Pool owners know that having a backyard swimming pool requires an investment of time and money, but the rewards can be well worth it. A summer spent floating or diving into crystal blue water is refreshing and energizing when temperatures climb.

Maintaining a clean pool environment may seem like it is relatively straightforward, but there is some effort and expense that comes with achieving sparkling water. Pool owners can familiarize themselves with the three Bs of pool maintenance; which actually can be considered six Bs, but more on that to follow.

Pool chemistry at its most simple

Pool water has to meet certain criteria to be safe for swimming. The water should feature the correct pH, which is a scale ranging from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or basic a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower numbers are acidic and higher numbers are alkaline. The Better Health Channel and additional pool maintenance resources recommend maintaining pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.8. This slightly alkaline level ensures chlorine can effectively kill germs, and prevents irritation, cloudy water and scaling.

Next up is the sanitizer used to kill germs in the water and prevent algae and mildew growth. Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used sanitizers. APEC Water says that chlorine should test at 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) for pools and hot tubs to effectively disinfect pools. Higher levels may be needed to treat algae blooms.

Finally, pool owners should be concerned with total alkalinity. Total alkalinity is the water’s ability to buffer against pH fluctuations. Maintaining the right TA means you will not have to adjust pH too often.

Products needed

Many chemical products sold at pool stores are designed to maintain the right water balance, and they are highly effective at doing so. However, cost-conscious pool owners may be surprised to find they can use some common household items to adjust their water chemistry. This is where the three Bs come into play.

Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite, better known as chlorine bleach, is an effective sanitizer. Unlike some other chlorine sources, bleach doesn’t add anything else to the water that can affect the chemistry or conditions, like calcium or stabilizer. Household bleach comes in different strengths. For those using it in pools, select non-scented, non-splashless varieties.

Baking soda: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and it can be used to adjust the water to achieve the correct total alkalinity. Trouble Free Pool advises a TA of around 80 ppm.

Borax: Borax also is known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate. It is commonly used as a laundry booster and cleaning agent, but is very effective at raising the pH of pool water to an acceptable level.

When adding these items, begin slowly and test frequently until the desired level is reached.

The other three Bs

In addition to bleach, baking soda and borax, the other Bs pool owners need to know are brushing, balancing and backwashing. According to O sis Biosystem, a landscaping design company, and other pool experts, brushing the walls and floors of the pool can help remove algae and debris. Balancing the chemicals keeps the water clean and safe. Backwashing the pool filter as needed helps clean out accumulated particulates and makes it run more efficiently.