Why are Alkalinity and Hardness levels essential to check?
Alkalinity and hardness are two fundamental parameters involved in the balance of your water and therefore, the quality of your swimming. They guarantee stable water for the pool and the swimmers.
Alcalinity? Hardness? Wut?
In general, we are mainly talking about pH and chlorine levels. However, other parameters also come into play in the proper management of your pool or spa.
Alkalinity, or Total Alkalinity Titer (TAC), is the concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate ions in water. The alkalinity of the water acts as a buffer to the pH of the water. If the alkalinity of the water is too low, then the pH will be unstable. Therefore, it is crucial to control it.
Hardness or Total Hardness (TH) refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water. A very high TH corresponds to calcareous water which can damage the filtration system, particularly, the filter and the piping. Conversely, water that is too soft can be aggressive for the installations, surfaces, joints, and pipes of your pool.
How to Measure and Balance These Parameters
You can measure the two parameters using colorimetric tabs. Alkalinity and hardness values are expressed in ppm (parts per million).
The recommended alkalinity for swimming pool water is between 80 and 120 ppm. In order to increase the alkalinity of your water, it will be necessary to add Alkalinity Booster ( available here).
The ideal hardness is between 250 and 450 ppm. In order to increase the hardness of your water, it will be necessary to add Calcium Increaser also known as hardness enhancer available here.
Once alkalinity and hardness are balanced, the pH must be adjusted in order to allow effective disinfection. To do this, go to our article dedicated to the pH of your water.
Analyse Your Pool's Water with EcO
Pool maintenance can be tedious. This is why our team decided to bring EcO to market. EcO is a smart, connected analyser that suits eather pools and hot-tubs.
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Test Kit
This Test Kit gives you access to custom pool care recommendations provided by iopool. Perfect for starting your pool's summer season. The package contains:
1 kg of pH+;
1 kg of pH-;
1 kg...
Why use manual test strips
Analysis strips allow you to test the various parameters of the quality of your water to provide your pool with the maintenance products needed. The results provided by t...
Replacement module for the EcO probe
Replacement "Sensor/Battery" block for the intelligent water monitor for real-time reporting of pool status and weather information;
Built-in battery;
Two seas...
Why use the iopool spoon?
A resistant white spoon for dosing iopool chemicals easily. Best way to do your product when you use the iopool app. Include with EcO Start-Pack and Test kit.
Why use a Bluetooth speaker?
Our Bluetooth speaker lets you stream your favorite music while you enjoy your pool. Waterproof and ready to use.
Main advantages
Waterproof;
Enhanced bass;
LED RGB li...
Make A Great Deal
A repacked EcO has been repaired and tested. It comes with the same 2-year warranty than a brand new water analyser!
This is thus an ecological and cost-effective option.
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Composition
This pack contains the essential chemicals for the disinfection of a "big" swimming pool with a volume bigger than 20m³. For your basic chlorine treatments and your specific shock chlor...
Composition
This pack contains the essential chemicals for the disinfection of a "big" swimming pool with a volume bigger than 20m³. For your basic chlorine treatments and your specific shock chlor...
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