How often should you change your pool water? Myths and scientific facts

¿Cada cuánto debes cambiar el agua de tu alberca? Mitos y realidades científicas

1. Is it necessary to empty the pool periodically?

Technical truth: There is no fixed deadline. The frequency depends on:

  • Current Water Quality : TDS (total dissolved solids) levels >1,500 ppm indicate a need for renewal.

  • Chemical Use : Pools with stabilized chlorine (CYA >100 ppm) require partial changes.

2. Signs to renew the water

  • Persistent turbidity despite chemical adjustments.

  • Skin/eye irritation even with balanced pH and chlorine (due to accumulated chloramines).

  • Calcareous scale embedded in walls (due to high calcium hardness >400 ppm).

3. Professional methods to prolong the life of water

  • Partial renewal (30% annually) : Minimizes impacts on the structure and saves resources.

  • Treatment with flocculants : To remove fine particles without emptying.

  • Reverse osmosis : Technology that filters 90% of impurities without changing the water (cost: $3,000 – $6,000 MXN per session).

4. Risks of incorrect total emptying

  • Concrete pools : May crack if the water table is high (requires controlled pumping).

  • Pools with liner : Abrupt emptying can deform or tear the material.

Under normal conditions, a well-maintained pool can retain its water 3-5 years . Perform TDS analysis every 6 months and opt for purification treatments before emptying.