For the comfort and safety of swimmers as well as the equipment longevity in your pool, maintaining the proper pH levels is crucial. Scaling on pool surfaces, cloudy water, and eye and skin irritation can all result from a pool’s pH level is too high. On the other hand, if it is too low, pool equipment may become corroded.
This article will go over maintaining pH balance, lowering pH levels in swimming pools, and different methods you can employ to get your pool’s pH levels just right.
Understanding pH Levels and What Causes Them to Fluctuate
pH, or “potential of hydrogen,” is rated from 0 to 14, with 7 representing neutrality. Swimming is generally considered to be safe at a pH of 7.2 to 7.8. A pH value of 8.0 or higher is regarded as high, and a pH value of 7.2 or lower as low.
Your pool’s pH level may change as a result of a number of variables, including chlorine, rainwater, and other chemicals. The pH levels can be affected and may rise over time when chlorine, which is added to swimming pools to kill bacteria and other contaminants, is present. Because rainwater is acidic by nature, pH levels can also change as a result.
It’s important to remember that the pH of the source water used to fill the pool can also have an impact on the pH level. The pH of the pool will initially be high if the source water has a high pH.
Cloudy water, scaling on the pool’s surfaces, and irritation of the eyes and skin are all indications that the pH level in your pool may be too high. It’s time to test and adjust the pH levels in your pool if you see any of these symptoms.
Testing and Measuring pH Levels
It is essential to test your pool’s pH levels to make sure they stay within the safe range. Liquid test kits, strip test kits, and electronic test kits are just a few of the different kinds of pH test kits that are offered.
The most precise and straightforward test kits are liquid ones. Simply add a few drops of the test solution to a test tube filled with pool water, then compare the resulting color to the kit’s provided color chart.
Although strip test kits are not as accurate as liquid test kits, they are still fairly simple to use. Simply dunk a test strip into the pool water, wait a short while, and then contrast the hue with the kit’s provided color chart.
A tool that electronically measures pH level and provides a digital reading is known as an electronic pH tester. These testers are incredibly precise and simple to use.
Whatever type of pH test kit you decide on, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to regularly test the pH levels in your pool. It’s advised to check your pool’s pH level at least once per week.
Techniques for Lowering pH Levels
There are several methods you can employ to lower the pH level of your pool if you discover it to be too high. Chemical and non-chemical methods are the two most frequently used techniques.
Chemical Methods
The most popular way to lower pH levels is by using muriatic acid or a pH decrease. Muriatic acid is a potent chemical that can quickly lower pH levels, but it should be used carefully because improper use can harm pool surfaces. Avoid overdoing it and add the acid gradually while stirring the water.
However, pH decreaser, a product designed specifically to lower pH levels, is a little less potent than muriatic acid. When using a chemical to lower pH levels, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also a good idea to test the water again after adding the chemical to make sure you’ve reached the desired pH level.
Non-Chemical Methods
Aeration and flowing water are two examples of non-chemical methods that can be used to lower pH levels. Aeration is the practice of introducing air to water, which can aid in lowering pH levels. This can be accomplished by installing a fountain or waterfall or by aerating your pool.
The pH levels can be lowered by flowing water as well because it keeps the water from becoming stagnant. Check the functionality of the built-in flow system if your pool has one. If not, take into account setting up a new pump or filter.
Safety Precautions
Take safety precautions whenever handling chemicals to prevent harm. Always use safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, and work in an area with good ventilation. Keep chemicals secure and out of the reach of children and animals.
Maintaining Optimal pH Levels
It’s critical to sustain the desired pH level over time once you’ve achieved it. To achieve this, you must routinely test the pH levels in your pool and adjust as necessary.
Keeping an eye on the total alkalinity is another crucial piece of advice to bear in mind. Total alkalinity is a measurement of the water’s buffering capacity, which indicates how well the water can withstand pH changes. The correct total alkalinity is necessary for a pH level that is balanced; if the alkalinity is too low, pH levels will fluctuate more.
The source water used to fill the pool and the amount of rainfall in your area are two additional factors to be aware of in addition to routine testing and adjusting.
Conclusion
For the comfort and safety of swimmers as well as the equipment longevity in your pool, maintaining the proper pH levels is crucial. You can make sure that the pH levels in your pool stay within the safe range by being aware of the factors that can cause pH level fluctuations, testing and measuring pH levels frequently, and being familiar with the different methods for lowering pH levels.
Always remember to balance pH levels with total alkalinity as well as to use caution when handling chemicals. You can take advantage of a pool that is crystal clear all year long if you remember to monitor the pH levels and test them on a regular basis.