For pool owners in Baton Rouge, dealing with hot, humid summers and frequent rain is part of everyday life. These conditions can turn a clear, inviting pool cloudy or green if you're not careful. The key to preventing that? Consistent water chemistry maintenance.

At Lucas Firmin Pools, we help Baton Rouge homeowners keep their pools clean, balanced, and ready for swimming all summer long.

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What Chemicals Should You Use in Your Pool?

Clear pool water doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of maintaining key chemical levels in balance and adjusting them regularly, especially in Louisiana's unpredictable weather. The most important factors to monitor include:

1. Free Chlorine (FC): Chlorine kills bacteria and algae, keeping your water safe and clean. In Baton Rouge's summer heat, chlorine breaks down more quickly under strong sunlight, making regular testing and adjustments essential.
2. Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Cyanuric acid protects chlorine from sunlight, but too much of it can actually reduce chlorine's effectiveness. Most residential pools do best with 30–50 ppm of CYA.
3. pH Levels: Maintaining a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 ensures that chlorine works properly and prevents corrosion, scaling, and swimmer discomfort.
4. Total Alkalinity: Alkalinity helps maintain a stable pH. For Baton Rouge pools, aim for 80–120 ppm to prevent wide swings in water quality that can cause issues.
5. Calcium Hardness: Maintaining balanced calcium levels helps protect your pool's surface from erosion and scale buildup. Regular testing is essential to prevent damage caused by fluctuating water quality.

How Do You Maintain a Pool Properly?

Good water chemistry only works with proper circulation and filtration. Running your pool pump for 8–12 hours daily during peak summer months helps keep the water moving and distributes chemicals evenly. Don't skip the physical maintenance:

1. Clean the filter regularly
2. Brush pool walls and steps weekly
3. Skim debris off the surface often
4. Shock the pool when needed, especially after storms or heavy use

What Challenges Do Baton Rouge Pools Face?

Baton Rouge's hot, humid climate, combined with frequent rainstorms, creates ideal conditions for the growth of algae and bacteria. Even a few days without balanced water chemistry can quickly lead to cloudy or green pool water. After heavy rain, your pool's chemical levels can become diluted, and organic debris, such as leaves and dirt, can wash in, further impacting water clarity. Due to these ongoing challenges, regular water testing and prompt adjustments are crucial to maintaining a sparkling and swim-ready pool throughout the entire season.

Managing pool chemistry and maintenance can be challenging—especially with Baton Rouge's unique weather conditions. Whether you prefer expert support to maintain your water balance or require routine cleaning and equipment maintenance, Lucas Firmin Pools offers reliable, professional service tailored to your needs.

For a pool that stays consistently clean, balanced, and ready for swimming, contact us and schedule a service online today.