How to balance your pool water: 5 simple steps with the right products
Clear, healthy, pleasant water doesn't just happen. It relies on proper water balancing, an essential routine for any pool, whether chlorine or bromine. In this guide, we take a look at the 5 key parameters discussed in our most recent video, and present the products recommended for each stage.
🧪 Keep your test strips on hand
Before you begin any adjustments, it's important to have your own pool test strips. Simply dip the strip into the water for a few seconds, then compare the colors with the indications on the container. You can then interpret each result using the following sections.
1. Total alkalinity: the pillar of balance
Alkalinity is the first measure to check. It acts as a buffer to stabilize pH. Poorly adjusted alkalinity leads to constant pH fluctuations.
- Ideal value: between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Tip: Always adjust alkalinity BEFORE correcting pH.

2. pH: the core of chemical balance
The pH determines whether your water is acidic or basic. A poorly balanced pH can damage equipment, irritate the skin or reduce the effectiveness of chlorine/bromine.
Ideal value: between 7.2 and 7.6

3. Disinfectant - Chlorine or Bromine: for pure water
The disinfectant kills bacteria and algae. Either can be used, but it's important not to mix them.
Target values:
- Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm.
- Bromine: 2 to 4 ppm.
🔄 Never apply a shock treatment without first testing and adjusting alkalinity and pH.


Calcium hardness: avoid corrosive or scaling water
Hardness measures the level of calcium in water. Water that is too soft becomes corrosive, while water that is too hard leads to limescale deposits.
- Target value: 200 to 300 ppm.
💡 Particularly important in areas where municipal water is naturally soft.

High calcium hardness
You need to remove some of the water and replace it with fresh water.
Low calcium hardness
5. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid): protects chlorine from the sun
Stabilizer acts as a “sunscreen” for your chlorine. Without it, it rapidly degrades under UV rays.
- Ideal value: between 30 and 50 ppm.
⚠️ Too much stabilizer can impair chlorine efficiency: test regularly.

High stabilizer
You need to remove some of the water and replace it with fresh water.
Low stabilizer
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🧪 Tip: test often, adjust precisely
Use a complete test kit or multi-parameter Trevi test strips to monitor these five aspects. Our branch experts can also analyze your water in-store, free of charge, and propose a personalized plan.
In-store maintenance courses
Learn how to maintain your pool from our experts in store.
Ready for more tips?
Consult our maintenance guide to learn how to extend the life of your pool and maintain its quality throughout the season.