Water Chemistry Guidelines by PoolWaterLAB

 To maintain the Pool or Hot Tub yourself, you need to have the following tools

a) If your Pool or Hot Tub with normal water:

1. PooLWaterLAB - Buy here 

2. TDS meter with built-in thermometer - Price on Amazon from $10

b) If your Pool or Hot Tub with salt water:

1. PooLWaterLAB - Buy here 

2. TDS meter 4 in 1 TDS, EC, Salinity, Temperature -  Price on Amazon from $30

These generally accepted chemical parameters of water in Pool or Hot Tub
Water Chemistry Guidelines by PoolWaterLAB

* For calcium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, or sodium hypochlorite.

** For sodium dichlor, trichlor, chlorine, gas, BCDMH.

*** Start-up includes the TDS contribution of salt found in chlorine generating systems.

**** Dictated by local codes. Typically 100 pm (mg/L). Some codes are higher, some are lower.

***** Some local codes may dictate a minimum and maximum.

****** when used instead of chlorine

Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide

These commonly accepted chemical parameters do not supersede manufacturers' instructions. Smart phone apps can help calculate associated pool volume and dosage. Chemical amounts have been rounded off for convenience. Always follow the instructions on the manufacturer's label for exact dosage amounts.

Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide

• Other calcium hypochlorite products are available from 47% to 78%. Follow the label directions for dosage amounts.

Saturation Index

The Saturation Index (SI) is a method of determining whether water will deposit calcium carbonate or maintain

it in solution. In short it tells you whether your water is corrosive or scale forming. The SI incorporates the five

balance factors: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and total dissolved solids. For pool and

spa water, the ideal result of performing this index is to have a result of zero, i.e., SI = O. Balanced water is

between - 0.3 and + 0.3. Corrosive water is - 0.4 and lower. Scaling water is + 0.4 and higher. Having water

outside of the balanced range can contribute to extensive damage to the pool surface, equipment and

structure.

Saturation Index

Saturation Index Factors

Saturation Index

**High levels of Cyanuric Acid can contribute to false Saturation Index readings. Cyanuric acid should never be above 30 ppm due to the adverse effects on sanitizer activity