Balanced Water

Balanced pool water refers to water that has the appropriate amounts of calcium hardness, total alkalinity, pH, and dissolved solids.

Balanced pool water prevents corrosion of pool equipment and parts and scaling (the whitish scale that can form on pool surfaces when salt is forced out of the water due to unbalanced water conditions).  Unbalanced pool water can cause damage not only to pool equipment, but it can cause unsightly water and discomfort to swimmers.  To determine if pool water is balanced (not too acidic, not too basic), use a test kit to measure the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the water.  Depending on what the test kit reveals, the pool owner or pool maintenance professional can add chemicals to make the water more balanced if necessary.