North side pool services

Pool Water Ph Balancing

Pool water pH is a number between 0 and 14 measured by a pool test strip or testing kit.  A pH of 7 is neutral, a pH level above 7 is alkaline and below 7 is acidic. Pure water has a pH of 7, but the starting pH of your pool water varies depending on the minerals and chemicals in your municipal water supply.

Water from your tap or hose typically has a pH level of 6.5-8.5 (average 7.5). Then you add chlorine and other chemicals to kill bacteria and algae to make the pool water safe for swimming. These added chemicals will generally raise or lower your pool’s pH, making it more acidic or higher in alkaline.

Your goal is to keep your pool water balanced in the ideal pH range of slightly higher than neutral which is 7.

A pool’s pH level is affected by how hard your water is, the weather conditions, water temperature, your pool’s filtration system, how many people have been in the pool, and other factors such as heat pumps and covers.

Why is balancing your pool waters pH so important?

pH balancing plays a big part in the safety and comfort of both you and anyone else using your pool. A well balanced pH pool is also clear and free from insects.

What is the perfect pH level one should have?

Pool water pH should be between 7.2-7.8 The acceptable range for pool water pH is 7.2-7.8, and the ideal pool pH is between 7.4 and 7.6. Water below a pH of 7.2 is too acidic, stinging your eyes, damaging pool liners and corroding equipment. Water with a pH higher than 7.8 is to high in alkaline and can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, and scale build up.

How Often Should I Test Pool PH levels?

Test your pools pH every day. Your pool water’s pH changes constantly due to water and chemical evaporation, rain, and things added by people been in your pool such as sunscreen and sweat. Use a pH test strip or your pool test kit to check the pH levels daily so you can make adjustments quickly and keep your pH within the ideal range. If you have a pool company doing it they will test it on a weekly basis

What Happens If My Pool pH Is Too High?

Pool pH that is too high (above 7.8) can cause the following:

• Cloudy pool water
• Decreased ability for chlorine to kill germs
• Damage to a pool’s vinyl liner
• Dry, itchy skin, rashes and brittle hair
• Mineral scaling inside your pipes, which can reduce circulation and strain your pump

What Happens If My Pool pH Is Too Low?

When your pool pH level is too low (below 7.2) you can experience the following:

• Irritated eyes and mucous membranes of swimmers
• Damage or dimpling of your pool’s plaster finish
• Corroded metal parts such as ladders or diving board bases
• Corroded pumps and mechanical systems
• Chlorine instability and overuse

How Do I Adjust Pool Water pH?

The basics of adjusting pool pH are:

• If your pool water pH is above 7.8, add an acid such as muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate
• If the pH level is below 7.2, add an alkaline base such as sodium carbonate (soda ash) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)