Alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness comprise some of the essential elements that keep the good and healthy quality of pool water intact at all times. They act as the controllers of the water when it comes to feel, smell, and appearance. Good water condition is the result of the proper manipulation of the water chemistry in the swimming pool. One wrong mishandling on the correct amount of chemical needed to feed the hungry water can lead to the sudden change in the balance of the pool chemicals.

Among these elements in the water, alkaline substance is responsible in the total alkalinity in the swimming pool. Although it is a separate element, it acts as the guardian of pH in the water. A significant change in alkalinity will also mean a dramatic shift on the level of the other component in the water. Basically, the task of keeping alkalinity in its right course would also mean the benefit of handling the pH level in its place. On the other hand, pH in the water is not responsible in the shifting of the level of alkaline substance in the pool water.

The standard or approved range for pool water alkalinity should only be around 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm). This would be the reference of anyone who needs to balance and manage the level of alkaline substance in their pool. Always keep in mind that pH goes along with this element that’s why it should always be put in check at all times. However, these two elements are not a singular or unified pool water-balancing chemical.

There are many notable disadvantages acquired from the poor balancing of alkalinity in the water which often result to poor water condition. These negative pool conditions affect both the pool and the bathers at the same time. Here are some of the most common unwanted water problems:

– Corrosion is by far one of the most disastrous types of water problem in swimming pools as it eats up gradually and continuously anything in the water. Corrosive water when splashed outside the pool can also damage any metal, plant and even on animals as it causes irritation on the skin.

– The disinfecting strength of chlorine also greatly diminishes when abrupt changes in level of this chemical occurs in the pool water. As a result, the water becomes cloudy and turns green, a similar result of poor pool maintenance.

– Health issues begin to surface when exposed to alkalinity irregularities in the water. Some of the most common medical problems are the burning eye and the skin irritation which are similar side effects of other chemicals used in the water.

– Perhaps one of the most difficult disadvantages is the setting of pH level back on its proper zone as it can give pool owners a headache.

However, these problems can be solved with the use of the right products such as sodium bicarbonate essential for keeping alkaline level down and hydrochloric acid for lowering the level of too high pool alkalinity.

Author Bio: I write for Pool Prodigy about salt water pool maintenance and how to maintain a pool.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: pool water,pool water alkalinity,unified pool water-balancing,water alkalinity,swimming pool