BKC Solutions Corner

Attention: Water balance is very important to ensure that your swimming pool chemicals work properly and for as long as they should

Before adding swimming pool chemicals it is important that you read and familiarise yourself with the workings of your spa / pool and support equipment. Having free flowing water circulation and good filtration is important to maintaining a clean and healthy pool or spa

The first step in treatment is to ensure good water balance, which will create the right conditions for bather comfort, chemical efficiency and equipment protection. There are three major factors affecting water balance, they are pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness

Calcium hardness

Hardness is the measurement of calcium salts in the swimming pool or spa water and this will vary depending where you live. Low calcium hardness levels (soft water) can lead to corrosion of the materials of construction. Hard water (water high in calcium) can lead to limescale foriming in your pipes and equipment
Calcium Hardness Guide Measures
•    Ideal calcium hardness levels are between 100 – 200 ppm (mg/l).
•    When the measurement is below 75 ppm (mg/l), apply Hardness Plus
•    If the level exceeds 200 ppm (mg/l), use Scale Inhibitor.

pH

pH can range from 1 to 14 where 1 is very acid and 14 very alkaline It is essential to maintain spa water within the 7.2 – 7.6 range which, because it is mildly alkaline, will protect equipment from corrosion and give the best conditions for bather comfort
•    Ideal pH level for spas is between 7.2 – 7.6.
•    When the measurement is below use pH Plus
•    If the level exceeds 7.6 use pH Minus
Note
pH can be difficult to control in spas as the system water turns over quickly, is very agitated and is at greater temperature than swimming pool systems. [All these factors

pH rises can be caused by this which causes chlorine products such as chlorine shock to lose effectiveness. Much higher doses of chlorine sanitisers such as will then be required. avoid this problem by using Bromine. Bromine works effectively over a wider pH range than chlorineIt is also less volatile than chlorine and will remain in the spa for a longer period reducing your spa chemical usage and ensuring hygienic conditions prevail.

Total Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer to prevent pH change. If TA levels are too low the pH will fluctuate widely.

•    Ideal Total Alkalinity is 100 ppm (mg/l) When it is below 80mg/l use Alkalinity Plus
•    When Total Alkalinity is greater than 140mg/l remedy it with pH Minus to reduce it
Water balance should be checked regularly and, certainly, every time you top up or refill your pool or spa.

Test Strips/kits are available for you to test the water regularly.