pH is one of the most important elements relating to swimming pool water balance. To ensure compliance and safety, it should be tested and subsequently corrected at the minimum of once a week. It is important to get into the habit of checking your pool’s chemicals to ensure safety to your family.

Naturally, the pH of the human body is 7.2 hence the same applies for a swimming pool. If this measurement slips below 7.0 the swimming pool water will become acidic. On the other side, if the number is above 7.0 the swimming pool water become alkaline.

A low pH reading can cause your swimming pool line to dissolve over time as well as substantial corrosion of any metals including filters, valves, rails or pumps as well as itchy or dry skin.

On the other end of the spectrum, high pH can create scaling or calcium buildup on pool surfaces, waterline and accessories, cloudy water, clogging of filter medium or elements, and drop in disinfection potential of chlorine resulting in algae growth.

Abyss Pools states that to properly adjust pH levels, it is simply a matter of using strips or a drop kit. In the case you determine that your pH is too high, you add acid to drop it back down. A good rule to go by is 1/4 gallon of muriatic acid for every .1 ppm you need to lower per every 20,000 gallons of pool water. For example, if your pool is 20,000 gallons and your ph is 7.8 & we want to lower it to 7.4 which is .4ppm. We would use one full gallon of acid. If your pH is too low, you will want to use soda ash. Soda ash is commonly called, pH up. The formula for soda ash is a 1/2 lb for every .1 ppm you want to raise per 20,000 gallons.

Although measuring and understanding the pH in your swimming pool can be confusing and oftentimes overwhelming, it is a necessary action that needs to be taken on a regular basis. Feel free to contact us and we can help you better understand the Ph in your swimming pool and the importance of proper swimming pool maintenance.