Keeping your pool water balanced isn’t just about making it look nice — it’s essential for swimmer safety, equipment longevity, and overall pool health. At Bermuda Blue Pool Service, we see firsthand how poor water chemistry can lead to cloudy water, algae growth, skin irritation, and expensive repairs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of pool water chemistry in a way that’s easy to understand and actionable for pool owners.
Why Pool Water Chemistry Matters
Balanced pool water:
- Keeps swimmers safe from bacteria and contaminants
- Prevents algae and cloudy water
- Protects pool surfaces and equipment
- Extends the life of pumps, heaters, and filters
When water chemistry is off, even the best filtration system can’t compensate.
The Core Elements of Pool Water Chemistry
1. Chlorine (or Sanitizer Levels)
Chlorine is your pool’s primary defense against bacteria and algae.
Ideal range:
- Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
Too little chlorine allows algae and bacteria to thrive. Too much can cause eye irritation, dry skin, and damage to pool components.
2. pH Level
pH measures how acidic or basic your pool water is.
Ideal range:
- 7.4–7.6
Low pH (acidic) can:
- Corrode metal components
- Etch plaster surfaces
- Irritate eyes and skin
High pH (basic) can:
- Reduce chlorine effectiveness
- Cause scale buildup
- Lead to cloudy water
3. Total Alkalinity
Alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels.
Ideal range:
- 80–120 ppm
If alkalinity is too low, pH will fluctuate constantly. If it’s too high, pH becomes difficult to adjust.
4. Calcium Hardness
Calcium protects your pool’s surfaces and equipment.
Ideal range:
- 200–400 ppm
Low calcium can cause plaster erosion, while high calcium leads to scale buildup on tile, heaters, and plumbing.
5. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Cyanuric acid protects chlorine from being destroyed by the sun.
Ideal range:
- 30–50 ppm
Too much stabilizer can “lock” chlorine, making it ineffective even when levels appear normal.
Common Pool Chemistry Problems (And What They Mean)
- Cloudy water: Poor filtration, high pH, or low sanitizer
- Green water: Algae growth due to low chlorine
- Strong chlorine smell: Chloramines, not excess chlorine
- Eye/skin irritation: Unbalanced pH or sanitizer levels
These issues often compound quickly if not corrected early.
How Often Should Pool Water Be Tested?
For most residential pools:
- 2–3 times per week during swim season
- After heavy use or storms
- Whenever water looks or feels “off”
Professional testing ensures accuracy and proper chemical adjustments.
Why Professional Pool Chemistry Service Makes a Difference
DIY pool care can work — until it doesn’t. Inaccurate testing, incorrect dosing, and overlooked variables often lead to bigger problems over time.
At Bermuda Blue Pool Service, our professional water chemistry service includes:
- Precision testing
- Proper chemical balancing
- Preventative maintenance
- Early detection of issues before they become costly repairs
Keep Your Pool Water Perfect Year-Round
Balanced water is the foundation of a healthy pool. Whether you want help correcting an issue or prefer hands-off weekly maintenance, Bermuda Blue Pool Service is here to keep your pool safe, clear, and swim-ready.
👉 Contact us today to schedule professional pool service and water chemistry maintenance.
