It’s common for swimming pools in Tucson to need to be drained and refilled every 2 to 5 years based on water chemistry levels, to remove built-up minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants that can’t be filtered out or eliminated. These levels increase over time due to evaporation, fill water, and pool chemicals. Additionally, products like clothing detergents, sunscreen, and other body or clothing products contribute to this buildup. The more contaminants you have, the more unwanted outcomes you may experience. Draining and refilling effectively reduces these unwanted substances.
Read on to learn more about what these contaminants are and why they can cause issues if not properly managed.
Total Hardness
Total hardness is one of the primary reasons pools in Tucson eventually need to be drained and refilled. Hardness comes from naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, that are present in tap water from the very beginning. These minerals are normal and necessary, as they help protect the pool’s plaster and surfaces from corrosion.
The issue develops gradually over time through evaporation. When water evaporates, the minerals remain in the pool. Each time fresh tap water is added to replace the lost water, additional minerals are introduced while none are removed. This ongoing cycle causes hardness levels to steadily increase. In Tucson, where evaporation rates are high and tap water already contains a higher mineral content, total hardness can rise quickly and eventually exceed recommended ranges. Managing total hardness helps maintain proper water balance and protects the pool’s surfaces and equipment over the long term.
High levels of total hardness in your swimming pool can lead to a variety of issues, such as:
1. Ineffective Chemicals: The efficiency of sanitizers and other pool chemicals is compromised, making it more difficult to maintain a clean and safe pool environment.
2. Algae Growth: Elevated mineral levels can also make your pool more susceptible to algae, further degrading water quality.
3. Staining: Minerals can form hard, crusty deposits on pool tiles and surfaces, leading to difficult-to-remove stains.
4. Poor Water Chemistry: High mineral content often results in poor water clarity and can create conditions favorable for algae growth.
5. Clogged Filters: Mineral accumulation can plug up filter elements, reducing their efficiency and causing high pressure on the filtration system.
6. Rough Pool Surface: Excessive minerals can make the plaster or pool surface feel rough to the touch.
7. Irritation: Swimmers may experience increased skin and eye irritation due to the high mineral content.
8. Cloudy Water: A high level of minerals can cause the water to appear cloudy or murky.
Managing mineral and hardness levels helps reduce the likelihood of these issues over time.
The recommended range for total hardness is typically between 200 and 400 parts per million (ppm). Levels above 400 ppm are considered technically high, but this does not always result in immediate or noticeable problems. Many pools can continue to operate normally at moderately higher levels. However, as hardness continues to increase, the likelihood and severity of issues, such as scale buildup, cloudy water, and surface damage, also increase. While some pools can still be maintained at levels as high as 800–1,000 ppm, doing so often requires more careful chemical management and tends to lead to more frequent maintenance challenges. In general, the higher the hardness climbs, the more difficult and costly it becomes to keep the pool balanced. For this reason, total hardness should be tested periodically to monitor long-term mineral buildup and avoid unexpected water balance issues.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA, Conditioner, Stabilizer)
Another primary reason for needing to drain and refill pools in Tucson is the buildup of cyanuric acid. Cyanuric acid is a key ingredient in many pool maintenance products designed to stabilize chlorine levels, ensuring long-lasting sanitation. While some cyanuric acid is beneficial, as it helps protect chlorine from being degraded by sunlight, too much can reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine. This gradual increase in cyanuric acid levels is a normal part of pool water chemistry, accumulating over time due to its presence in commonly used chlorine tablets and shock treatments. Managing the cyanuric acid levels is essential to maintain effective chlorine performance and overall pool health.
High levels of cyanuric acid can lead to various issues, including:
1. Chlorine Ineffectiveness: High cyanuric acid levels can bind with chlorine, reducing its ability to function as an effective sanitizer.
2. Reduced Bacteria Killing: An excess of cyanuric acid diminishes the pool’s ability to effectively kill bacteria, which poses an increased risk to swimmers’ health.
3. Algae Growth: Like high hardness levels, elevated cyanuric acid can make your pool more susceptible to algae, compromising water quality.
Managing CYA levels helps reduce the likelihood of these issues over time.
Recommended cyanuric acid levels can vary depending on the guideline being followed. Many sources suggest a range of 30 to 50 ppm, while others consider levels up to 100 ppm acceptable. As cyanuric acid levels increase, chlorine becomes progressively less effective and typically requires closer monitoring and adjustment. Levels above 100 ppm are widely considered high and can significantly reduce chlorine’s ability to properly sanitize the water. Because cyanuric acid accumulates gradually over time, periodic testing helps keep levels within a manageable range.
Other Contaminants
In addition to hardness and cyanuric acid, swimming pools can accumulate other contaminants that are not always detected by standard water tests. Everyday use introduces substances such as sunscreen, body oils, lotions, and detergents from swimwear into the water. Residual byproducts from ongoing chemical treatments or past water adjustments can also remain in the pool and contribute to water quality challenges.
If water chemistry readings are within normal ranges and filtration and circulation issues have been ruled out, yet problems such as cloudy water, recurring algae, or difficulty maintaining chlorine persist, these less-measurable contaminants may be contributing to the issue. In these situations, draining and refilling the pool is often the most effective way to reset the water chemistry and start fresh.
The Right Time for Draining and Refilling in Tucson
Timing matters when draining a pool. In Tucson, this work is best done during cooler months, when temperatures stay below 90°F, as this reduces the risk of plaster damage while the pool is empty.
Even if a pool is not currently experiencing problems, elevated mineral or chemical levels can contribute to issues during the following swim season. Addressing these conditions during cooler weather helps avoid situations where problems arise in the middle of summer, when draining may carry additional risk and options are more limited.
We Are Here To Help
Draining and refilling your pool may seem daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining a clean, comfortable, and safe swimming environment. Trust this important task to experienced professionals. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us, your reliable Tucson pool service.
By maintaining a regular draining schedule and following professional advice, you’re making a wise investment in the long-term enjoyment of your pool. Thank you for choosing us as your go-to Tucson pool service.