Why is water balance so important?

As experts in luxury swimming pools and spas, we understand that the design and build phases are only a small part of the job. Swimming pools, whether situated inside or outside of your home, need regular servicing to stay in tip-top condition.

Maintaining your pool’s water balance is a key piece of the bigger puzzle, but why is water balance so important? Read on to find out all you need to know about water balance and how it’s used to keep your pool clear, comfortable and fully protected.

What exactly is water balancing?

Maintaining your pool really is a balancing act. The pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels of the water have to be just right to ensure your swimming pool is the inviting and comfortable place it should be. Good water balance also protects all the pool components and equipment that keep it functioning correctly.

Water balancing chemicals are added to the water to bring balance to your pool once more and unlock a long list of benefits.

What happens to my pool if the water balance is off?

Failing to strike the right balance can cause a number of problems for both pool users and the pool itself. Correctly balanced water after all helps other chemicals to work efficiently keeping pool water safe, clean and irritation free. It also saves you a lot of effort and additional cost.

When balancing your pool water, its pH is a vital consideration. The pH of the water needs to be as close to neutral as possible. If it is too high or too low several issues can occur as The Aquatic Council details:

“High pH will lead to scale forming water that is more likely to clog filters, heaters and circulation equipment. The oxidation efficacy of chlorine diminishes as pH rises. Add to that decreased bather comfort and you’ll want to stick to ideal ranges… When your pH is low, your water is more likely to be corrosive, damaging pool equipment, structures and surfaces.”

Is it just the pH of my pool water that I need to worry about?

The alkalinity and calcium hardness levels of your pool water are two other areas that are analysed during water balance testing. Alkalinity needs to be at the optimum level to help stabilise pH. If the alkalinity levels drop too low this could cause rapid pH swings, also known as a ‘pH bounce’.

Low calcium hardness and alkalinity levels can result in scaling; the etching of plaster pool surfaces; wrinkled, stiff or brittle liners; and the corrosion of metal pool equipment, such as ladders, handrails and heat exchangers.

High alkalinity levels on the other hand can leave your pool water cloudy, your pool surrounds stained and scaly, and make it more difficult to stabilise pH.

The use of water balancing chemicals keeps all these levels just right, and also prevents metal staining, corrects mineral imbalances, and protects chlorine so it lasts so much longer to enhance pool hygiene no end.

How often should my water be balanced?

We recommend testing your water on a monthly basis to ensure a correctly balanced pool. Regular testing is integral to the preservation of water balance and will indicate exactly how your water needs help and where.

It’s important to note that pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels are all influenced by pool use and weather conditions (if you have an outdoor pool). Any abrupt changes to either may increase the need for water testing and balancing.

To keep your pool water sparkling and enjoy better performance all year round, find out more about our water balancing and servicing solutions today.

At London Swimming Pool Company, we specialise in swimming pool maintenance, servicing and refurbishment in Surrey, so if you have a pool that’s in need of regular maintenance or a facelift, contact us for an initial discussion – there’s no substitute for expert advice.