DFW Pool Chemistry Guide
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Pool Chemistry Quick Reference
pH Level
Ideal: 7.4
Free Chlorine
Heavy use: 2-4 ppm
Total Alkalinity
pH buffer
Calcium Hardness
DFW: Often 250+ ppm
Pool Chemistry Questions Answered
What should pool pH be?
Pool pH should be between 7.2-7.6, with 7.4 being ideal. This range ensures swimmer comfort and effective chlorine sanitization.
pH below 7.2 causes eye irritation and equipment corrosion. pH above 7.6 reduces chlorine effectiveness by 50% and causes scaling on pool surfaces.
How much chlorine should be in a pool?
Pool chlorine should be 1-3 ppm (parts per million) for residential pools. Maintain 2-4 ppm during heavy use or hot weather.
Free chlorine kills bacteria and algae. Combined chlorine (chloramines) above 0.5 ppm indicates need for shock treatment.
What is total alkalinity in pools?
Total alkalinity should be 80-120 ppm to buffer pH changes. Alkalinity acts as a pH stabilizer preventing rapid fluctuations.
Low alkalinity causes pH to bounce rapidly. High alkalinity makes pH difficult to adjust and can cause cloudy water.
How often should I test pool water?
Test pool water 2-3 times per week during swimming season. Test daily during heavy use, after rain, or when treating problems.
Regular testing prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems. Professional testing provides more accurate results than test strips.
When should I shock my pool?
Shock your pool weekly during swimming season, after heavy use, rainstorms, or when chlorine smell is strong.
Shocking breaks down chloramines that cause strong chlorine odor and eye irritation. Shock at night to prevent sun degradation.
DFW Pool Chemistry Challenges
Southlake
Challenge:
High pH source water from Lake Grapevine
Solution:
Requires 20% more acid than surrounding areas
Colleyville
Challenge:
Fertilizer runoff from luxury landscaping
Solution:
Monitor phosphates monthly, increase chlorine 0.5 ppm
Grapevine
Challenge:
Hard water and high calcium levels
Solution:
Use calcium hardness reducer, maintain pH 7.2-7.4
Pool Chemical Reference Guide
| Chemical | Purpose | Dosage | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Chlorine | Primary sanitizer | 1 gallon per 10,000 gallons raises chlorine 1 ppm | Weekly maintenance or when chlorine drops below 1 ppm |
| Muriatic Acid | Lower pH and alkalinity | 1 quart per 10,000 gallons lowers pH by 0.2 | When pH exceeds 7.6 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Raise alkalinity | 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons raises alkalinity 10 ppm | When alkalinity drops below 80 ppm |
| Calcium Hypochlorite (Shock) | Oxidize contaminants | 1 lb per 10,000 gallons for routine shocking | Weekly or when combined chlorine exceeds 0.5 ppm |
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