Pool Chemistry References

MyPoolGuy's chemistry engine is built on established industry standards. Here are our primary sources.

Ideal Ranges

Parameter	Ideal Range	Source
Free Chlorine	2.0 – 4.0 ppm	CDC, NSPF
pH	7.2 – 7.6	APSP, NSPF
Total Alkalinity	80 – 120 ppm	NSPF
Cyanuric Acid (CYA)	30 – 50 ppm	CDC
Calcium Hardness	200 – 400 ppm	NSPF
Total Dissolved Solids	< 2000 ppm	APSP

Sources

National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF)

Now Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Publishes the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Handbook, the industry standard for water chemistry management.

Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)

Published ANSI/APSP standards for public and residential pools. Now part of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Publishes the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) with recommended disinfectant levels and pH ranges for safe swimming.

Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)

Industry-standard formula for calculating water balance. Used to determine if water is corrosive or scale-forming.

Chemical Dosing References

Dosing factors used in our chemistry engine:

Liquid Chlorine (12.5% Sodium Hypochlorite): 10 fl oz per 10,000 gallons raises FC by 1 ppm
Cal-Hypo (68%): 2.0 oz per 10,000 gallons raises FC by 1 ppm
Sodium Bisulfate (pH Down): 6.0 oz per 10,000 gallons lowers pH by 0.2
Sodium Carbonate (pH Up): 6.0 oz per 10,000 gallons raises pH by 0.2
Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity Up): 1.4 lbs per 10,000 gallons raises TA by 10 ppm

These values represent industry-accepted guidelines. Actual dosing may vary based on water temperature, bather load, sunlight exposure, and other environmental factors. Always retest after treatment and consult a pool professional for complex issues.