Maintaining balanced pool chemistry is essential for ensuring safe, clear, and inviting water. Chemical balancers help keep the water pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other parameters within the optimal range. This guide provides an overview of the best pool chemical balancers and how to use them effectively.
1. pH Increaser
pH increasers raise the pH level of pool water to prevent it from becoming too acidic:
- Common Chemical: Sodium carbonate (soda ash)
- Benefits: Prevents corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment, reduces skin and eye irritation, and ensures effective chlorine sanitation.
- Usage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage, typically adding it to the pool water slowly while the pump is running.
- Top Pick: In The Swim pH Increaser
2. pH Reducer
pH reducers lower the pH level of pool water to prevent it from becoming too basic:
- Common Chemicals: Sodium bisulfate (dry acid) or muriatic acid
- Benefits: Prevents scaling, reduces cloudy water, and enhances chlorine effectiveness.
- Usage: Add the pH reducer to the pool water as per the manufacturer's guidelines, typically by diluting it in a bucket of water first.
- Top Pick: Clorox Pool&Spa pH Down
3. Alkalinity Increaser
Alkalinity increasers raise the total alkalinity of pool water to stabilize pH levels:
- Common Chemical: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Benefits: Prevents pH fluctuations, protects pool surfaces, and enhances overall water balance.
- Usage: Follow the product instructions for dosage, typically adding it directly to the pool water while the pump is running.
- Top Pick: Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
4. Calcium Hardness Increaser
Calcium hardness increasers raise the calcium hardness level of pool water to prevent corrosion and etching:
- Common Chemical: Calcium chloride
- Benefits: Protects pool surfaces and equipment from damage caused by soft water, prevents staining, and maintains water clarity.
- Usage: Dissolve the calcium chloride in a bucket of water and distribute it evenly around the pool.
- Top Pick: Leisure Time Calcium Booster
5. Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid acts as a stabilizer for chlorine, protecting it from being degraded by sunlight:
- Common Chemical: Cyanuric acid
- Benefits: Extends the life of chlorine, reduces the need for frequent chlorine additions, and maintains effective sanitation.
- Usage: Follow the product instructions for dosage, typically adding it directly to the skimmer while the pump is running.
- Top Pick: BioGuard Stabilizer 100
6. Algaecides
Algaecides help prevent and control algae growth in pool water:
- Common Chemicals: Copper-based algaecides, quaternary ammonium compounds, and polyquats
- Benefits: Keeps the pool water clear and free of algae, reduces chlorine demand, and enhances overall water quality.
- Usage: Add algaecide to the pool water as directed by the manufacturer, typically after shocking the pool.
- Top Pick: AquaDoc Algaecide 50
7. Clarifiers and Flocculants
Clarifiers and flocculants help clear cloudy water by clumping together fine particles so they can be easily filtered out:
- Common Chemicals: Polyacrylamides and aluminum sulfate
- Benefits: Improves water clarity, enhances filter efficiency, and makes the water sparkle.
- Usage: Add clarifier to the pool water according to the product instructions, typically by pouring it around the perimeter of the pool.
- Top Pick: HTH Super Clarifier
8. Phosphate Removers
Phosphate removers reduce phosphate levels in pool water, which can promote algae growth:
- Common Chemicals: Lanthanum compounds
- Benefits: Prevents algae blooms, reduces chlorine demand, and enhances overall water quality.
- Usage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage, typically adding it directly to the pool water.
- Top Pick: Natural Chemistry Phosfree
Final Thoughts
Using the right pool chemical balancers is crucial for maintaining high pool water quality. Regular testing and adjusting of pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other parameters ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable swimming environment. By choosing the best chemical balancers and following proper usage guidelines, you can keep your pool water balanced and inviting throughout the swimming season.