alkalinity (TA): 80 – 120 ppm
Acts as a buffer to keep pH from bouncing up and down. Low alkalinity makes pH unstable; high alkalinity makes pH hard to adjust and can lead to cloudy water and scale.
Free Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
Kills bacteria and helps prevent algae growth. If chlorine is too low, water can quickly become unsafe; if it is too high, swimmers may experience discomfort and strong odours.
Phosphates: As low as reasonably possible (ideally under 100 ppb)
Phosphates are a food source for algae. Reducing phosphates makes it easier for your sanitizer to keep the pool clear, especially during hot weather and heavy use.
How Weather and Use Affect Your Water Jump to section
Water chemistry is never "set and forget." Several factors can quickly push it out of balance:
Rain and storms
Rainwater is often acidic and can lower pH and alkalinity. Runoff and debris introduce organics and contaminants that use up chlorine and can feed algae.
Heat waves and heavy sun
Sunlight breaks down chlorine, especially in outdoor pools with no or low stabilizer. Warm water increases chlorine demand and creates ideal conditions for algae.
High bather load
More swimmers mean more body oils, cosmetics, sweat, and contaminants for your sanitizer to handle. Busy weekends often require extra testing, shocking, or clarifier.
Pollen and debris
Seasonal pollen and dust can clog filters, cloud the water, and consume sanitizer if not removed promptly.
Simple Habits to Keep Chemistry on Track Jump to section
You don't need to be a chemist to keep your pool in balance. Consistent, small actions make the biggest difference:
Test regularly
Test at least once a week during the season, and more often during heat waves, after storms, or during heavy use. Pay special attention to pH, alkalinity, and free chlorine; adjust as needed rather than waiting for problems.
Circulate and filter properly
Run the pump long enough each day to turn the water over fully (often 8–12 hours in peak season, depending on the system). Backwash or clean filters as required so water can move freely through the system.
Brush and skim
Brushing walls, steps, and corners helps prevent algae from getting a foothold. Skimming the surface regularly removes leaves, pollen, and debris before they sink and break down.
Shock when needed
After heavy use, big storms, or if water becomes dull or slightly cloudy, a properly dosed shock treatment can reset sanitizer levels and clear contaminants. Always follow label directions and allow proper circulation time.
How to Take a Good Water Sample Jump to section
Accurate test results start with a good sample. For best results:
Use a clean container that hasn't been used for other chemicals. Take the sample from elbow depth, away from return jets and skimmers. Test as soon as possible after collecting the sample to avoid changes from exposure to air and sunlight.
If you're unsure what your results mean or how to correct them, West Cove Pools can help interpret your readings and provide a clear step‑by‑step adjustment plan.
Let West Cove Pools Help Manage Your Water Jump to section
Balancing pool water takes ongoing attention, especially during peak summer conditions. West Cove Pools offers maintenance and service options that include regular testing, chemical adjustments, and equipment checks so you don't have to guess.
Whether you prefer to handle most of the care yourself and just need occasional guidance, or want full-service weekly maintenance, our team can tailor a solution that keeps your water clear, comfortable, and protected all season long.
