Spring into summer with a sparkling, safe pool by focusing on three simple pillars: Water Balance, Circulation, and Filtration.
Test and adjust weekly.
- Why: Chemical levels shift fast with swimmers, sun, and heat.
- Do: Use a reliable test kit/strips for chlorine (or bromine) pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. Aim for pH 7.2–7.6 and free chlorine 2ppm–4ppm.
Keep filtration running efficiently.
- Why: Most contamination is mechanical (debris, oils, biofilm) that chemicals can’t fully handle alone.
- Do: Run the pump 8–12 hours/day when warm; backwash or clean filters per manufacturer’s guidelines. Skim daily and vacuum weekly to reduce load on your system.
Shock and balance weekly.
- Why: Shocking prevents chloramine buildup and cloudy water after heavy use or storms.
- Do: Shock after pool parties, heavy rain, or when combined chlorine rises.
Watch temperature and stabilizer levels.
- Why: Warm water increases sanitizer demand; stabilizers (CYA) protect chlorine from UV but reduce its effective power. Stabilizer should be between 20ppm–70ppm for best results.
- Do: Keep water temp in mind for dosing and maintain CYA in recommended ranges for your sanitizer type.
Prevent corrosion and scaling.
- Why: Imbalanced hardness or pH damages equipment and surfaces.
- Do: Keep total alkalinity 80ppm–120ppm adjusted. Keep calcium hardness between 200ppm–600ppm. Use sequestrants if metals are present.
Follow safety and seasonal pro tips.
- Why: Prevention beats emergency repairs.
- Do: Inspect safety gear, cover when unused, and schedule a pro tune-up if you notice persistent algae, unexplained water loss, or equipment noise.
When to call a pro: persistent cloudy water after standard steps, recurring algae, pump/filter failures, or if you’re unsure about chemical swings. Small, consistent actions every week keep your pool healthy all season, which means less work, fewer surprises, more swim days.
To learn more, visit Champion Pool and Spa Supply at 9160 S. Houghton Rd. #130 in Tucson or call 520-829-6400. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
