The key to keeping your swimming pool water clean and safe is proper water balance. It's important to know what levels to maintain and how to adjust if they're not correct. In this article, we'll explain the benefits and applications of chlorine and bromine. This easy guide will help first-time pool owners achieve and maintain perfectly sanitized, sparkling clear pool water.

Importance of Levels Properly balanced pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness prevents equipment corrosion, eye and skin irritation, scale formation, acidic water, wall staining, and weakened sanitizers. Not only are all three beneficial to the health and clarity of your pool water, but also to anyone swimming in your water. Below are the ideal levels of each:

• pH -Ideal between 7.2 and 7.8; test daily during swim season
• Total Alkalinity - 80-120ppm; test weekly
• Calcium Hardness - 200-400ppm; test weekly

Chlorine Chlorine is the most common type of chemical used in pool water sanitization. Total Chlorine is made up of Free Available Chlorine (FAC) and Combined Available Chlorine (CAC). Free Available Chlorine describes the amount of chlorine available to neutralize bacteria. Most test kits measure only Total Chlorine so when purchasing a test kit, it's important to make sure it measures FAC. Combined Available Chlorine is the amount of chlorine that reacts with other contaminants to create chloramines that cause strong odors and eye irritation.

Great Tip! Excessively hot temperatures and continuous sunlight exposure will deplete FAC levels. To prevent this, it is recommended that you use stabilized chlorine or a supplemental stabilizer.

How much do I use? The amount of chlorine used will depend on the size of your pool. Ideally, you want your FAC levels to be between 2.0 and 4.0ppm (parts per million). A great rule of thumb to follow is to add one ounce of chlorine for every 1,000 gallons in your pool.

When do I use it? Chlorine should be tested often and more regularly with excessive use. Chlorine should be used daily and adjusted weekly for proper maintenance. Shock, which is a high concentration of chlorine, should be done weekly. It's recommended to add 1-2 pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons. Shocking your pool can help rid your water of organic wastes.

Bromine Bromine is often used as a substitute for chlorine because it's less harsh and doesn't give off the strong odors and irritations that are often associated with chlorine. Ideal for indoor in-ground swimming pools, bromine works similarly to chlorine by killing bacteria and algae. Bromine works better in smaller volumes of water, is a bit more expensive than chlorine and has a tendency to break down faster in sunlight. For this reason, bromine is mostly used in spas and hot tubs.

How much do I use? Similar to chlorine, the amount of bromine used is relative to the size of the body of water. It's important to maintain levels between 3-5 ppm (parts per million) and is the most effective when pH levels are properly balanced.

When do I use it? Bromine levels should be used daily and adjusted weekly for proper maintenance.

Having perfect pool chemistry can be a balancing act. But once you achieve the right pH balance, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, maintaining can be easy. Consistently checking your water with chemical test kits can help you find the right balance for you pool water. Water test kits come with everything you'll need to start testing and are great because they're hassle-free and easy to use. Test and treat your water often and your water will stay sparkling clean and always be swim ready. Healthy water will extend the life of your pool and provide you and your family an enjoyable swimming experience.

Next Up: Beginner's Guide to Chemicals, Part Two: Alternative Sanitizers and Maintenance