Water Balance Calculator

pH, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness — dose each to its ideal range.

Water balance calculator

pH, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness — the four balance parameters. Pick one, enter your test reading and target.

Ideal pH range: 7.27.8.

Recommended addition

Muriatic acid (31.45%)
30 fl oz

To lower pH. Add near a return jet with the pump running; recheck in a few hours.

Estimate from standard pool-chemistry dose rates. pH response in particular depends on total alkalinity, so add in stages and re-test. Never mix acids with chlorine products.

The right order to balance

Balance in this order so each step doesn’t undo the last: total alkalinity first (it buffers pH), then pH, then cyanuric acid (stabilizer that protects chlorine from sunlight), and finally calcium hardness.

Ideal ranges

  • pH: 7.2–7.8 (7.5 is a good target).
  • Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm.
  • Cyanuric acid: 30–50 ppm for chlorine pools.
  • Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm.

CYA and calcium can only be lowered by draining and refilling with fresh water — there is no chemical that removes them. Have your pool volume ready before dosing.