POOL WATER BALANCERS
WATER BALANCERS
Everything is about balance — and maintaining a great pool is no different. Water balancers are an essential part of keeping your pool healthy and crystal clear.
What needs to be balanced in a pool?
You probably already know that you need to add chlorine to a pool to keep gunk and organisms from thriving, but there are some other components of pool water that you need to familiarize yourself with as well (because they help the chlorine do its job):
- pH
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
Why is pH important in a pool?
Thanks to the litmus paper strips from school, you’re likely familiar with pH — how acidic or basic a liquid is. The pH scale goes from 1 to 14 with acids on the low end and bases on the upper end and 7 being neutral. The optimal range for pool water is a pH of 7.2 to 7.6 — which would be slightly basic. pH is important to your pool water’s chemistry because if it’s too acidic, it will quickly deplete the chlorine, and if it’s too basic, it can corrode surfaces/equipment and irritate skin.
Why is alkalinity important in a pool?
Related to the pH of your pool, alkalinity is how much of an alkali (a base that dissolves in water like soda ash or baking soda) is present in your water. The optimal range for alkalinity is between 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
Why is hardness important in a pool?
Calcium hardness (the hardness or softness) is another vital component of pool water and will vary based on the water in your area. Balance is important here too: water that is too hard can corrode pool equipment (and expensive stuff like pumps and liners), while water that is too soft can cause calcium to leach from the pool walls or grout (creating another expensive problem). The optimal level of calcium hardness in a pool’s water is between 180 to 220 ppm (parts per million).
If you’re not interested in doing postgraduate work in chemistry, don’t fret. We can test your water for free and prescribe a routine perfect for your pool.
BioGuard Balance Pak 100
BioGuard Balance Pak 100 is used to raise total alkalinity. Maintaining proper total alkalinity prevents pH from bouncing due to rain, bather load, and other chemical applications. Low alkalinity may also cause pool water to be corrosive to the metal and plastic with which it comes in contact.
BioGuard Balance Pak 200
BioGuard Balance Pak 200 raises pH in pool water. Keeping your pool’s pH level balanced helps prevent equipment corrosion, etching of plaster, and wrinkling of liners caused by low pH. It is also important to swimmer comfort as it prevents eye irritation due to low pH.
BioGuard Balance Pak 300
BioGuard Balance Pak 300 is a calcium hardness increaser. This product boosts calcium hardness to help prevent equipment corrosion, etching of plaster and wrinkling of liners. It has a unique palletized formulation which means faster dissolving and less cloudiness.
BioGuard Lo ‘N Slo
BioGuard Lo ‘N Slo reduces pH and total alkalinity in pool water. This product is generally easier to use and store than liquid muriatic acid. Keeping your pool’s pH level balanced is not only important for swimmer comfort; it also helps keep your equipment and pool finish in good condition. Swimmers may return to the pool only 15 minutes after application.
BioGuard Stabilizer 100
BioGuard Stabilizer 100 is a granular, totally soluble product that prevents free chlorine residual loss due to sunlight. Without Stabilizer 100, chlorine quickly dissipates and consumption increases. This product is formulated to reduce maintenance costs and chlorine consumption. It is intended only for outdoor, chlorinated pools.
BioGuard Instant Stabilizer 100
BioGuard Instant Stabilizer 100 (1 gal) prevents the flood of free chlorine due to sunlight. This quick-dissolving formula is easier to apply than granular stabilizer. Protecting your chlorine with this product reduces chlorine consumption and maintenance costs.
BioGuard Pool Magnet Plus
BioGuard Pool Magnet Plus prevents staining due to iron, copper and manganese. It also eliminates discolored water from metals. It is only necessary to be used monthly because it stays effective for 3-4 weeks. It is recommended to use Pool Magnet Plus in conjunction with BioGuard Sparkle Up to remove metals from the water.
BioGuard Scale Inhibitor
BioGuard Scale Inhibitor prevents scale build-up from high calcium levels. It also prevents stains caused by iron, copper and manganese. Regular use of this new concentrated formula prevents scale build-up on pool surfaces, piping, filtration, and heating elements. This product will not affect pH. Scale Inhibitor will continue working 3-4 weeks after application.
Water Balancers Purchasing Guide
Zagers carries a full range of balancers to keep your pool on the level. The best fit for your pool depends on a range of factors — from the type of pool you have to how much sun it receives to the hardness of the water in your area.
In addition to regular maintenance water balancers, we carry the kits you’ll need as a Michigander/Michiganian (we’re equal opportunity) to safely close down your pool for the winter and open it up in the spring.