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.

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.
Water test result - Total Alcalinity

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

Water test result - pH

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.

Water test result - Free Chlorine Water test result - Total chlorine

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.

Water test result - Total hardness

High calcium hardness

You need to remove some of the water and replace it with fresh water.

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.

Water test result - Cyanuric Acid

High stabilizer

You need to remove some of the water and replace it with fresh water.

🧪 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.

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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.

View the complete guide