Water Testing

The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a means of evaluating water quality data to determine if your pool or spa water has a tendency to form a chemical scale. In order to use this index, the following measurements are needed: pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, and total hardness.

Your pool water should be tested two to three times a week to ensure an optimum swim environment and a long life for your pool. All water samples should be collected from the deep end of your pool at about elbow length for the best sample – 18 inches. A usable sample should include 8 ounces of water – trapped in a sample bottle or any clean, plastic container. When conducting your own two-to-three times weekly water analysis, remember that there are specific ranges for each test.

Total Alkalinity	ppm
Calcium Hardness	ppm
Cyanuric Acid	0 ppm3 ppm6 ppm9 ppm12 ppm15 ppm18 ppm21 ppm24 ppm27 ppm30 ppm33 ppm36 ppm39 ppm42 ppm45 ppm48 ppm51 ppm54 ppm57 ppm60 ppm63 ppm66 ppm69 ppm72 ppm75 ppm78 ppm81 ppm84 ppm87 ppm90 ppm93 ppm96 ppm99 ppm102 ppm105 ppm108 ppm111 ppm114 ppm117 ppm120 ppm123 ppm126 ppm129 ppm132 ppm135 ppm138 ppm141 ppm144 ppm147 ppm150 ppm153 ppm156 ppm159 ppm162 ppm165 ppm168 ppm171 ppm174 ppm177 ppm180 ppm183 ppm186 ppm189 ppm192 ppm195 ppm198 ppm201 ppm
Temperature (°F)
Measured pH
Salt Pool?

        Your LSI is:

 

In swimming pool maintenance, the ideal range for the Langelier stability index is -0.5 to +0.5. When you have calculated results that are below -0.5, your pool or spa water is considered corrosive. When this happens, you need to take the required steps to adjust your pH, total alkalinity or calcium hardness. By taking action immediately, you can avoid the serious affects of corrosion. If your calculated results are higher than +0.5, this is an indication that your pool or spa water is scale forming. Therefore, you must take the necessary steps to adjust the balancing factors of your swimming pool chemistry.

Testing Ranges

pH		7.2 – 7.6
Total Alkalinity		120-150 parts per million
Calcium Hardness		200-250 parts per million (Concrete Pools)
Calcium Hardness		175-225 parts per million (Vinyl Pools)
Free Chlorine		1-3 parts per million
Free Bromine		3-5 parts per million
Metals: Copper		0 parts per million
Metals: Iron		0 parts per million

The most important factor to your water balance is the pH. The pH sets the tone for your water and keeps it clear and inviting.

Total Alkalinity: Or TA, refers to the alkaline materials dissolved in the pool water. Your water’s ability to resist pH changes depends on the alkaline material. Low TA can cause the pH to “bounce” in and out of range. High TA makes it difficult to adjust the pH as needed.

Read more about Total Alkalinity.

Calcium Hardness: Denotes the amount of dissolved minerals (mostly calcium carbonate) in your water. Low Calcium Hardness can corrode equipment or cause etching in the plaster finish. High levels can lead to cloudy water or scaling. Once a month – or whenever you have questions about water levels – deliver a water sample to your authorized dealer. They will analyze the water and provide you with the necessary instruction to ensure proper water balance and chlorination levels in your pool. Information from regalchemicals.com

Read more about Calcium Hardness Problems.