At Founder's Pool Service, we don’t just “dump and dash” — we use precise digital water testing and a carefully selected range of chemicals to keep your pool clean, safe, and balanced. But what exactly are we adding to your pool, and why?
In this post, we’ll break down the essential chemicals and methods we use, and how we take temperature, ORP, and saltwater systems into account every single visit.
🧪 The Core Chemicals We Use — And What They Do
Boric Acid
We use boric acid as a pH buffer and algae suppressant. It helps maintain water stability, keeps pH from drifting too quickly, and gives the water a sparkling, soft feel. Bonus: borates can reduce chlorine demand over time.
Muriatic Acid (HCl)
Muriatic acid lowers pH and alkalinity. It’s essential when water becomes too basic, especially after the addition of high-pH products or when aeration raises the pH naturally.
Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)
Used to raise pH without drastically increasing alkalinity. Soda ash is great when pH needs a bump but alkalinity is already in the desired range.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
This raises total alkalinity, which helps buffer the pH and stabilize the water. It’s essential for keeping your pool resistant to sudden swings in acidity or basicity.
Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Our primary sanitizer in most pools. It raises free chlorine levels and slightly increases pH. Because it’s unstabilized, we carefully balance it with proper CYA levels when needed.
Chlorine Tabs - Trichlor (Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione)
Best if used sparingly in stabilized pools, especially in floaters or inline feeders. Trichlor provides chlorine and adds CYA — but over time, excess CYA can reduce chlorine effectiveness, so we monitor CYA levels closely.
Calcium Flake (Calcium Chloride)
Used to raise calcium hardness, essential for plaster pool protection and water balance (especially LSI). Soft water can become corrosive, so we adjust calcium as needed based on the pool type and temperature.
Cal-Hypo or Shock (Calcium Hypochlorite)
A powerful oxidizer and sanitizer. We use it for shocking pools or when additional hardness is beneficial. It increases free chlorine and calcium hardness simultaneously.
Phosphate Remover
Phosphates are algae food. By eliminating them, we reduce the chance of blooms and minimize the chlorine demand. We use it as part of our proactive algae prevention strategy.
Enzymes
Enzymes break down organic matter (sunscreen, body oils, pollen), which helps reduce scum lines and chlorine demand. Especially helpful in heavily used or warm-weather pools.
Aeration & Turbulence
To raise pH naturally without increasing alkalinity, we sometimes use methods like running water features, aiming returns toward the surface, or using a sump pump to create turbulence in the water. This is ideal when high CO₂ is depressing the pH but alkalinity is fine.
🌡️ How We Factor in Other Important Variables
Temperature
Water temperature is a key component in LSI (Langelier Saturation Index), which tells us whether your pool is corrosive or scale-forming. Warmer water increases the risk of scale, so we adjust calcium and pH accordingly.
ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential)
ORP tells us how effectively your chlorine is sanitizing, not just how much is present. We use ORP readings to ensure your pool water is actually safe and sanitary — especially important when dealing with high CYA levels or fluctuating bather loads.
Saltwater Pools
Saltwater systems still rely on chlorine — they just generate it via electrolysis. We account for salt levels, pH drift from chlorine generation, and cell scaling risks. Proper calcium and LSI balance are critical to protect your salt cell and extend its life.
🧠 The Founder's Difference: We Use Science, Not Guesswork
Every visit, we assess your pool's needs based on digital testing and apply only what’s necessary — nothing more, nothing less. We track changes, monitor trends, and prevent problems before they start.
That’s how we keep your pool crystal clear, comfortable, and chemically safe — while helping you get the most life out of your plaster, equipment, and sanitizers.
Ready for smarter pool care?
Choose Founder's Pool Service — the team that treats your pool like it's our own.
📍 Serving Buckeye, Verrado, Goodyear, North Scottsdale & Paradise Valley