Water Chemistry

Water Balance

Langelier Saturation Index

Service Plans

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LSI is a scientific measure used to assess the balance of your pool’s water chemistry and is calculated based on five factors: pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Water Temperature.

We aim to maintain an optimal LSI range between -0.3 and +0.3. This balance ensures your pool water remains stable, which helps with:

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Protecting your pool equipment

Optimal pool maintenance entails a careful harmony between scaling and corrosion, preserving the integrity of pipes, heaters, salt cells, and other equipment. Elevate your pool care with our meticulous approach for long-lasting protection and equipment durability.

Protecting your pool surfaces

Maintaining a well-balanced pool water chemistry not only enhances swimming comfort but also extends the longevity of your pool surfaces like plaster, liner, and tile, ensuring they withstand the test of time; we can help you with that.

Happy Swimming

Effective pool maintenance and proactive water chemistry management contribute to a safer and more enjoyable swimming experience by minimizing unnecessary harsh chemicals and reducing the risks associated with overdosing.

At Swim Happy CA we use industry leading water testing technology that enables us to accurately balance and sanitize your pool water.

According to Robert Lowry:
“[ORP] is a measurement of a body of water’s ability to oxidize contaminants. Measured with an electrode and electronic meter. It is an indication of the sanitizing level or degree of safety from disease in the water. Measured in millivolts with the accepted minimum level being 650mV.”

Proven water analysis

Our Services Pro Tips

Understanding Scale and Corrosion in Pool Water

What Can Affect Your Water Chemistry?

Scale forms when your pool water becomes too alkaline, while corrosion occurs when the water turns acidic.

Factors like weather conditions and the use or over use of certain pool chemicals, along with their byproducts, can contribute to these scaling or corrosive effects, disrupting your pool’s water chemistry.

Proper water balance is key to maintaining a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.

Debris can significantly affect the water chemistry in a swimming pool, here’s how:

1. pH Imbalance: Organic matter from leaves and branches can lower the pool’s pH level as it decomposes, leading to acidic water conditions.

2. Alkalinity Fluctuations: Debris can also impact total alkalinity, which helps stabilize pH levels, making it more difficult to maintain balanced water chemistry.

3. Chlorine Demand: Decomposing organic material increases the demand for chlorine, as it reacts with debris to sanitize the water, leading to faster depletion of chlorine levels.

4. Algae Growth: Debris can introduce organic nutrients, such as phosphates, which fuel algae growth, especially if chlorine levels drop.

5. Staining: Leaves, especially from trees like oak or maple, can release tannins, which can stain pool surfaces or liners, giving them a brown or yellow tint.

6. Filtration Issues: Tree debris can clog skimmers, filters, and pumps, reducing their efficiency and increasing the risk of imbalanced water chemistry.

To prevent these issues:

• Skim the pool regularly to remove visible debris.

• Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use, especially during fall or windy conditions.

• Clean the filtration system frequently.

• Test and adjust water chemistry weekly or after significant debris events.

• Consider using an enzyme treatment to help break down organic materials.

Sodium bicarbonate plays a crucial role in maintaining water balance, particularly in terms of alkalinity, which is a key factor in the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). Here’s how it helps, especially during winter when water tends to become more aggressive and corrosive:

1. Boosting Alkalinity: Sodium bicarbonate increases total alkalinity, which buffers the water against rapid pH changes. Proper alkalinity levels (typically between 80-120 ppm) stabilize the pH and prevent it from becoming too acidic or too basic.

2. pH Stabilization: In the winter, colder water temperatures can make water more likely to dissolve calcium carbonate, leading to corrosive conditions. Sodium bicarbonate helps stabilize the pH in the ideal range 7.4–7.8 by preventing it from dropping too low. A low pH environment would otherwise increase water’s aggressiveness, leading to the corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment.

3. Improving LSI: The LSI is a calculated number used to determine if water is balanced, scaling, or corrosive. Sodium bicarbonate directly impacts the carbonate alkalinity part of the LSI equation, a critical component for maintaining balance. For winter water, where the temperature factor lowers the LSI, boosting alkalinity with sodium bicarbonate helps counteract this drop, keeping the LSI closer to 0, which is the ideal balanced state.

4. Protecting Pool Surfaces and Equipment: Aggressive water with low alkalinity and pH will dissolve calcium carbonate from plaster surfaces and grout, leading to etching and corrosion of metal parts. Sodium bicarbonate prevents this by maintaining appropriate alkalinity and buffering capacity.

Winter Challenges:

• Colder temperatures reduce the LSI value, often making water more aggressive.

• Sodium bicarbonate is especially useful because it’s a mild alkali and raises alkalinity without causing a sharp pH spike (unlike sodium carbonate).By using sodium bicarbonate, we effectively manage aggressive water conditions, protecting pool surfaces and ensuring longevity of the system even in colder months.

As temperatures drop in the winter, your pool water can become more corrosive, especially if the pH level dips. Cold water naturally tends to have lower pH, which can lead to imbalances that damage your pool plaster and equipment over time.

Calcium plays a key role in balancing your water chemistry during these colder months. By maintaining proper calcium levels, you can help stabilize the water, preventing it from becoming overly aggressive. Balanced water protects your pool’s plaster, pipes, and equipment, ensuring your pool stays in great condition all year round.

Regular testing and adjustments to calcium levels during winter are essential for keeping your pool healthy and avoiding costly repairs.

Solar Ionizers, metal based Algaecides and mineral-based pool maintenance solutions may offer some convenience in keeping swimming pool water clean, but they have some potential downsides to consider:

1. Staining on Pool Surfaces: Solutions that contain copper, which can cause staining on pool surfaces, especially if the pool water’s pH or alkalinity levels are not properly balanced. Overuse or improper application may increase the risk of stains.

2. Green Hair Discoloration (Copper Reactions): High copper levels in the water can bind to hair, causing a green tint, especially in individuals with lighter hair colors.

3. Limited Effectiveness in Unbalanced Water: These systems requires consistent water chemistry to work effectively. Poor pH, alkalinity, or chlorine levels can reduce their efficacy.

4. Overuse (“more is better”): Adding too much algaecide, or many units of these devices or their prolonged use can lead to excessive mineral levels, which may be difficult to balance and require dilution of the water. (Draining or treating with metal sequestrants is costly)

5. Not a Standalone Solution: While these simple solutions reduce the need for chlorine and other chemicals, they do not eliminate them entirely. Proper sanitation with chlorine or another sanitizer is still necessary.

6. Compatibility with Certain Pool Types: Pools with delicate surfaces like vinyl liners may face discoloration or damage from mineral buildup. It’s crucial to follow usage guidelines carefully.

7. Filter Compatibility Issues: Mineral and metal residue from these units can build up in filters, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance.

How to Minimize Risks? Don’t use them, please.

Have Questions?

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Let us take the hassle out of pool care! We’ll come directly to your home, conduct a professional water test, and provide you with a detailed assessment of your pool’s condition. Don’t wait—schedule your personalized evaluation today and keep your pool in top shape!