Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to dive into the pool! Maintaining a pool or spa can be both rewarding and complex, especially if you’re just getting started or looking to refine your pool care routine. Here, we’ll cover the essential basics—from calculating your pool volume to understanding which chemicals do what, so you can confidently manage your pool or spa with ease. Let’s dive in! 

Calculating Your Pool Volume and Testing Parameters 

Knowing your pool’s volume is essential because it dictates the exact amount of chemicals you’ll need. Here’s a simple guide to calculating volume for different pool shapes: 

  • Rectangular/Square Pools: Length (m) x Width (m) x Average Depth (m) = Pool Volume (in cubic metres) 
  • Round Pools: Diameter (m) x Diameter (m) x Average Depth (m) x 3.14= Pool Volume (in cubic metres) 
  • Oval Pools: Length (m) x Width (m) x Average Depth (m) x 3.14 = Pool Volume (cubic metres) 

For litres, you can multiply your result by 1000, and for US gallons multiply cubic metres by 264. Alternatively, Quantum has a FREE dosing app that takes all the guesswork out of your volume and chemical dosing calculations.  

After calculating your pool volume, it’s time to test the water parameters. At minimum, test for pH, free chlorine, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. Test strips are quick and easy, but for greater accuracy, consider a liquid test kit or going to your local store. 

Chemical Supplementation: Safe Handling and Dosing 

Handling pool chemicals requires attention to safety as these substances can be hazardous. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from children and pets, and follow these handling guidelines: 

  • Wear Protective Gear: Use gloves and goggles when handling chemicals. 
  • Never Mix Chemicals: Mixing can cause dangerous reactions. 
  • Dilute Safely: Always add chemicals to water, not the other way around, to prevent splashing or excessive reactions. 
  • Add into high flow areas: Ensures that there are limited amounts of high concentration areas. 
  • Don’t let clumps form on the pool floor: to ensure there are no localised reactions. 

For mineral pools using Quantum’s Mineral Sea Salt, maintaining balance involves a different approach than traditional chlorine pools: 

  • Saltwater and Chlorine: These pools rely on salt and a salt cell to generate chlorine. Regularly check salt levels (or TDS), pH, and calcium hardness to prevent salt buildup. 
  • Sea Minerals: Minerals like magnesium and potassium can help to keep water smooth, soft and clean.  

Understanding Pool Chemicals: What Each One Does 

Knowing what each chemical does can help you address specific pool needs. 

  • Cyanuric Acid: Acts as a chlorine stabiliser, preventing the sun from breaking down chlorine too quickly; aim for 60-80ppm for saltwater pools and 25-50ppm for chlorine pools. Available in Stabiliser Pro 
  • Calcium Hardness: Prevents corrosion and damage to pool surfaces; aim for 200-400 ppm for pools and 150-250ppm for spas. Available in Calcium Pro 
  • Salt: Used in saltwater pools to generate chlorine; too much salt can corrode metals and damage surfaces; aim for 1,000-5,000ppm TDS to your preference. Mineral Sea Salt is a true sea salt with all the essential elements of the ocean. 
  • Alkalinity: Helps buffer the pH, keeping it stable; target 80-120 ppm for effective control. Available in Buffer Pro 
  • Chlorine: The primary sanitiser, killing bacteria and algae to keep the pool safe. Chlorine comes from the salt in saltwater/mineral pools. Aim to keep free chlorine at 1.5-3ppm unless super chlorinating your pool/spa. 

Keeping these chemicals balanced ensures that each component complements the other for optimal water quality. 

Controlling Algae and Understanding Chlorine and Salt Cells 

Algae can quickly take over a pool if chlorine levels are too low. Here’s how chlorine and the salt cell work together to keep algae in check: 

  • Chlorine: Acts as a sanitiser, killing algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. When chlorine levels are too low, algae can flourish. 
  • Salt Cell: In saltwater/mineral pools, the salt cell converts salt to chlorine through electrolysis. Keeping your salt cell clean and functioning properly is key to consistent chlorine production. 

For a proactive approach to algae prevention, maintain proper water chemistry, clean your filter regularly, and brush pool surfaces to disrupt algae spores. 

With these fundamentals, maintaining a clean, safe, and well-balanced pool is within reach. Following these guidelines will help you achieve crystal-clear water for swimming, relaxation, and enjoyment all season long.  

Happy swimming! 

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