What does Ph, Alc , Chlor and all that mean?

pH pH is a measure of the acid and alkaline levels in the pool water. pH 
which is too low, or acidic, can irritate swimmers’ skin and corrode the pool’s 
surface and equipment. pH which is too high can cause scale damage to pool 
equipment and surfaces.
Total Alkalinity Total alkalinity measures the amount of alkaline minerals 
in the water. These minerals act as a buffer for pH and are responsible for 
reducing the impact of acidic water on the pH.
Total alkalinity helps to keep pH levels within the proper range. If the total 
alkalinity is too high, there’s a risk of scale forming on the pool surfaces or in 
the equipment. If there’s too little total alkalinity, the water tends to corrode 
pool surfaces. If the total alkalinity is not in the proper range, your sanitiser will 
not operate with maximum effi ciency.
Calcium Hardness Calcium hardness is a measure of the dissolved 
calcium in water. Pool water low in calcium levels will take it from the pool 
surface of equipment, causing erosion.
Water that is high in calcium may deposit it on the pool surface or in the 
equipment in the form of scale. As with pH and total alkalinity, calcium 
hardness levels vary from pool to pool depending on the source or the water 
and the chemicals being used.
Stabiliser Your pool also needs to be stabilised to counter the loss of 
chlorine and liquid chlorine due to the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet light. 
Stabilising the water saves you money through the saving in chlorine usage, 
and helps maintain more consistent sanitiser levels.
Sanitising with Chlorine Chlorine is one of the most effective known 
chemical treatments for the sanitisation of large volumes of water. This makes it 
one of the most popular treatments for the sanitisation of swimming pools and 
spas in Australia, indeed the world. Even “salt water pools” make use of chlorine 
produced in a different way. Chlorine, when dissolved in water and maintained to 
the appropriate level, kills and controls bacteria and other micro organisms.
Super Chlorination Otherwise known as “shocking” or oxidising, 
super-chlorination is a periodic treatment required to ensure pool water 
is sparkling clear. Swimmer wastes such as perspiration, body oils, urine, 
cosmetics, sun lotions and other wastes from the atmosphere build up over 
time and cause cloudy and dull water. Periodic super - chlorination, usually 
every two weeks with a pool oxidiser, will rid the pool of chloramines and 
return it to a bright, sparkling body of water, free from wastes.
Saltwater Chlorinators Saltwater chlorinators have become one of 
the most popular methods of sanitising a pool in Queensland. The strange 
thing is, it’s not the salt that destroys bacteria and algae. They breed 
just as fast and effectively in salt water as they do in fresh. Saltwater 
chlorinators fight the bacteria in a pool through the production of chlorine 
in the form of Sodium Hyperchloride. This is done by electrolysis - when 
the salted water passes through the salt chlorinator containing a low 
voltage electrolytic cell. At this point, chlorine is formed which is then 
added to the water in the pool to kill bacteria.
Mineral Based sanitising systems also use electrolysing technology 
delivering an alternative to sodium or salt only based systems. The mineral 
blends are typically based on Magnesium and Potassium.
Automatic Chemical Controllers Pool control equipment is 
available which will measure the levels of chlorine and pH of pool water 
and add both liquid chlorine and pool acid as necessary adjustments every 
few minutes to maintain the levels set by the pool owner. When the chlorine 
levels are kept constantly correct, the need for super - chlorination is greatly 
reduced. With the correct total alkalinity, the pH is kept more stable.
Ozone Ozone for pools and spas is produced by means of special 
ultraviolet cells enclosed in a housing. The converter is connected to the 
water reticulation system and as the water passes through the converter, it is 
oxidised. Ozone can be used to control swimmer wastes common to pools and 
spas, such as body oils, cosmetics, suntan lotions and perspiration. When an 
ozone converter is used, the amount of chlorine or bromine required to keep 
the water free from wastes is reduced.
Bromine Another sanitiser, bromine works in a similar way to chlorine. 
Bromine is available in tablet form and when dissolved in water produces 
a compound that is an effective sanitiser. Periodic super-chlorination is still 
required to rid the pool or spa of wastes. Bromine also has a high tolerance to 
hot water, making it popular for use in spas.
Conclusion The path to a sparkling clean, balanced and healthy pool is to 
follow a regular maintenance programme. By using recommended pool grade 
chemicals and following the professional analysis and advice of your Noosa Pool Service, you will obtain maximum enjoyment from your pool or spa 
with a minimum of fuss.