pH: How to Balance pH in Your Pool for Clear, Safe Water

Maintaining the proper pH balance in your pool is essential for ensuring clean, safe, and comfortable swimming conditions. If the level is too high or too low, it can cause a range of problems, from skin irritation to damage to your pool equipment. Fortunately, maintaining water balance in your pool is simple when you know what to do. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep your pool water at the ideal balance.

What is pH and Why Does It Matter?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Pool water should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8. A level within this range ensures:

• Proper chlorine effectiveness, so the pool remains sanitized
• Comfortable swimming without eye irritation or dry skin
• Protection for pool equipment and surfaces from corrosion or scaling

If it is too low (below 7.2), the water becomes too acidic, which can lead to corrosion of pool equipment and surfaces, as well as skin and eye irritation. If it is too high (above 7.8), the water becomes too alkaline, which can cause scaling, cloudy water, and a reduction in chlorine effectiveness.

1. Test the pH Levels

Before adjusting, you need to test the water. You can use a pool water test kit or test strips to check the current level. Follow the instructions carefully to get an accurate reading. If the pH is below 7.2 or above 7.8, adjustments are needed.

2. Adjust the pH Using Chemicals

If the pH level is outside the ideal range, you’ll need to add chemicals to adjust it. There are two main chemicals used to maintain balance in pools:

• To raise (if it’s too low): Use a pH increaser, often labeled as sodium carbonate or soda ash. This chemical will raise the pH of the pool water, making it more alkaline.
• To lower (if it’s too high): Use a pH decreaser, typically made from muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. These chemicals will lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic.

3. Add the Chemicals Slowly

When adding chemicals to balance the water, always add them gradually. It’s important to avoid large, sudden changes in the water’s chemistry. Add small amounts, wait for the water to circulate, and then retest before adding more. This method ensures more precise control over the chemical balance.

4. Allow the Pool to Circulate

After adding the chemicals, turn on the pool pump and allow the water to circulate for at least 4–6 hours. This helps distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the pool and ensures proper mixing. You can also brush the pool walls and floor to help speed up the process.

5. Recheck the pH

After a few hours of circulation, retest the water to ensure it is in the optimal range (7.2 to 7.8). If necessary, make additional adjustments, but always remember to add chemicals slowly and in small amounts to avoid over-correcting.

6. Monitor Regularly

Once your water is balanced, it’s important to monitor it regularly, especially after heavy rains, pool parties, or when adding chemicals like chlorine or algaecide. Test your pool’s pH at least once a week, or more frequently if the pool is used often.

Tips for Maintaining Proper pH Levels

• Avoid overuse of chemicals: Adding too many chemicals at once can cause significant swings in pH. Always add small amounts and test between adjustments.
• Be mindful of rainfall: Heavy rain can dilute the pool’s water, so test and adjust after storms.
• Check your pool’s alkalinity: Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, helping it remain stable. If alkalinity is low, the pH can fluctuate quickly. Ideal alkalinity is between 80-120 ppm (parts per million). You may need to adjust alkalinity before addressing pH.
• Use a pool cover: Using a cover can help keep debris and rain out, reducing the chances of imbalances.

Final Thoughts

Balancing your pool water is crucial for both the safety of swimmers and the longevity of your pool equipment. Regular testing, along with small, gradual adjustments, will keep your pool water at the right pH level, ensuring a clean and enjoyable swimming experience. By following these steps, you’ll maintain healthy, clear water and prevent issues like skin irritation or algae growth caused by improper levels.

Have a question about the water balance of your pool? Visit us in-store for a free professional water test!