Mastering Pool Perfection: The Ultimate Guide to pH Balance with Aqua Blue Pools

Maintaining the pH balance of your pool water is essential for ensuring its safety for swimming. A pH that is either excessively high or low can lead to significant issues affecting both the water quality and the pool infrastructure. In this piece, we outline everything you must understand about pH and what steps you can take to keep your pool water secure.

What is pH?

pH represents a scale for assessing the level of acidity or alkalinity of water. This scale extends from 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Water with a pH below 7 is more acidic compared to alkaline. Conversely, water measuring above 7 is more alkaline than acidic. The recommended range for pool water is between 7.2-7.8, with the optimal range being 7.4-7.6. Pool water that falls outside this specified range can be hazardous, thus it is vital to monitor the pH levels of your pool consistently.

What occurs if my pool exhibits a high pH?

Pool water with an elevated pH level is classified as alkaline. In a high-alkaline pool, chlorine and other sanitizing agents will not function efficiently. This inefficiency hampers the cleaning of the pool and allows bacteria to thrive.

High pH levels in pool water can be easily identified. Alkaline water typically results in cloudiness and scaling on the pool walls.

 

What leads to a high pH?

Natural fluctuations in pH are common. Activities such as swimming and splashing can disrupt CO2 levels and raise the pH. This is why regularly examining the pH of your pool is essential.

The introduction of chemicals into your pool can also raise the pH. For instance, granulated or liquid chlorine will increase pH levels.

A sudden rise in temperature, whether from a pool heater or natural sunlight, can similarly elevate the pH.

 

What occurs if my pool has a low pH?

Pool water with a low pH level is deemed acidic. Acidic water can lead to irritation of the skin and eyes and can damage pool plaster. Additionally, it may hinder the effective operation of chlorine and other chemicals.

Low pH levels can corrode metal components within the equipment and render the plaster rougher to the touch.

 

What contributes to low pH?

Stagnant pool water generally sees a decline in pH because the carbon dioxide from the air starts to dissolve into the water. Acidic cleaners, such as chlorine gas, can further lower the pH levels, increasing the acidity of your pool water.

 

How do I adjust the pH of my pool?

Modifying the pH of your pool is straightforward. Sodium carbonate can elevate the pH. Sodium bicarbonate will slightly raise the pH but has a more significant impact on total alkalinity. To decrease the pH level, use an acid-based product, such as muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.

 

Aqua Blue Pools stands as the leading pool construction company in South Carolina. Alongside designing beautiful pools, we provide expert maintenance and repair services to ensure your pool remains magnificent for years to come. Our team boasts over 32 years of experience and numerous satisfied clients.

Contact us today to discover how we can assist you.