Did the last time you work out chemistry values be under the stern gaze of science teacher? Don’t be alarmed. It’s actually quite simple.

There are three most common values to monitor in your pool. Monitor them often and it’ll keep your pool looking great, and you feeling even better.

Chlorine

This is the true workhorse of pool maintenance. It breaks down bacteria and sanitizes your pool water. Stabilized chlorine products are protected from sunlight degradation and are an ideal means to keep your pool clear and clean, especially from algae. You’ll  find them in many forms: chlorinating tablets, skimmer sticks, and granules. A free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm should be maintained in the pool at all times.

pH

This is the measure of acid and base in the pool water, and it’s important to maintain just the right balance. If the pH of your swimming pool water drifts too far toward the acid side of the scale, corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment can occur. If your pH is too far toward the base side, your pool can be at risk for scaling, deposits, and cloudy water. Ideally, you want to maintain a pH of around 7.5. You can use a chemical increaser or decreaser to adjust your pool’s levels as needed.

Total alkalinity

To ensure that your swimming pool’s pH remains stable, you should maintain a total alkalinity of 120-150 ppm. Low total alkalinity results in pH bounce and fluctuations, as well as encouraging corrosion and staining. High total alkalinity can also cause the pH to fluctuate and may contribute to cloudy water and scaling. To lower total alkalinity, follow the directions from your pool professional. To raise total alkalinity, an alkalinity booster is recommended.

Stabilizer

Pool stabilizer helps preserve the chlorine levels in your pool and protects them from the breakdown effects of sunlight. When your stabilizer level is low, you’ll use a lot more chlorine. When it’s high, you may need to dilute your pool water to bring it back into the ideal 40 to 100 ppm range. This essential additive is also known as conditioner, CYA, or cyanuric acid. It’s one you want to keep close at hand and is available in liquid or powdered form.