The swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pools, Inc in Memphis, Tennessee explain that swimming pool water is a complex mix of water and chemicals. When it comes to the testing and chemical balancing you may wonder why does pool water alkalinity matter and the swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pools, Inc. explain total alkalinity in is closely connected to the pH in the pool water.
When solutions are added to the water total alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to neutralize the hydrogen ions in it. Total alkalinity measures the amount of resistance it has to change its pH. Yes, it is a lot of chemistry and that’s something that pool service contractors are trained to understand.
Why does pool water alkalinity matter?
Total alkalinity is tested during a routine pool service maintenance visit or you can test it yourself with a water test kit and test strips. Some pool owners will also just bring water, to be tested, to a local pool service contractor’s location and it will be tested there. The pool owner will then go home, armed with the readings and add chemicals to the water to assure the chemistry is back in balance. Water chemistry that is out of balance — and there are a myriad of readings that need to be accounted for, can lead to red, itchy eyes, cloudy water and even equipment damage.
Water chemistry and it being properly balanced is crucial to the health of the water, those who use the pool and the life of the equipment.
Total alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm). It’s the measure of the amount of alkaline materials in the water. Alkaline materials include:
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- Bicarbonates
- Carbonates
- Hydroxides
It’s important to neutralize the acidity of the water to prevent fluctuations in the pH. Pool water that has alkalinity levels that are too low will lead to rapid increases in pH when impurities enter the water. Impurities include organic materials that swimmers bring into the water with them — they are almost unavoidable. If the pH levels in the water are too low you may see corrosion on the pool equipment that could lead to rusting. Low pH levels caused by alkalinity imbalances can also lead to etching of the pool itself — rough patches caused by a chemical imbalance.
Water that his alkaline that is too high and that raises the pH to higher than ideal levels is challenging for an inexperienced pool owner or DIY-er to address. If you work with, or call in, a pool service contractor he will usually add sodium bicarbonate to raise total alkalinity to the proper levels.
Many pool owners work with pool service contractors because getting and keeping the water chemistry in balance is difficult and leads to many pool owners adding too much of one chemical then overcompensating with another in the hope of getting it just right. You may find it costs you less money — and will certainly cost you less time — to hire an experienced pool contractor for your Memphis, Tennessee pool.
