Balanced water is the difference between a pool that’s inviting and one that’s cloudy, green, or hard on skin and eyes. This hub covers the core chemistry every Australian pool owner needs — chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and the fixes for the most common problems — with dosing calculators to take the guesswork out of it.
What You’ll Find In This Guide
- Chlorine, pH, alkalinity and salt basics explained simply
- Fixing cloudy, green or algae-affected water
- Dosing chemicals correctly and safely
- Testing your water and reading the results
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are pool test strips?
Test strips are convenient but less precise than a liquid test kit or digital tester, especially for chlorine and pH. They’re fine for a quick daily check; use a liquid kit or take a sample to a pool shop for a more accurate weekly reading.
How long after adding acid to a pool can you swim?
Most guidance recommends waiting at least 30-60 minutes after adding acid (and until it’s fully circulated and pH has re-tested within the safe 7.2-7.6 range) before swimming. Always follow the specific product label.
How long after adding salt to a pool can you swim?
You can generally swim once the salt has fully dissolved and circulated, usually a few hours with the pump running. Undissolved salt sitting on the pool floor can be uncomfortable underfoot in the meantime.
How do I remove algae from my pool floor?
Brush the affected area to break up the algae, shock-dose the pool with chlorine, then run the filter continuously until the water clears, vacuuming out dead algae as needed.
How do I raise pH and alkalinity in my pool?
Soda ash (sodium carbonate) raises pH, while sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) raises total alkalinity with a smaller effect on pH. Add gradually and retest before adding more — overshooting is a common mistake.
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