The swimming pool water can be considered chemically balanced when the Total of Alkalinity, the pH and the calcic hardness are within the required rate and steady.

     The Total of Alkalinity is the sum of the concentrations of several alkaline salts dissolved in the water. These salts react with acids, neutralizing them, making the pH unstable. When the Total of Alkalinity is below 100ppm, the swimming pool will be subject to present erosions on the metallic equipments and instability of the pH.

     When the Total of Alkalinity is above 120 ppm, the swimming pool will be subject to present incrustations, turbidity and abrupt elevation of the pH. The ideal rate of the Total of Alkalinity is between 100 and 120 ppm.

    To elevate the Total of Alkalinity, use MULTCLOR 3 IN 1 TEST STRIP and verify in the table below the necessary amount of MULTCLOR ALKALINITY ELEVATOR to be previously used. Dissolve beforehand the product in a plastic recipient with the own swimming pool water spreading evenly on the whole surface. Filter from 6 to 12 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions), measure the alkalinity again. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

    To reduce the Total of Alkalinity, use the MULTCLOR 3 IN 1 TEST STRIP and verify in the table bellow the necessary amount of MULTCLOR pH AND ALKALINITY REDUCER to be previously used. Dissolve beforehand the product in a plastic recipient with the own swimming pool water and apply the appropriated amount carefully on a one place or some parts of the swimming pool, far from the walls.

     Filter from 6 to 12 hours (or according to the manufacturer's instructions), measure the alkalinity again. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

    The pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure that finds out if the water is acid (low pH), neutral (pH = 7.0) or alkaline (high pH).

    The pH scale varies from 0 to 14.0. When the pH is low (below 7.4), the fast degradation of the chlorine (committing its disinfecting action and increasing its demand), metallic surfaces erosion, eyes burning and wrinkling of vinyl swimming pools can take place. When the pH is high (above 7.6), reduction of the chlorine efficiency (committing its disinfecting action), development of incrustations, eyes burning and water haziness can take place.

    In swimming pools, the pH ought to be maintained between 7.4 and 7.6. Maintaining the pH within the ideal rate provides larger comfort to the swimmers, effective performance of the chemical products in the disinfection process and safety of metallic equipments.

    To elevate the pH, use the MULTCLOR 3 IN 1 TEST STRIP and verify in the table bellow the necessary amount of pH ELEVATOR to be used. Dissolve previously the product in a plastic recipient with the own swimming pool water and apply the appropriate amount carefully in a one point or some parts of the swimming pool, far from the walls. Filter from 6 to 12 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions), measure the alkalinity again. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

    To reduce the pH, use the MULTCLOR 3 IN 1 TEST STRIP and verify in the table bellow the necessary amount of MULTCLOR pH AND ALKALINITY REDUCER to be used. Dissolve previously the product in a plastic recipient with the own swimming pool water and apply the appropriate amount carefully in an one point or some parts of the swimming pool, far from the walls. Filter from 6 to 12 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions), measure the alkalinity again. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

    The Calcic Hardness is represented by the sum of the concentrations of several salts of calcium dissolved in the water. These salts mix themselves with the alkalinity and depending on the pH it can make insoluble complex that cause several problems.

    When the Calcic Hardness is below 200 ppm, besides presenting opacity, the swimming pool will be subject to erosions in metallic equipments and materials that contain calcium, as mortar of the caulk, cement, lime, plaster, etc.

    When the Calcic Hardness is above 400 ppm, the swimming pool will be subject to present calcic incrustations in the heaters and other surfaces, turbidity of the water, besides reducing the efficiency of the disinfectant. The ideal strip of the Hardness Calcic in swimming pools is between 200 and 400 ppm.

    To elevate the Calcic Hardness, use appropriate measuring device and verify in the table bellow the necessary amount of MULTCLOR CALCIC MINERAL BRIGHTENER to be used. Dissolve previously the product in a plastic recipient with the own swimming pool water spreading evenly on the whole surface. Filter from 6 to 12 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions), measure the Calcic Hardness again. If necessary repeat the procedure.

    When the Calcic Hardness is above the recommended rate, (causing problems in the balancing of the total of alkalinity and pH), it is recommended to reduce it through discard and replacement of water. The process is simple and it can be made in stages, if possible during the aspiration process or backwashing of the filter in the drainage position. To calculate the amount of water to be restored, follow the formula below:

Where:
VR = water volume to be used in the replacement
VP = swimming pool water volume