Adjusting Pool And Spa Chemistry
Adjusting pool and spa chemistry* is essential for maintaining a healthy swimming environment. Follow this general guide to achieve and maintain the proper water chemistry in your pool or spa. The water chemistry should be tested and adjusted regularly to maintain safe levels.
General pH Information:
pH is the single most important factor in swimming pool water. This affects every chemical balance in pool water. pH indicates the relative acidity or alkalinity of water. pH is measured on a scale of 0 (high acidity) to 14 (high alkalinity). Neither extreme of this scale is safe to plant or animal life and may cause burns. While ACID Magic’s pH is well below 1, it has been modified to prevent chemical burns to intact skin. The optimal pH range is a slightly alkaline pH of 7.2 to 7.8. pH levels above 8.0 may inhibit bather comfort, causing rash and irritation upon skin contact and eye contact, and may cause minerals to fall out of solution, making water cloudy. ACID Magic should not be used to aid or effect any pool disinfectant product or other water modifier.
• pH must be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. The most desirable level for pH is between 7.4 and 7.6. Test pools and spas regularly to maintain proper levels.* The pH is lowered by adding ACID Magic. Carefully add ACID Magic at the deep end of the pool and avoid pouring ACID Magic near pool walls or fittings.
• Source water alkalinity can vary from region to region.
• Run acid demand test to determine appropriate amount of ACID Magic to add to pool water to reach desired level.
• Consult your pool and spa service professional with questions regarding pH adjustment in your area.
• ACID Magic is certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 60 for use as a drinking water treatment chemical.
• Raising pH – Consult your pool system specifications and utilize the recommended chemical to raise the pH.
Total alkalinity is a measure of water’s resistance to change in pH. Expressed in parts per million (ppm), total alkalinity is the result of alkaline materials including carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides. This acid neutralizing capacity of water is desirable because it helps prevent wide variations in pH whenever small amounts of acid or alkali are added to the pool.
• Total alkalinity should be maintained in the range of 60 to 180 ppm.
• If total alkalinity is too low – pH changes rapidly when chemicals or impurities enter the water. When this occurs pH may drop rapidly, causing etching and corrosion. It can also cause the pH to rise quickly which can cause the water to cloud.
• If total alkalinity is too high – pH becomes difficult to adjust. A high pH level can lead to other problems such as cloudy water, scale formation, and filter problems.
• Lowering total alkalinity – Total alkalinity can be lowered by adding ACID Magic. Because of regional source water differences, contact your local pool and spa service professional for recommendations on proper dosage.
• Raising total alkalinity – Consult your pool system specifications and utilize the recommended chemical to raise the total alkalinity.
• While using ACID Magic, protective eyewear and gloves are always required.
• ACID Magic is a hydrochloric/muriatic acid (HCl) based product, and is not recommended for all pool liners. Consult your pool liner manufacturer for compatibility.
• Active ventilation is required when working indoors.
