Did you know that swimming is the 4th most popular activity in the United States? While it’s a favorite of many, it’s also beneficial since it works your entire body.
What isn’t talked about enough is why your pool pH matters. While it might seem overwhelming knowing the facts about the pH levels, you’re in luck.
This article will take a look at why pool pH matters. Read on to be able to separate the facts from fiction and ensure that your pool is safe to swim in today!
Understanding the Pool pH Levels
Whether you’re looking for a great workout, cardio activity, or a fun activity for all, maintaining your pool is vital. The pool pH is the degree of activity of a base or acid in the water. It’s the most important chemical to be maintained in your pool.
It can be measured from 0 to 14. It’s best between 7.2-7.8.
Keep in mind that total alkalinity and pH levels aren’t the same. They can impact each other though.
Why Is a Pool’s pH Important?
First, the pH of your pool will help it remain clear. If your water goes murky or hazy, the pH might need to be looked at.
Also, too low of a pH can be harmful to people and be uncomfortable to swim in. This can lead to bleached swimming suits.
When your eyes sting, it can be due to the low pH levels. It can also impact your skin making it itchy and dry.
At the same time, a high pH is a problem as well. This causes it to make chlorine ineffective. Pool owners wind up spending more on chlorine than they should in order to keep a well-maintained pool.
If you have vinyl liners, it can cause damage to your pool. Too high of a pH can cause it to age faster which means a necessary replacement.
What Causes the PH Balance To Be Too High?
While a spike once in a while in pH levels isn’t a concern, watch out for when it’s consistently off. A high pH can be caused by not measuring chemicals properly.
This can be from adding chemicals in order to raise the pH and using too much. Using calcium hypochlorite can increase the pH levels as well.
While it’s important to shock your pool, you’ll want to test the levels after shocking it. If the alkalinity of the pool is too high, it’ll raise the pH levels.
How To Test Pool pH Levels
One of the top ways to take care of your pool is to hire a pool maintenance professional. They can take the guesswork out of it and let you enjoy your pool without having the headache or stress of measuring the pH levels.
Another option is to use test strips. First, make sure that your pool is open before using the test strips.
Next, make sure that your hands are dry and clean. Read the entire instructions that come with the test kit.
Next, take out a pH test strip. Make sure that you close the container to prevent moist air or water from contaminating the other strips.
Place the strip in the water for about 30 seconds. Next, remove it and lay it on a flat surface.
Then you can compare the strip to the color chart. This will allow you to estimate the pH of your test. It’s best to only buy enough for each pool season since they can become ineffective over time.
Lower Your pH levels
One option in how to maintain pool pH levels is to use sodium bisulfate. This is a great option when you’re trying to lower the overall pH levels.
Avoid using it on a windy day in order to avoid it blowing into your eyes or skin. Get close to the water when placing it in.
You’ll also want to test the alkalinity and pH levels. The alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm.
Read through the instructions to determine what amount is best for your pool. Pour it into your jet sites.
Don’t place it into the skimmer. Above-ground pools will need to have it manually circulated. You can spread the chemical with your hands.
In order to make sure that it works, you’ll want to retest it within 24 hours. If everything is in normal range then you’re finished. You’ll need to add more if it’s still not where it should be.
How To Raise the pH Levels
One method in order to raise the pH levels is to add soda ash. This alkaline material will dissolve well when added to water.
Make sure to read the instructions in order to avoid overdoing it. Overdoing the amount of soda ash can cause the pH levels to rise too high.
pH level Tips
In order to maintain the pH levels in your pool, it’s a good idea to keep your pool clean. It’s also important to shock your pool on a regular basis.
Check your filtration system and test your pool chemistry. You’ll want to test the chemistry about twice a week.
Exploring Why Pool PH Matters
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of why the pool pH matters. Take your time testing out the chemicals in your pool and making sure they’re at the correct level.
Are you not sure what to do to determine the pool pH levels? Or, maybe you’re looking to save time.
Contact us today! All of our pool techs are properly certified. You’ll also receive a free consultation where we’ll diagnose the problem and answer all of your questions.
