A straightforward guide to reading the chemical levels on the side of your test strips bottle
Key Takeaways:
• Regular water testing with Bestway test strips is essential to maintaining clear pool water
• Adjust chemical levels (like pH, Free Chlorine, Total Alkalinity and Stabilizer) using treatments like chlorine, borax and baking soda
• Additional chemicals (like Algaecide, Iron Myte Mineral Fighter and Pool Shine Clarifier) may be necessary to improve water clarity
• Establish a weekly maintenance routine to keep chemicals balanced and avoid unexpected issues
The key to maximizing a summer of memories is maintaining the correct balance of above ground pool chemicals. In three easy steps, you can keep your pool water crystal-clear, just the way it should be!
Let’s break down Step 1: Test - understanding the base you’re starting from is imperative to maintaining the appropriate chemical levels. Every day or every couple of days, pull out your test strips (included with the Bestway® pool chemical kit), stick one in the water for a few seconds, and compare the results to the colors noted on the bottle. Then, use the information below to understand the meaning of each color.
pH
The pH level indicates the overall acidity of your pool water – the sweet spot is 7.2-8.0. Working in tandem with the Free Chlorine levels, you can increase the pH level by adding more chlorine. Use the Shock X-Tra when first setting up your pool or when doing a deep clean and use the chlorine tablets for ongoing maintenance. You can also use borax to increase the pH levels or muriatic acid to lower them (both found at your local pool supply or hardware store).
Free Chlorine
The Free Chlorine level measures the sanitation of the water, and yours should be at 1-3 ppm (parts per million). Chlorine chemicals work to kill germs and bacteria to keep the pool clean for swimming. If your pH or Free Chlorine is coming back too low, add more chlorine. If it’s coming back too high, try adding more water to dilute the chemicals.
Total Alkalinity
The Total Alkalinity level tells you how many chemicals are in the pool that are helping to stabilize the pH level – you want 50-90 ppm. Your pH and Total Alkalinity should naturally balance each other out. To raise the Total Alkalinity of your pool, add in some baking soda, and to lower it, add some muriatic acid.
Stabilizer
Also known as cyanuric acid or CYA, the Stabilizer level should remain consistent (at 30-90 ppm if using chlorine or 60-90 ppm if using salt), unless you add additional fresh water to your pool. Stabilizer allows chlorine to last longer, especially under a hot sun. Most forms of chemical tablets have stabilizer added, so it should be where it needs to be if you’re maintaining the appropriate chlorine levels. To increase the Stabilizer, add in cyanuric acid (found at your local pool supply or hardward store), and to lower it, add more water to dilute the chlorine.
The Bestway pool chemical kit also includes Algaecide, Iron Myte Mineral Fighter and Pool Shine Clarifier to help with pool water health. The test strips won’t tell you when it’s time to use these – you'll just have to rely on your eyes!
If you’re not sure why your pool water is turning green, check out some of our additional tips.
Algaecide
Algaecide reduces the amount of algae in your pool water. For best results, this chemical should be added once a week (in addition to your regular chlorine maintenance) and after each Shock treatment.
Iron Myte Mineral Fighter
Iron is another mineral to watch out for in your water. It can even turn your water green if not properly maintained, especially if you live in the Midwest or use well-water to fill your pool. Use it when you first fill your pool (about 4 ounces per 10,000 gal. of water) to prevent future issues and then as needed when you're noticing a green tint.
Pool Shine Clarifier
If you notice that your pool water isn’t as clear as you would like it, add in some Pool Shine Clarifier. It will bond to and enlarge tiny particles of debris to allow your filter pump to catch them, returning your water to crystal-clear perfection.
Once you’ve Step 1: Tested your water, Step 2: Maintain (which you might have also done while reading this guide) and Step 3: Enjoy will be a breeze! Establish a weekly pool routine to keep maintenance quick and easy, so you can spend the majority of your summer days making memories with your family in an above ground pool!
