Water Parameters That Actually Matter

Your pool isn’t misbehaving—your targets are. We take you past vague “ideal ranges” and into precise numbers that keep water clear, equipment protected, and algae out for good. Starting with the seven essentials—pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, TDS, cyanuric acid, and measured chlorine—we explain how each parameter supports the others and how to prevent scale or corrosion using the Langelier Saturation Index. You’ll hear why a steady pH of 7.5 and TA near 90 ppm form a stable base, how calcium should match your surface, and when TDS matters in both standard and saltwater pools.The real unlock is the chlorine–CYA relationship. If you’ve ever watched algae bloom at 10 ppm chlorine, the missing link is cyanuric acid. We lay out Bob Lowry’s simplified approach: keep free chlorine at 7.5 percent of CYA for reliable sanitation, or 5 percent when borates are present. At 100 ppm CYA, that means aiming near 8 ppm FC; at 50 ppm CYA, about 4 ppm keeps water safer and clearer with less waste. Lowering CYA to around 50 makes daily control simpler, protects your budget, and avoids the trap of chasing “high” chlorine that still underperforms.We also dig into borates as a practical upgrade. At roughly 50 ppm, borates act as an algistat, slow pH drift, and enhance clarity so chlorine lasts longer and works smarter. Pair borates with disciplined targets and an LSI calculator like the Arenda app, and you’ll stop reacting to blooms and start maintaining true balance. Whether you manage a service route or care for your own backyard pool, this walkthrough gives you a playbook: set firm targets, validate with LSI, align chlorine to CYA, and let borates shoulder the heavy lift against algae.• pH at 7.5 for comfort and control• Total alkalinity around 90 ppm to buffer pH• Calcium hardness tailored to surface type• Temperature and LSI to prevent scale or corrosion• CYA at about 50 ppm for effective chlorine• FC as 7.5 percent of CYA, or 5 percent with borates• Borates at 50 ppm as algistat and pH buffer• TDS as context, higher with salt systemsSend us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6ySupport the showThanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:Visit my Website: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.comWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPLPodcast Site: https://the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com/UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching GroupJoin an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business.Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)$59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! https://www.patreon.com/poolguycoachingLimits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits     [ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]$50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-roadAcid Wash Coverage - Full Limits