Total Available Chlorine (TAC) is the total of all the chlorine compounds in the water. When you subtract the (FAC) from the (TAC) that gives you the amount of Combined Available Chlorine (CAC). A (CAC) is a type of chlorine molecule that is contaminated and is no longer effective. Any level of (CAC) should be treated by oxidizing the pool. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your total available chlorine levels every week.

Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is the amount of chlorine in the water that is available to sanitize and disinfect. The ideal range for Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is 2.0-4.0 ppm. Any FAC reading below 2.0 ppm or above 4.0 ppm needs to be addressed. A pool without enough FAC may not be able to overcome bacteria and algae that grow. A pool with too much FAC may be unpleasant to swim in, and cause bleaching or irritate eyes. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your total free chlorine levels every week.

This test reveals how acidic or basic your pool water is. The ideal range for pH in pool water is 7.4-7.6. A pH level in this range helps chlorine work effectively. The pH of our eyes is in this sweet spot as well, so matching that acidity will reduce red and irritated eyes from pool water. Any reading below 7.2 or above 7.8 needs to be addressed. High pH may cause scale and cloudiness, while low pH may erode your plaster or corrode metal. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your pH levels every week.

Cyanuric acid, sometimes called conditioner or stabilizer, acts like a sunscreen for chlorine and helps prevent burn off from the sun and high temperatures. If there is not enough Cyanuric acid, the chlorine will burn off too quickly. The ideal range for Cyanuric acid in most pools is 30-50 ppm. For those pools that use a chlorine generator (salt system), the desired range for Cyanuric acid is usually higher at around 60-80 ppm. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your cyanuric acid levels every week.

This test measures the amount of Total Dissolved Solids in the water. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are the mineral content in the water. When the TDS is too high, it becomes harder to keep the water in balance. You can also experience itchy skin, eye irritation, and cloudy water. The maximum range for TDS in most pools is 3000 ppm. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your total dessolved solid levels every week.

This test measures the amount of metals in the water. Metals can be present in hard water. Water can be hard when there are no softeners present and typically from wells. Any amount of metal above 0 ppm could pose a risk for staining and should be treated immediately. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your pools copper and iron levels every month.

Total Alkalinity measures the water's ability to protect and buffer the pH against rapid changes. The ideal range for Total Alkalinity is based on the type of sanitizer used but it's between 80-120ppm. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your total alkalinity levels every week.

This test measures the phosphate levels in the water. Phosphates can provide food for algae to bloom and grow in the pool, so you should try to keep the phosphate levels low. Ideally, there should be no phosphates in the water but, since phosphates are created by other chemicals and bathers, they tend to increase over time and should be checked. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your pools phosphate levels every week.

This test measures the calcium levels in the water. If there is not enough calcium, the water will become corrosive and damage the surface or equipment. Low calcium can be especially destructive to pools with tiles or plaster, as your water will leech the necessary calcium from your surfaces. If there is too much calcium, scale and stains can form on the surface. The ideal range for Calcium Hardness is 200-400 ppm. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your pools calcium hardness levels every week.

This test measures the amount of salt in the water. This test will only be done if you use a chlorine generator (salt system). Ideal salt ranges vary by manufacturer, so you may need to help us understand the salt cell you are using. While salt is natural and mild, it's typically best to use as few chemicals as possible, and salt is no different. If your salt levels aren't hitting the mark we have several strategies to help you lower the amount in your pool. Our Full-Service Pool Cleaning Service monitors and maintains your salt levels every month. (for salt pools only)