What are the elements of water balance?

First element: Ph or Hydrogen potential

The equilibrium of water is based on three fundamental elements, namely its hydrogen potential or pH, its hardness or Th and its alkalinity or TAC. This balance guarantees the quality of the water, the durability of all installations and the performance of the different treatments used.

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a/ The acidity and basicity of the water depend on the pH, which changes according to several criteria. The pH drops when the pool is regularly used or when it receives acid rain. The pH is up when the temperature is high, when the water is replaced or when the water receives disinfecting products (calcium hypochlorite for example).

b/ We have an acid pH when the value is below 7 and a basic pH when it is above 7.

c/ The ph must be corrected using pH minus if it is too high and pH plus if it is too low.

d/ These rectification products (pH plus and ph minus) are in the form of powder to be poured into the pool skimmer while the filtration system is running. The best time to pour them is in the evening, after swimming.

o It is necessary to find the right pH balance before disinfecting the water.

o   The ideal pH depends on the treatment chosen: between 7.2 and 7.4 for chlorine treatment, between 7.4 and 7.6 for bromine treatment, and between 7.0 and 7.4 for active oxygen treatment.

o   The use of chloridric acid is prohibited in an attempt to lower the pH. This element will disturb the balance of the water and rapidly deteriorate the installations of your pool.

o   You should opt for pH Minus and pH plus Liquid if your pool is equipped with an automatic pH regulator.

Second element: the Th or hydrotimetric title

Th measures the amount of several elements in water, including calcium ion, magnesium, iron, aluminum, strontium and manganese. This measurement is made in French degrees, and is called "hard" if the quantity is high, and "soft" if the quantity is low.

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a/. The ideal Th level is between 15 and 25 degrees F. Too high a level can damage walls, piping and filtration systems.

b/ This Th level must be corrected to avoid damage (appearance of limestone on the walls) and to maintain the quality of the equipment. The idea is to use an anti-limestone product.

Third element: the TAC or Complete Alkalometric Titre

The TAC is the element that informs the alkalinity of the water through the amount of bicarbonates and carbonates contained in the water.

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a/ When we speak of the TAC, we refer to the water's buffering capacity or its ability to withstand an acidic or basic product on the pH of the water. If the TAC is high, it will be complicated to balance the pH of the water.

b/ The ideal TAC value is between 10°F and 20°F. The use of ALCAPLUS or ALKANAL is essential to increase the TAC by 1°F (with a dosage of 170g/10m3 of water).