As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to fall, it’s important to start thinking about pool maintenance during the winter months. The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a crucial tool to ensure your pool water stays balanced and protected from damage during the winter. In this post, we will discuss the LSI, its importance in pool maintenance, and how a professional pool care service can help to maintain the LSI in your pool during the winter.
The LSI is a calculation that determines the balance of water chemistry in a swimming pool. It takes into account pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature to determine if the water is in a balanced state.
According to studies and testing by Orenda, the ideal range for pool water to sit is between -.30 to +.30
An LSI that is too low (corrosive) can cause damage to the pool’s structure and equipment, as well as make the water uncomfortable for swimmers. Corrosive water can lead to the erosion of pool surfaces and equipment, and can also cause staining, discoloration, and etching of the pool’s surfaces.
On the other hand, an LSI that is too high (scaling) can cause cloudy water and difficult to remove mineral buildup on the pool’s surfaces. Scaling water can lead to cloudy water, scaling on the pool surfaces and equipment, and can also cause the pool’s water to become difficult to balance.
During the winter months, the LSI can be easily thrown off due to changes in temperature, making the water corrosive. The easiest way to stay in balance is by making adjustments to either the pH and/or alkalinity. However, if you heat your pool, you will now need to take into account the water resting at a higher temperature. Brief uses of the spa are generally okay, but long term heating without adjustments will cause long term internal damage to the heater.
A great tool to utilize in calculating what the LSI of your water is the Orenda Calculator. You can find it on either the Google or Apple Stores. To utilize the full extent of the app yourself, you will need a Taylor Test Kit or equivalent that tests Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, Calcium and CYA. You will also need to be able to test TDS, which will require a separate TDS meter along with a temperature gauge.
To learn more details about the Langelier Saturation Index, feel free to access Orenda’s website here.
If you don’t have the time, a professional pool care service will have the knowledge and expertise to properly maintain the LSI in your pool during the winter. They will regularly check and adjust the water chemistry, including pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels, to ensure that the water is in a balanced state. They use the LSI as a guideline to make sure that the pool water is in a safe state for the pool equipment and surfaces, as well as for the swimmers.
If you are local to Las Vegas, NV, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
In conclusion, proper pool maintenance during the winter is crucial to ensure that your pool is protected from damage and ready for the swimming season. The LSI is a valuable tool in maintaining the balance of water chemistry and preventing damage to your pool.
