Waterworks Pool & Spa: The Pool & Spa Store New Windsor Homeowners Rely On

How Do I Balance the Chemicals in My Pool?

Regularly testing your pool and spa water and balancing chemicals is vital for keeping your water cleaner, clearer, and safer to swim in. If you’re getting ready for your weekly (at least) water testing, here’s what you need to know. And remember – always add chemicals one at a time and circulate the water well before adding another.

• Test your water. Use a reliable test kit or test strips to check current chemical levels. Test your water at least 2 – 3 times per week during peak usage or high heat days, and weekly during the cooler months.
• Adjust pH Level. pH measures how acidic or basic the water is, and should be between 7.2 – 7.6. If pH is too low, add sodium carbonate, and if it’s too high, add sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid.
• Set total alkalinity. Alkalinity helps stabilize the pH and should be 80 to 120 ppm. If it’s too low, add sodium bicarbonate, and if it’s too high, use muriatic acid to lower it.
• Maintain proper chlorine levels. Chlorine is your main sanitizer to kill bacteria and algae, and should be between 1.0 – 3.0 ppm. Use chlorine tablets, granules, or a saltwater chlorine generator to maintain levels.
• Check calcium hardness. This helps prevent corrosion or scale buildup, and should be between 200 – 400 ppm. If it’s too low, add calcium chloride, and if too high, partially drain and refill the pool or spa with fresh water to dilute.
• Monitor cyanuric acid. This stabilizer protects chlorine from being broken down by sunlight. It should be between 30 to 50 ppm, so add more cyanuric acid if it’s too low, and dilute your pool water if it’s too high.
• Shock the water regularly. Even if chlorine levels seem fine, shocking your pool regularly or after heavy use kills off contaminants and helps maintain balance.

Questions about balancing pool water or what chemicals you need? Stop on by – we can help.

How Do I Shock My Pool Properly?

Shocking your pool is when you add a large dose of chlorine (or non-chlorine shock) to eliminate contaminants, kill algae, and oxidize waste like sweat, sunscreen, and organic debris. 

You should shock your pool 2 – 4 times per month, after heavy use, after rainstorms, or if the water seems cloudy or dirty. You should also be shocking it at both the start and end of your pool season. After shocking your pool, you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before swimming again.

How do you shock your pool?

• Test your water. Your ideal pH before shocking is 7.2 – 7.4, which is slightly low – this will make the chlorine more effective.
• Choose the right shock. Calcium hypochlorite is the most common and best for regular shocking. Dichlor can be used if stabilizer levels are low, or you can use a non-chlorine shock.
• Calculate the amount needed. Follow the product instructions carefully – usually you’ll need 1 pound of shock per 10,000 gallons of water.
• Dissolve the shock, if necessary. Some products require pre-dissolving in a bucket of water to prevent damage to liners or surfaces.
• Add the shock to the pool. Pour the shock evenly around the perimeter.
• Run the pump. Run your pump and filter for at least 8 hours (ideally overnight) to ensure the shock product is evenly spread throughout your system.

Like we said, you’ll want to wait a full day before swimming after shocking your pool. Before diving in, be sure to re-test your chlorine levels, making sure they’re between 1 – 3 pm.

What Causes Cloudy Pool Water? How Can I Fix It?

Cloudy pool water is one of the most common pool care issues and can be caused by several factors. While it’s usually fixable, it’s important to identify the root cause to ensure you’re addressing the problem properly and effectively.

What causes cloudy water?

• Poor Filtration: Clogged or dirty filters can’t remove fine particles effectively.
• Unbalanced Water Chemistry: High pH or alkalinity can reduce chlorine effectiveness, while low sanitizer levels allow algae and bacteria to grow.
• High Calcium Hardness: Too much calcium can cause scale buildup and cloudy water.
• Algae Growth: Early stages of algae bloom can make water appear dull or cloudy.
• Debris or Organic Contaminants: Pollen, leaves, dirt, etc. can affect your water quality.
• More Frequent Pool Use: Sunscreen, body oils, and dirt cloud up the water, so it may cloudier after heavy use.

How do I fix cloudy pool water? Some options include:

• Clean, backwash, or replace filters.
• Run your pump longer (8 – 12 hours/day).
• Test and adjust pH (7.2 – 7.6), chlorine (1 – 3 ppm), and alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm).
• Maintain calcium between 200 – 400 ppm, and dilute the water if levels are too high.
• Shock the pool and brush all surfaces.
• Use a pool clarifier to bind particles together so they’re easier to filter out.
• Skim debris daily and vacuum weekly.

Reach out with questions – we’ve got the pool chemicals and products you need.

Serving New Windsor With Quality Pool & Spa Supplies Near You

New Windsor, MD is known for being a historic town, and is only around 50 miles away from Washington, D.C. Established in 1797 by Isaac Atlee, the town has evolved from a strategic crossroads into a community rich in history and community spirit.

Some places to check out include:

• New Windsor Heritage Museum, which offers insights into the town’s history and features exhibits on the Civil War era and other significant time periods. Visitors can also enjoy a walking tour of the downtown area to appreciate its historical architecture.
• Local Homestead Products, a popular spot for visitors that provides a variety of local goods and products that reflect the town’s heritage.
• Strawbridge Methodist Shrine, a site of historical and religious significance, attracting visitors interested in its heritage and architecture.
• The Dielman Inn, a historic inn that provides a glimpse into the town’s past, offering a unique setting for dining and events.

Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, participating in community events, or simply enjoying the charm of a small Maryland town, New Windsor offers a variety of experiences for visitors and residents alike. 

We serve New Windsor residents, as well as those living nearby in Frederick, Green Valley, Owings Mills, Randallstown, Milford Mill, Pikesville, Lochearn, and more with the best pool and spa supplies near you. Reach out now!