Water Balance

Water Balancing Chemicals – Essential for Perfect Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Water Quality

Maintaining proper water balance is just as important as sanitising with chlorine. Without the right balance of pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness, your chlorine will be less effective, swimmers may experience irritation, and equipment or surfaces may suffer damage.

In this category, you’ll find high‑quality balancing chemicals designed to stabilise your water chemistry. Whether you need to raise or lower pH, adjust alkalinity, or manage calcium hardness, our products give you reliable control. Use them in combination with regular testing to keep your swimming pool or hot tub healthy, clear, and safe all season long.

Our selection includes:  

- Total Alkalinity Increasers and Reducers: Keep your water’s alkalinity in check to stabilise pH levels and prevent corrosion or scaling.  

- pH Increasers and Reducers: Adjust the pH levels of your water to stay within the optimal range, ensuring it is neither too acidic nor too alkaline.

- Calcium Hardness Increasers and Reducers: Manage your pool or spa’s calcium levels to avoid issues like cloudy water, scaling, or etching.  

Properly balanced water not only enhances swimmer comfort but also protects your pool and hot tub equipment and surfaces, extending their lifespan. Whether you’re dealing with hard or soft water or need to correct imbalances, we have got you covered with high-quality, reliable products.  

If you are unsure of any element of water treatment or dosing our experienced team are always on hand to offer help and advice on all elements of regular water treatment or problem solving - for further help and advice please do not hesitate to contact us on either 029 20 705059 or alternatively complete our enquiry form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What Is Ideal pH, Alkalinity And Calcium Hardness For A Pool?
A: For most pools, aim for pH between 7.4 and 7.6, total alkalinity around 80‑120 ppm, and calcium hardness in the range of 175‑500 ppm (depending on pool surface). These levels help maintain water clarity and protect equipment.

Q: Which Should I Adjust First: Alkalinity Or pH?
A: Always adjust total alkalinity first. If alkalinity is out of range, your pH will tend to fluctuate. Once alkalinity is stable, you can more easily fine-tune pH without large swings.

Q: How Often Should I Test Water Balance?
A: Test your pH and total alkalinity at least 2‑3 times per week during swimming season. Check calcium hardness less frequently (e.g. weekly or monthly), unless symptoms like scale or corrosion appear.

Q: How Do I Lower High pH Or Alkalinity?
A: Use a pH reducer (dry acid, sodium bisulphate, or muriatic acid) carefully and incrementally. Add in stages, allow mixing, and retest. Never add strong acid directly to the pool - always dilute first.

Q: How Do I Raise Low pH Or Alkalinity?
A: Use pH increasers (alkali, sodium carbonate) or alkalinity increaser (bicarbonate of soda) as needed. Add gradually, allow mixing, and retest before making further adjustments.

Q: What Causes Water Imbalance?
A: Rainwater, replenishing pool water, high bather load, chemical drift, or use of sanitising chemicals can shift pH, alkalinity or hardness. Regular testing and maintenance prevent extreme swings.

Q: What Happens If Water Is Poorly Balanced?
A: If pH is off, chlorine becomes less effective. Too low alkalinity may cause rapid pH changes; too high alkalinity may lead to scaling or cloudy water. Imbalanced calcium hardness can lead to corrosive water (if too low) or scale deposits (if too high).

For further help and advice on maintaining balanced swimming pool and hot tub water please visit our blog!

Swimming Pool Chemicals and Water Management

All Swim has produced a complete guide to swimming pool and spa water management. The aim of this guide is to explain step by step, the principles of maintaining safe high quality water with the minimum amount of expense and effort. The guide contains advice on general maintenance and swimming pool chemicals. You can view the complete guide to water management here.
Note: The recommendations in this guide are for domestic swimming pools and hot tubs only.

Swimming Pool Chemical Safety

• Read instructions on each swimming pool chemical product thoroughly before use
• Never mix different swimming pool chemicals
• When pre-dissolving chemicals, always add chemicals to water and never vice versa
• Always pre-dissolve chemicals in a clean plastic container
• Always handle your swimming pool chemicals in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors
• Never use unlabelled swimming pool chemicals
• Store all swimming pool chemicals in a secure, dry and cool place
• Keep chemicals away from children and animals
• Avoid spillage
• In the event of a spillage, clean up using clean receptacles and dispose of in the pool. Flush area thoroughly with a large volume of fresh water
• Before disposing of empty containers, rinse them thoroughly in the pool
• Always wash hands after handling pool chemicals