Common Chemical Imbalances and Their Solutions
Maintaining a well-balanced pool is essential for both the health of your pool and the safety of those who enjoy it. If you're a pool owner in Palm Beach County, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, or Indian River County, understanding common chemical imbalances and how to correct them can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you're located in Port Saint Lucie, Stuart, or Jupiter Island, this guide will help you keep your pool water clear, safe, and inviting.
1. pH Imbalance
What It Is:
pH refers to how acidic or alkaline the water is. The ideal pH level for your pool is between 7.4 and 7.6. If the pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), it can lead to problems with the pool surface, equipment, and sanitizers.
Common Causes:
High pH: Overuse of alkaline chemicals like baking soda.
Low pH: Adding too much acid or heavy rain.
Solution:
High pH: Add a pH decreaser, such as muriatic acid.
Low pH: Add a pH increaser, like soda ash or baking soda.
2. Chlorine Imbalance
What It Is:
Chlorine is crucial for sanitizing the pool and keeping it free from bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. The ideal chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm (parts per million).
Common Causes:
High chlorine: Overuse of chlorine products or shock treatments.
Low chlorine: Low pool circulation, high organic contamination, or an overworked filter.
Solution:
High Chlorine: Allow the chlorine to dissipate naturally by turning off the chlorinator or allowing the pool to sit uncovered for a few days.
Low Chlorine: Add chlorine tablets or shock the pool to raise the level.
3. Alkalinity Imbalance
What It Is:
Alkalinity measures the ability of your pool water to resist changes in pH. The ideal range is 80-120 ppm. Low alkalinity can lead to pH fluctuations, while high alkalinity can make it difficult to adjust pH.
Common Causes:
Low Alkalinity: Heavy rain, too much acid, or excessive use of chemicals like pH decreasers.
High Alkalinity: Overuse of alkaline chemicals like baking soda.
Solution:
Low Alkalinity: Add an alkalinity increaser, such as sodium bicarbonate.
High Alkalinity: Add muriatic acid to bring it down to a safe range.
4. Calcium Hardness Imbalance
What It Is:
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water. The ideal range is 200-400 ppm. If the calcium hardness is too low, your pool can be corrosive to pool surfaces and equipment. If it's too high, you risk cloudy water and scaling on pool surfaces.
Common Causes:
Low Calcium: Filling the pool with soft water, or using an excessive amount of water softeners.
High Calcium: High calcium content in the fill water or excessive use of hard water.
Solution:
Low Calcium: Add calcium chloride to raise the calcium hardness.
High Calcium: Use a calcium hardness reducer to bring levels back to normal.
5. Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) Imbalance
What It Is:
Cyanuric acid, also known as stabilizer, helps chlorine last longer by protecting it from being broken down by UV rays. The ideal range is 30-50 ppm.
Common Causes:
Low Stabilizer: Regular rainfall, excessive backwashing, or not adding stabilizer after filling the pool.
High Stabilizer: Overuse of stabilizer, leading to chlorine not being able to work effectively.
Solution:
Low Stabilizer: Add cyanuric acid to increase levels.
High Stabilizer: The only solution for high stabilizer is draining a portion of the pool water and refilling it with fresh water.
6. Metal Contamination (Iron, Copper)
What It Is:
Metals like iron or copper can get into your pool water from various sources, such as well water, old plumbing, or pool equipment. They can cause staining or cloudiness in the water.
Common Causes:
Iron: Often from well water or old metal equipment.
Copper: Caused by using copper-based algaecides or corroding heaters.
Solution:
Iron: Use a metal sequestrant to bind and remove metals from the water.
Copper: A metal remover or stain remover can help eliminate copper contamination.
Regular Pool Maintenance
Whether you're in Vero Beach, Sebastian, or Tequesta, consistent testing and chemical balancing are key to preventing long-term issues. Regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and inspections help ensure that your pool remains safe and inviting for you and your family.
About Orchid Pools
At Orchid Pools, we provide reliable and professional pool service throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, and Indian River County. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Palm City, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Island, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Juno.
We also serve many neighborhoods across the Treasure Coast, including White City, Indian River Estates, Lakewood Park, Sewall’s Point, Saint Lucie West, Tradition, Southbend Lakes, Riverland, Sandhill Crossing, Verano, Hutchinson Island South, and Ocean Breeze.
Orchid Pools offers a complete range of residential pool services, including:
Regular cleaning and chemical balancing
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Algae and shock treatments
Pump repair and replacement
Filter system and heater repairs
Leak detection and repair
Skimmer and return line repairs
Pool lighting repair
Pool resurfacing, replastering, and regrouting
Saltwater conversions and salt cell cleaning
Green-to-clean services
Professional pool inspections
For dependable, expert pool care, call Orchid Pools today.
