Pool Chemistry 101: A Guide to Pool Water Management

Why Pool Chemistry Matters?

Your Guide to Crystal-Clear, Safe, and Healthy Swimming Pools 

Maintaining proper pool chemistry is essential for clear, safe, and balanced water. Poor water chemistry can lead to algae growth, cloudy water, equipment damage, and skin irritation. At Make My Pool®, we provide expert pool maintenance and water testing services to keep your swimming pool in Dubai in top condition.  

Key Factors in Pool Chemistry

pH Level

✔️ Ideal Range: 7.2 – 7.6
✔️ Purpose: Controls water acidity and prevents eye and skin irritation
✔️ Effects of Imbalance:
Too low (acidic): Corrodes metal parts, damages pool surfaces
Too high (alkaline): Causes cloudy water and reduces chlorine effectiveness
💡 Solution: Use pH increasers (sodium carbonate) or pH decreasers (sodium bisulfate) to adjust levels.  

Chlorine (Sanitizer)

✔️ Ideal Range: 1.0 – 3.0 ppm (parts per million)
✔️ Purpose: Kills bacteria, algae, and contaminants
✔️ Effects of Imbalance:
Too low: Increases risk of bacteria and algae
Too high: Can cause skin and eye irritation
💡 Solution: Use chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or salt chlorinators to maintain sanitization.  

Alkalinity (TA - Total Alkalinity)

✔️ Ideal Range: 80 – 120 ppm
✔️ Purpose: Helps stabilize pH levels
✔️ Effects of Imbalance:
Low alkalinity: Causes rapid pH fluctuations
High alkalinity: Leads to cloudy water and scaling
💡 Solution: Use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to increase TA or muriatic acid to lower it.  

Calcium Hardness

✔️ Ideal Range: 200 – 400 ppm
✔️ Purpose: Prevents pool surface damage
✔️ Effects of Imbalance:
Low calcium hardness: Causes pool plaster to deteriorate
High calcium hardness: Leads to scaling on pool walls and equipment
💡 Solution: Add calcium chloride to increase levels or use a scale remover for high levels.  

Cyanuric Acid (CYA - Stabilizer)

✔️ Ideal Range: 30 – 50 ppm
✔️ Purpose: Protects chlorine from UV rays, making it last longer
✔️ Effects of Imbalance:
Too low: Chlorine dissipates too quickly
Too high: Chlorine becomes less effective
💡 Solution: Add cyanuric acid (pool stabilizer) to protect chlorine, but avoid excess buildup

Common Pool Water Problems & Solutions

Issue Cause solution
Cloudy Water High pH, high alkalinity, poor filtration Adjust pH, use a clarifier, clean filters
Green Algae Growth Low chlorine levels, poor circulation Shock the pool, brush walls, use an algaecide
Strong Chlorine Smell Combined chloramines, low free chlorine Shock the pool with calcium hypochlorite
Scaling on Tiles & Walls High calcium hardness, high pH Use a scale remover, lower pH levels
Skin & Eye Irritation High chlorine, low pH, high chloramines Adjust pH, maintain chlorine balance

Step-by-Step Pool Chemistry Management 

Daily Checks for Dubai Pools

- Skim Debris: Remove sand, leaves, and insects post-sandstorms.
- Test Water: Use strips or a digital tester to check pH and chlorine.
- Shock Treatment (Weekly): Combat algae growth with extra chlorine after heavy use or storms.

Weekly Maintenance

- Balance pH: Use pH increaser (soda ash) or pH decreaser (muriatic acid).
- Adjust Alkalinity: Add baking soda to raise or acid to lower.
- Sanitize: Stabilized chlorine tablets or salt chlorinators (ideal for UAE’s heat).

Monthly Tasks

- Calcium Hardness: Add calcium chloride if levels drop below 200 ppm.
- Cyanuric Acid: Replenish stabilizer to protect chlorine from UV rays.
- Filter Cleaning: Backwash sand filters or replace cartridges clogged by Dubai’s dust.

