Maintaining perfect pool chemistry can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when mysterious water issues arise. Chemical imbalances not only make your pool uninviting but can also damage equipment and pose health risks. As Essex’s leading pool maintenance experts, we’ve identified the five most common chemical imbalances and how to fix them – so you can enjoy crystal-clear water all season.
1. Low Chlorine Levels
When chlorine drops too low, your pool becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. You’ll notice cloudy water, slippery surfaces, or even visible algae growth.
How to Fix It:
- Test chlorine levels daily during peak swimming season
- Add chlorine shock treatment according to pool volume
- Consider installing a saltwater chlorinator for consistent levels
- Check stabiliser (cyanuric acid) levels – low stabiliser causes chlorine to dissipate faster
2. High pH Levels
pH above 7.8 makes chlorine less effective and can cause scale formation on pool surfaces and equipment. Swimmers may experience eye irritation.
How to Fix It:
- Use pH reducer (sodium bisulfate) following package instructions
- Run the filtration system for 4-6 hours after treatment
- Test pH again after 24 hours
- Consider installing an automatic pH controller for luxury pools
3. Low Alkalinity
Total alkalinity below 80 ppm causes pH levels to fluctuate wildly, making chemical balance nearly impossible to maintain.
How to Fix It:
- Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise alkalinity
- Add small amounts (500g per 50,000 litres) and retest after 6 hours
- Aim for alkalinity between 80-120 ppm
- Balance alkalinity before adjusting pH for more stable results
4. Calcium Hardness Issues
Both low and high calcium hardness cause problems. Low levels (<200 ppm) can damage plaster surfaces, while high levels (>400 ppm) cause scaling.
How to Fix It:
- For low hardness: Add calcium chloride incrementally
- For high hardness: Partially drain and refill with softer water
- Use a sequestering agent to manage existing scale
- Maintain 200-400 ppm for fibreglass pools, 200-275 ppm for plaster
5. High Chloramine Levels
That strong “chlorine smell” actually indicates chloramines – ineffective chlorine compounds that irritate eyes and skin.
How to Fix It:
- Shock the pool with 3-5 times the normal chlorine dose
- Run the pump continuously until levels normalise
- Consider non-chlorine shock for sensitive swimmers
- Improve circulation to prevent “dead spots” where chloramines form
Preventative Maintenance Tips
The best way to handle chemical imbalances is to prevent them. Our chemical balancing service includes:
- Weekly professional testing with digital analysers
- Automated chemical dosing systems for precise control
- Seasonal adjustment plans for changing weather conditions
- Comprehensive water analysis to catch issues early
When to Call the Professionals
While many chemical issues can be resolved DIY, call our experts if you experience:
- Persistent cloudiness despite proper chemical levels
- Recurring algae blooms
- Equipment corrosion or scaling
- Skin irritation among swimmers
- Difficulty maintaining stable pH/alkalinity
Proper chemical balance transforms your pool from a maintenance headache to a sparkling oasis. By understanding these common imbalances and their solutions, you’ll enjoy cleaner water, lower maintenance costs, and happier swimmers. For complete peace of mind, consider our professional chemical balancing services – we handle the chemistry so you can focus on enjoying your pool.