Making sure that your pool chemicals are balanced during the winter is very important. Chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels should all be checked and regulated so that spring opening is easier. The following levels should be maintained throughout the winter.

Chlorine: 2.0 ppm

• To raise the chlorine level, you should shock the pool.
• To lower the chlorine level, you should turn down your chlorinator.

pH: 7.8 ppm (or 7.4 ppm in summer)

• To raise the pH level, add soda ash.
• To lower the pH level, add muriatic acid.

Total Alkalinity: 80-100 ppm

• To raise total alkalinity, add baking soda or sodium bicarbonate
• To lower total alkalinity, add muriatic acid

Calcium Hardness: 250-500 ppm

• To raise calcium hardness, add calcium chloride.
• To lower calcium hardness, drain your pool and refill.

Stabilizer:

• To raise stabilizer level, add cyanuric acid.
• To lower stabilizer level, drain your pool and refill.

To test your chemical levels, you can either take a sample of pool water to your local pool retailer or save time and money by testing it yourself. With an Aquachek Digital Reader, you can test your pool water quickly and accurately on your own. It takes only 15 seconds to get a clear and precise reading.