pH

• The pH affects every other chemical that is added to the pool. If the pH is too low, chlorine will evaporate from the water quicker, and the water will become corrosive. If to high the water will become to alkaline and the chlorine will not work well. Proper pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. Raise the pH with soda ash, or lower with muriatic acid.
  
  

Total Alkalinity

• The alkalinity affects the pH and helps prevent wide swings in the pH levels. These levels should stay between 80 to 150 ppm or parts per million. Raise the alkalinity level with 1.4 pounds of baking soda per 10, 000 gallons of water.
  
  

Calcium Hardness

• This is the measure of dissolved calcium in the water. When this level is above 7, the water can become cloudy and you will see scaling along the pool walls. To low, and the water will begin pitting any plaster in the pool. To raise the level, add calcium chloride.