When chemical operational parameters are brought into their ideal ranges, chemicals function efficiently with a minimum of expense and problems are less likely to occur. Below is a handy reference chart that contains the minimum, ideal and maximum operational parameters.
| Element/Compound | Minimum | Ideal | Maximum |
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 ppm | 1.0-3.0 ppm | 3.0 ppm |
| Combined Chlorine | None | None | 0.2 ppm |
| Bromine | 2.0 ppm | 2.0-4.0 ppm | 4.0 ppm |
| pH | 7.2 | 7.4-7.6 | 7.8 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 ppm | (depends on type of pool) | 140 ppm |
| Gunite (plaster) | 80-120 ppm | ||
| Vinyl Liner Painted or Fiberglass |
100-140 ppm | ||
| Calcium Hardness | 150 ppm | 200-400 ppm | 500-1,000 ppm* |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) |
300 ppm | 1,000-2,000 ppm | 3,000 ppm |
| Iron & Copper (Heavy Metals) |
None | None | 0.2 ppm |
| Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) |
10 ppm | 30-50 ppm | 150 ppm |
*Depends on the local fill water. Normally, 500 ppm is the maximum.