Common Dubai-Specific Pool Chemistry Issues 

Issue Problem solution
Sandstorm Aftermath Dust and sand clog filters and raise pH. - Vacuum pool floor.
- Backwash filters immediately.
- Test and rebalance pH/alkalinity.
High Temperatures & Chlorine Loss Chlorine evaporates faster in Dubai’s heat, risking algae. - Use stabilized chlorine (trichlor tablets with cyanuric acid).
- Switch to a saltwater chlorinator for consistent sanitation.
Scaling & Corrosion  Hard Dubai water causes calcium buildup or metal corrosion.  - Maintain calcium hardness at 200–400 ppm.
- Use sequestering agents to prevent mineral deposits. 
Skin & Eye Irritation High chlorine, low pH, high chloramines Adjust pH, maintain chlorine balance

Looking for Professional Swimming Pool Maintenance Services in Dubai?

Contact us today to ​Keep your pool crystal clear – Book expert maintenance today!

Our Professional Pool Services

Swimming Pool Design

Transform your outdoor space with innovative swimming pool design services that combine luxury, functionality, and style in Dubai and UAE.

Swimming Pool Construction

Experience expert swimming pool construction that delivers durable, aesthetically stunning pools tailored for premium communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Swimming Pool Fence

Enhance your pool’s safety and style with our custom-designed swimming pool fences that seamlessly blend security with modern elegance.

Fountains & Water Features

Elevate your poolside ambiance with bespoke water features and custom fountains that serve as striking, artistic focal points.

Outdoor Kitchen & BBQ

Create the ultimate entertaining space with our tailored outdoor kitchen and BBQ solutions, perfect for vibrant poolside gatherings.

Pergolas & Gazebo

Enhance your outdoor living with elegantly crafted pergolas and gazebos that offer both style and functional shade around your pool area.

Pool Lights

Illuminate your pool with state-of-the-art lighting solutions that transform nighttime swimming into a magical experience.

Swimming Pool Maintenance

Keep your pool sparkling and fully operational year-round with our comprehensive, professional swimming pool maintenance services.

Swimming Pool Repair

Restore your pool’s beauty and performance quickly with our prompt, expert swimming pool repair services for all types of issues.

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Upgrade your pool with transformative renovation and resurfacing services that deliver a fresh, modern look while enhancing durability.

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Ensure uninterrupted pool operation with our reliable pool equipment repair services that expertly address and upgrade your pool systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of swimming pool designs do you offer?

We provide a range of designs including infinity pools, indoor swimming pools, sunken garden pools, and custom-designed pools tailored to your lifestyle.

Do you offer pool construction services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, our services extend to various key areas in Dubai (such as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills, Damac Hills, Victory Heights, and JVC) and Abu Dhabi (including Al Jubail Island and Saadiyat Island).

Can you integrate outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas into my pool design?

Absolutely! We specialize in integrating outdoor living spaces such as kitchens, BBQ setups, pergolas, and gazebos into your pool environment.

What maintenance services do you provide?

Our maintenance services cover regular cleaning, pool equipment repairs, resurfacing, and overall swimming pool maintenance in Dubai to keep your pool in top condition.

How do you ensure the quality of your pool construction?

We use high-quality materials and employ experienced pool contractors in Dubai to ensure every pool is built to the highest standards of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Do you offer custom water features and fountains?

Yes, we design and construct custom fountains and water features that complement the overall design of your pool and outdoor area.

Are your services available for both residential and commercial properties?

Our expertise extends to both residential projects, like a Dubai villa with a pool, and commercial projects across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

How quickly can you complete a swimming pool project?

Project timelines vary depending on the design and scope, but we pride ourselves on efficient project management to deliver quality results on schedule.

What areas in Dubai do you serve?

We serve multiple high-profile areas including Victory Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, Tilal Al Ghaf, Murooj Al Furjan, Damac Lagoons, JVC, JVT, and more.

How do I get a quote for my pool project?

Simply contact us via WhatsApp or Call our office. Our team will schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and provide a competitive quote.

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