Test the water.
Check free chlorine and pH with a reliable test kit. Needs change with weather, pool use and the kind of chlorination system you have.
Don't guess at the levelsTHE THOMPSON CARE EDIT / 02
Better pool care.
Clearer thinking.
Clear water takes more than a quick skim. Understand the checks that keep a swimming pool looking great and properly maintained.
WATER BALANCE / THE BASICS
pH7.2–7.6Typical recommended range*CHLORINEpHFILTRATION
01 / TEST02 / BALANCE03 / CIRCULATE
WHAT MAKES WATER WORK
Three checks.
One healthier pool.
The aim is not simply water that looks clear—it's water that's sanitised, balanced and moving through its filtration system properly.
Mind the balance.
pH affects swimmer comfort and chlorine performance. A common target is 7.2–7.6, but some pool surfaces have different requirements. Alkalinity matters too.
pH works with alkalinityKeep water moving.
Clear leaves, empty baskets and maintain the filter. Proper circulation helps your sanitiser and filtration system do their job.
Circulation countsTRY THE POOL WATER CHECK
What are you
seeing in the water?
Choose a symptom to learn what to check first. You cannot confirm water is safe to swim in by appearance or pH alone.
Would you rather we test it? ↗What looks most familiar?
WHERE TO START
Check the water reading and filtration together.
Cloudiness can be linked to poor filtration, particles or out-of-balance water. A visual check alone won't tell you which one.
- Test chlorine and pH with a suitable kit.
- Check skimmer baskets and filter operation.
- Hold off swimming until water quality is confirmed.
WHERE TO START
Don't swim until the cause is checked and treated.
Green water often signals algae growth or inadequate sanitisation, although other causes are possible. Treatment depends on testing and the pool system.
- Check chlorine and pH; don't guess at chemical quantities.
- Assess filtration, circulation and debris build-up.
- Arrange proper treatment before using the pool again.
WHERE TO START
A strong smell doesn't always mean excess free chlorine.
That familiar 'chlorine' smell can indicate chloramines—a sign that the water needs testing and appropriate treatment, not a guess.
- Measure free and combined chlorine with a suitable kit.
- Check pH and circulation.
- Avoid swimming if water quality is uncertain.
WHERE TO START
Find out whether the colour is from iron, corrosion or something else.
Orange-brown stains can be linked to dissolved iron or corroding metal fittings. Similar marks may have other causes, so identify the source before applying a treatment.
- Test the water balance, particularly pH and alkalinity.
- Check metal fittings and any visible rusting.
- Ask a pool professional to confirm the stain before treatment.
THE NUMBER TO KNOW
What does pH
actually tell you?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline the water is. If it drifts too far, chlorine can be less effective and the pool can become uncomfortable to use.
SPASA lists 7.2–7.6 as a typical recommended range for many pools, with different advice for some fibreglass pools. A professional should consider pH together with chlorine, alkalinity and your pool's setup.
For safety, always follow product labels and never mix pool chemicals. Do not use this guide to calculate chemical doses.
UNDERSTANDING pH7.2 — 7.6Typical target range*
More acidicMore alkaline
This is a guide, not a live water measurement. Water must be tested, and a pH reading alone does not establish that a pool is safe to swim in.
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SWIMMING IN
The numbers behind
comfortable swimming.
Clear-looking water isn't necessarily safe water. These are useful starting targets for many residential chlorine pools—your pool type, temperature and stabiliser can change the right settings.
01 / pH7.2–7.6
Common recommended target for many pools. Some fibreglass pools call for a slightly different range.
02 / FREE CHLORINE1–3 ppm*
Common residential guidance. Warm pools and outdoor pools using stabiliser may need higher minimum levels.
03 / ALKALINITY80–120 ppm*
A common practical target that helps keep pH stable. Your pool professional can confirm the best range.
*These are general guide values, not a pass/fail test for swimming. Follow the requirements for your pool's construction, chlorination system and stabiliser. Test the water; don't swim in green, cloudy or poorly sanitised water. Never mix pool chemicals.
SPOT A PROBLEM EARLY
Why algae and rust
are worth investigating.
Neither is something to ignore. The cause matters, and treating the wrong problem can waste time and money.
GREEN OR SLIPPERY WATER
Algae isn't just a cosmetic issue.
Algae can cloud the water and leave walls or steps slippery. It increases the demand on sanitiser, which can make it harder to keep bacteria and viruses under control.
What to do: Stop swimming until clarity, filtration and sanitiser levels are checked and the water is treated appropriately.
ORANGE-BROWN MARKS
Rust may point to a bigger issue.
Rust-coloured staining may come from iron in the water or corrosion of metal fittings. It can discolour the pool and signal conditions that are damaging fittings or equipment.
What to do: Identify whether the mark is metal staining, rust or something else, then check water balance and affected parts before treatment.
How Thompson helps: We test pH, attend to chlorine and basic treatment chemicals, and check cleaning and circulation as part of regular pool care. If we notice unusual staining or water quality, we'll explain the next step clearly.
Arrange a free pool quote ↗WHY THOMPSON?
A pool you enjoy.
Less to manage.
We're a friendly Northern Beaches-based team that values careful work and clear communication. We'll visit your property, get to know your pool and explain what is included before you book.
Our regular pool care includes chlorine treatment, pH testing and basic treatment chemicals. We want you to feel confident about the service you're getting and what you're paying for.
Arrange a free on-site quote ↗01Included essentialsChlorine, pH checks and basic treatment chemicals with regular care.
02Practical attentionCleaning, skimming and routine checks that work with your pool system.
03Dependable serviceClear quotes, straightforward answers and a team that's easy to reach.
Learn more: SPASA — water balance ↗ · SPASA — sanitising pools ↗ · CHOICE — pool maintenance ↗ · SPASA — recommended pool ranges ↗ · Health Canada — algae & sanitisation ↗
*Typical guidance for residential pools; target ranges vary by pool construction, water stabiliser and sanitiser system. Seek professional testing before adding treatment chemicals. Never mix chemicals.
READY FOR A CLEARER POOL?
Let's keep things
running smoothly.
We'll visit, listen and give you a transparent no-obligation quote.