Why LSI matters
Learn how calcium hardness, pH, alkalinity and temperature influence pool surfaces and scale potential.
Read the LSI guide →THE PURE POOLS STANDARD · AMARILLO & CANYONClear water is only
Clear water is only
the beginning.
We manage the chemistry that protects your pool—not just what makes it look blue. Explore our testing philosophy, understand LSI and understand chemistry adjustments your pool may need.
Explore the Chemistry Check ↗WHY WE TEST DIFFERENTLY
Professional water care starts with accurate numbers.
Pure Pools uses careful, professional water testing and evaluates the relationship between pH, alkalinity, calcium, water temperature and sanitizer. A clear pool is not necessarily a properly balanced pool.
Test strips can be useful for rough screening. But broad color bands and subjective readings aren't precise enough to be our primary method for professional water balancing. We favor professional reagent methods and digital photometric testing, with calibration and proper technique.
OUR PREFERRED OPERATING TARGETS
Every addition has a reason.
These are Pure Pools' preferred targets—not universal limits. We adjust for water temperature, surface, equipment, use, source water, product labels and applicable codes.
Total alkalinity80–100 ppmHelps buffer pH movement.
Calcium hardness350–400 ppmGives flexibility to maintain favorable LSI at a practical pH.
Cyanuric acid (CYA)35–50 ppmStabilizes chlorine in sunlight without unnecessarily increasing the chlorine needed.
Free chlorine2–7 ppm*Depends on CYA, pool usage, treatment purpose and applicable requirements.
pHLSI-guidedGenerally lower when practical; cold-season conditions may call for a higher pH, within applicable limits.
Phosphates & metalsAs low as practicalControl algae nutrients and reduce staining potential; chlorine remains essential.
*The free chlorine target is not a substitute for applicable residential or commercial operating standards. Some standards and product labels impose narrower limits.
CHEMISTRY IS CONNECTED
Higher CYA means more chlorine is needed.
Cyanuric acid protects chlorine from sunlight, but also lowers the immediately active chlorine concentration. The same free-chlorine number can mean different sanitizer availability at 35 ppm CYA versus 90 ppm CYA.
We consider the free-chlorine-to-CYA ratio along with sanitizer demand. The calculator below reports this ratio but does not certify water as safe for swimming.
SEASONAL BALANCE
Summer and winter aren't the same.
Colder water changes calcium carbonate saturation. We consider water temperature and LSI rather than chasing one pH number all year. Higher winter pH may sometimes be appropriate for a particular pool, but must still meet applicable operating requirements.
MINIMIZE WHAT DOESN'T BELONG
Good water management goes beyond sanitizer.
TDS and dilutionFor non-salt pools, we evaluate partial or full water replacement when TDS is around 2,500 ppm above fill water. This is a review threshold, not an automatic drain instruction.
Phosphate removalWe use Orenda phosphate-removal products when treatment is warranted. Phosphate control complements—never replaces—adequate chlorine sanitation.
Clarifiers and enzymesOrenda CE-Clarifier can support filtration and organic-contaminant management. A clarifier doesn't directly correct LSI.
MetalsWe work to keep dissolved metals low to reduce staining and discoloration. Treatment depends on the metal, source and product.
PURE WATER CHEMISTRY CALCULATOR
Understand what your pool needs.
Review your current water chemistry and see estimated adjustments toward Pure Pools’ preferred ranges. We correct excessive alkalinity first, then manage the temporary pH drop through natural aeration or a carefully evaluated pH-raising treatment, such as soda ash. Reducing excess alkalinity often helps limit recurring pH rise and repeated acid use. Calcium can be evaluated during the same visit once acid has fully dispersed and the water has been retested; no universal waiting time applies. All quantities are planning estimates, not single-dose instructions.
Pool volume & conditions
Accurate pool measurements matter. The LSI and chlorine/CYA analysis depends on accurate professional water testing. Accurate water volume is essential for dosing estimates. Numerical estimates are withheld unless volume is marked professionally verified and a complete chemistry panel is entered.
Current water readings
Enter current, accurately tested readings. Blank fields mean the calculator cannot evaluate that parameter.
Products for estimated adjustments
Pure Pools' standard formulations. These selections affect estimated quantities. Verify product labels and strength.
YOUR CHEMISTRY REVIEW
Water balance overview
Enter your pool readings to review LSI, sanitizer context and water balance.
STAGED CHEMISTRY PLAN
Enter accurate readings and verified pool volume to view possible chemical adjustments and estimated quantities.
Safe chemical handling and distribution: Follow the exact product label and Safety Data Sheet. Pre-dissolve or dilute a chemical in a clean, chemical-compatible bucket of pool water only when its label calls for that method. Add the chemical to water, never water to the chemical. When the label directs perimeter application, distribute the properly prepared solution around the pool with the circulation system running, away from swimmers and equipment openings. Calcium chloride generates significant heat as it dissolves—use chemical-resistant gloves and splash protection and allow the solution to dissolve and cool as directed before handling. Keep incompatible chemicals separate; never mix chlorine with acid, or different pool products together. Calcium chloride handling reference ↗
Before making chemical changes: Confirm actual water volume and retest with a professional-quality kit. Follow manufacturer labels, local codes and safe chemical-handling practices. Never mix incompatible pool chemicals or combine concentrated products. The 31.45% acid TA estimate is cumulative across treatment stages—not a quantity to pour at once. After adjusting alkalinity, pH may need to recover through aeration or be adjusted with soda ash, which also raises alkalinity. Allow thorough circulation and retest before evaluating calcium; no fixed short interval guarantees safe chemical separation. Never mix acid with chlorine. Our analysis cannot determine if water is safe for swimming.
Request a professional assessment ↗COMMON WATER PROBLEMS
Cloudy water, algae, green water—or a disappearing waterline?
Explore the likely root causes before making a chemical change. Our troubleshooting guide explains what to check and when to seek an equipment or water-quality assessment.
Explore common pool water problems →LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR POOLWATER BALANCE SANITIZER SCIENCE ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS
Understand the numbers behind cleaner water.
Explore the reasoning behind our professional water chemistry approach—then use the calculator above to review your own readings.
Chlorine and CYA work together
Why higher stabilizer means more free chlorine is needed to maintain comparable sanitizer activity.
Explore the relationship →Why testing methods matter
Understand the limits of test strips and why we value professional-quality reagent-based readings.
Learn about testing →LEARN THE SCIENCE BEHIND OUR APPROACH
Why we manage water around LSI.
At Pure Pools, we look beyond individual chemical ranges to understand how pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and water temperature work together. The Langelier Saturation Index helps explain why our water-balance strategy changes with the seasons—and why protecting pool surfaces takes more than clear water.
For a deeper explanation of LSI and its role in long-term water balance, read this educational article from Orenda Technologies.
Learn About LSI ↗External educational resource from Orenda Technologies. Pure Pools is an independent pool service company.
KNOWLEDGE IS PART OF THE SERVICE
Precision. Transparency. Long-term protection.
We believe customers should know why we choose a treatment. Whether you’re reviewing your pool’s current readings or trying to understand why different treatments are used, accurate testing and context matter. Our goal is informed decisions, not accusations or guesswork.
Talk With Pure Pools ↗