| Chemical Parameter | Ideal Range | What happens if it's LOW? | What happens if it's HIGH? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm | Algae growth, bacteria risk, cloudy water. | Strong "chlorine" smell, skin/eye irritation. | | pH Level | 7.4 – 7.6 | Eye irritation, corrosion of metal parts, etching of plaster. | Scale formation, cloudy water, chlorine becomes ineffective. | | Total Alkalinity (TA) | 80 – 120 ppm | "pH Bounce" (pH moves erratically), staining. | Cloudy water, scaling, stubborn pH that won't change. | | Cyanuric Acid (CYA) * | 30 – 50 ppm | Chlorine dissipates rapidly in sunlight. | "Chlorine Lock" (chlorine becomes ineffective). | | Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm | Etching of plaster, grout dissolution. | Scaling on tile/walls, rough surfaces. |
To Raise Chlorine: Add liquid bleach, granular shock, or chlorine tablets. cheat sheet pool chemical maintenance charts
Routine Maintenance: 1 lb of Calcium Hypochlorite per 10,000 gallons. Light Algae (Green tint): 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons. Heavy Algae (Dark green/Black): 3 lbs per 10,000 gallons. The Relationship Between pH and Alkalinity | Chemical Parameter | Ideal Range | What
You cannot dose a pool correctly if you don't know the volume. Use a pool volume calculator (Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier). | Strong "chlorine" smell, skin/eye irritation
Keep your pool safe, clean, and enjoyable with this comprehensive cheat sheet on pool chemical maintenance. Below, you'll find essential charts and guidelines to help you monitor and adjust your pool's chemical levels.