If your test results fall outside the ideal ranges, you need to adjust them. Chemical adjustments should always be done in small increments. Never mix chemicals together; add them to the pool water separately as directed. How to Adjust Pool Chemistry
To keep your pool in top shape without spending hours on it, follow this simple checklist: Daily Tasks: Check the skimmer baskets for debris. Ensure the pump is running (usually 8-12 hours a day). Check the water level (should be halfway up the skimmer). Weekly Tasks: Test pH and Chlorine levels. Brush the walls and floor. Vacuum the pool. Add maintenance doses of algaecide or clarifier if needed. Shock the pool (preferably at night). Monthly Tasks: Test Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid. Clean the pool filter (backwash or rinse cartridges). Inspect the pump O-rings and equipment for leaks. Safety First cheat sheet pool chemical maintenance charts
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Action If Out of Range | |-----------|-------------|------------------------| | | 1–3 ppm (salt: 1–3 ppm; non-salt: 2–4 ppm) | Low → Shock or add chlorine. High → dilute or let sun burn off. | | Combined Chlorine (CC) | < 0.2 ppm (ideally 0) | > 0.2 → Shock pool. | | pH | 7.4–7.6 | Low → pH increaser (soda ash). High → pH decreaser (muriatric acid / dry acid). | | Total Alkalinity (TA) | 80–120 ppm | Low → baking soda. High → aeration + acid. | | Calcium Hardness (CH) | 200–400 ppm | Low → calcium chloride. High → drain/partial refill. | | Cyanuric Acid (CYA) | 30–50 ppm (non-salt); 60–80 ppm (salt pools) | High → drain/refill. Low → stabilizer/conditioner. | | Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | < 1500 ppm over start | High → drain/refill. | | Salt (SWG pools) | 2700–3400 ppm (check mfr specs) | Adjust with pool salt. | | Temperature | 78–82°F (26–28°C) | Heater / solar cover. | If your test results fall outside the ideal
| | Add 1 ppm FC | Add 2 ppm FC | | --- | --- | --- | | 0.5 | Add 1 oz chlorine | Add 2 oz chlorine | | 1.0 | Add 0.5 oz chlorine | Add 1 oz chlorine | | 2.0 | Add 0.25 oz chlorine | Add 0.5 oz chlorine | How to Adjust Pool Chemistry To keep your
Disclaimer: Always read the product label. Chemical concentration varies by brand. These are estimates for educational purposes.
If your test results fall outside the ideal ranges, you need to adjust them. Chemical adjustments should always be done in small increments. Never mix chemicals together; add them to the pool water separately as directed. How to Adjust Pool Chemistry
To keep your pool in top shape without spending hours on it, follow this simple checklist: Daily Tasks: Check the skimmer baskets for debris. Ensure the pump is running (usually 8-12 hours a day). Check the water level (should be halfway up the skimmer). Weekly Tasks: Test pH and Chlorine levels. Brush the walls and floor. Vacuum the pool. Add maintenance doses of algaecide or clarifier if needed. Shock the pool (preferably at night). Monthly Tasks: Test Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid. Clean the pool filter (backwash or rinse cartridges). Inspect the pump O-rings and equipment for leaks. Safety First
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Action If Out of Range | |-----------|-------------|------------------------| | | 1–3 ppm (salt: 1–3 ppm; non-salt: 2–4 ppm) | Low → Shock or add chlorine. High → dilute or let sun burn off. | | Combined Chlorine (CC) | < 0.2 ppm (ideally 0) | > 0.2 → Shock pool. | | pH | 7.4–7.6 | Low → pH increaser (soda ash). High → pH decreaser (muriatric acid / dry acid). | | Total Alkalinity (TA) | 80–120 ppm | Low → baking soda. High → aeration + acid. | | Calcium Hardness (CH) | 200–400 ppm | Low → calcium chloride. High → drain/partial refill. | | Cyanuric Acid (CYA) | 30–50 ppm (non-salt); 60–80 ppm (salt pools) | High → drain/refill. Low → stabilizer/conditioner. | | Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | < 1500 ppm over start | High → drain/refill. | | Salt (SWG pools) | 2700–3400 ppm (check mfr specs) | Adjust with pool salt. | | Temperature | 78–82°F (26–28°C) | Heater / solar cover. |
| | Add 1 ppm FC | Add 2 ppm FC | | --- | --- | --- | | 0.5 | Add 1 oz chlorine | Add 2 oz chlorine | | 1.0 | Add 0.5 oz chlorine | Add 1 oz chlorine | | 2.0 | Add 0.25 oz chlorine | Add 0.5 oz chlorine |
Disclaimer: Always read the product label. Chemical concentration varies by brand. These are estimates for educational purposes.