How to Maintain Water Quality During a Heatwave

Heatwaves can put extra stress on your pool’s water quality, making regular maintenance more important than ever. Intense heat speeds up chemical reactions, increases evaporation, and creates the perfect conditions for algae growth. Here's how to keep your pool water balanced and safe during extreme temperatures.

1. Test Water Chemistry More Frequently

During a heatwave, test your pool water daily to monitor for rapid changes in chlorine levels, pH, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). High temperatures can quickly deplete chlorine and increase pH levels, which can lead to algae growth and cloudy water. Using a reliable tool like the Eagle Ray Digital Water Testing Kit ensures accurate readings and helps you stay ahead of any issues.

2. Boost Sanitizer Levels

Hot weather accelerates chlorine breakdown due to UV rays. Keep chlorine levels at the higher end of the recommended range (1–3 ppm) to maintain proper sanitation. Consider adding a stabilizer like cyanuric acid to protect chlorine from sunlight, especially during prolonged heatwaves.

3. Maintain Proper pH Levels

High heat often causes pH levels to rise, which can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness. Keep pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6 for optimal water quality. Test and adjust as needed using pH increasers or decreasers to prevent scaling and cloudy water.

4. Shock the Pool Weekly

Heatwaves often mean increased pool usage, which introduces additional contaminants like sweat, oils, and sunscreen. Weekly shocking helps break down organic matter and keeps your water crystal clear. Choose a chlorine or non-chlorine shock depending on your pool's needs.

5. Monitor Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness

High temperatures can disrupt alkalinity and calcium hardness levels, leading to imbalanced water chemistry. Test alkalinity to keep it between 80–120 ppm and calcium hardness between 200–400 ppm. Proper levels ensure water remains comfortable for swimmers and prevents damage to your pool equipment.

6. Reduce Evaporation with a Pool Cover

Evaporation rates soar during a heatwave, increasing TDS and causing chemical imbalances. Using a pool cover during non-swimming hours minimizes water loss and helps maintain consistent chemical levels. Covers also reduce heat exposure, protecting your pool from rapid chemical breakdown.

Why AquaDoc Makes Heatwave Pool Maintenance Easier

Managing water quality during a heatwave doesn’t have to be overwhelming. AquaDoc offers tools like the Eagle Ray Digital Water Testing Kit, which simplifies the process with quick and accurate readings. Pair it with our range of pool care products to keep your water safe and balanced all summer.

Stay Cool and Confident

Heatwaves don’t have to mean extra stress for your pool. With frequent testing, proactive adjustments, and the right maintenance routine, you can keep your water sparkling and safe. Trust AquaDoc to help you navigate the challenges of extreme heat with ease.