When adjusting swimming pool water balance, what should be adjusted first?

When adjusting swimming pool water balance, total alkalinity should be adjusted first because it serves as a buffer for pH fluctuations. A proper total alkalinity level helps stabilize the pH, preventing it from rising or falling too quickly. Once total alkalinity is adequately adjusted, the pH level can then be fine-tuned more accurately.

Adjusting total alkalinity first ensures that the water chemistry is optimized for further adjustments, as pH manipulation can be ineffective or even lead to complications if total alkalinity is not in a desirable range. After achieving the correct total alkalinity, you can reliably adjust the pH, followed by chlorine levels and calcium hardness as needed for proper water balance. Understanding this sequence is essential in maintaining water quality and crystal-clear pool water.