Complete Water Balance Checklist

Follow these steps in order. Do not skip steps or combine adjustments.

Complete Water Balance Procedure

• Step 1: Test all parameters — FC, TC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.
• Step 2: Record all readings in your water test log.
• Step 3: Adjust total alkalinity to 80–120 ppm. Use sodium bicarbonate to raise; muriatic acid to lower.
• Step 4: Wait 4–6 hours. Run pump continuously.
• Step 5: Retest alkalinity and pH.
• Step 6: Adjust pH to 7.2–7.6 if needed. Use soda ash to raise; muriatic acid to lower.
• Step 7: Wait 2 hours. Run pump continuously.
• Step 8: Adjust calcium hardness if needed. Use calcium chloride to raise; partial drain to lower.
• Step 9: Adjust CYA if needed (outdoor pools only). Use cyanuric acid to raise; partial drain to lower.
• Step 10: Adjust free chlorine to 1–3 ppm using liquid chlorine or cal-hypo shock.
• Step 11: Calculate and record the LSI at current water temperature.
• Step 12: Verify all parameters are in range. Document the completed balance.

Notes

• Always adjust alkalinity before pH.
• Always adjust pH before chlorine.
• The LSI final check ensures all parameters work together correctly.