Keeping your pool in balance is very important to prevent corrosion and to help the water feel smooth like it should. The pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid are all levels that can be monitored in order to maintain good, balanced, water chemistry.

Maintaining a proper sanitizer level helps to ensure clear water, however some of the balancing categories can also directly affect water clarity. The pH and alkalinity are two closely related categories. If the pH and alkalinity are above the normal range (above 7.8 for pH or above 120 ppm for alkalinity) then your pool water may appear hazy or cloudy. If your pH and/or alkalinity are too low (under 7.2 or less than 60 ppm) then your pool water can be extremely acidic and could begin to cause damage to pool equipment. When pH is not in the correct range, it can burn your eyes, because your eyes have a pH of about 7.4.

Calcium hardness is a little known factor that can affect water chemistry. Calcium hardness is simply determined by the amount of calcium (measured in ppm) in your pool. Most city water is low in calcium. Low calcium can cause foaming issues in a pool or spa, but not always. High calcium will leave calcium deposits on equipment and can be difficult to remove. 200 to 500 ppm is the ideal range for calcium hardness.

And lastly cyanuric acid (or stabilizer) is the chemical that protects your pool water from the sun. If stabilizer is too low, then the pool will struggle to hold chlorine. If it is too high then the chlorine may not be as effective.