The swimming pool pH level is one of the most significant factors in pool water balance. The pH is the determination of the acidity or alkalinity of the water. pH means hydrogen ions molar concentration in a solution. It is calculated by the formula –log[H+]. The pH level is measured from 0 to 14, whereas pH 7.0 is neutral. When the pH is below 7.0 then it is called acidic. Conversely, when the pH is above 7.0 it is called alkaline. There are various causes that can change pool water pH level such as heavy rain, chemicals, number of swimmers.
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Swimming pool pH level
The best pool water pH level is 7.2. Always try to keep the swimming pool pH level minimum 7.0 and maximum 7.6. By keeping within the range you can avoid some problems. The pH of human eyes is varying from 7.2 to 7.4. Moreover pool pH level 7.4 also provides excellent chlorine disinfection.
How to test pool pH
As the high or low pool water pH level can causes many troubles to us. Hence it should be regular checking and adjust the pH according to the result. It is better to check at least every week. If it is not found in ideal ranges then it should be corrected.
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Problems for high pH in pool
There are many problems for high pH in pool water. Some of them are discuss in below.
- The calcium and carbonates in the pool water combines and form scale on pool surfaces, waterline and accessories. Therefore the sand filter and other elements can lose their efficiency.
- The pool water turns into cloudy or murky.
- It can be burning eyes and nose of the swimmers. Moreover, the skin may become dry and itchy.
- If the swimming pool pH level becomes over 8.0 then the chlorine loses its disinfection potential. Therefore it may increases algae growth or requires more chlorine to act properly.
How to reduce pool pH
Normally, the tendency of pool water pH is increasing, due to chlorination, swimmer’s wastes such as sweat, urine. To reduce pool pH you can be used an acid. The most familiar pool acids are muriatic acid and sodium bisulphate. The muriatic acid means the liquid hydrochloric acid with 30-35% concentration. On the other hand, the sodium bisulphate is a dry acid; it is granule or powder type. You can also use sulfuric acid or nitric acid to reduce pool pH. But they have a drawback. Both of them are highly corrosive. Moreover, sulfuric acid will increases TDS level.
Not use acid directly into the pool water. It is better to use a plastic bucket to mix the acid into the water. It is recommended that never add water into acid, all the time add acid into water.
In The Swim Pool pH Reducer – 60 lb. Pail
Problems for low pH in pool water
The various problems of low pH in pool water are following.
- The plaster or grouting of the pool can started to decay when the water becomes acidic. Therefore the surface becomes roughness which is suitable for pool algae growth.
- The metal parts of pool equipment, pipe fittings, pump connections, etc are corrode. Sulphates are formed due to pool walls and metals corrode, which is responsible for ugly brown and black stains.
- The chlorine is activated and rapid dissipation. Consequently, it loses its disinfectant activities and required multiple dosages.
- burning eyes and nose
- dry and itchy skin
Swimming Pool pH increaser
Low pool water pH means more amount of H+ ions. We can increase pH by using pool pH increaser. It is nothing but a base. Generally the active element of swimming pool pH increaser is soda ash (sodium carbonate). It reduces the H+ ions and increases OH– in pool water. Therefore, increases the pH of the water. To increase the pool water pH level 1.0 for a 10000 liters water is required approximately 400 gm of soda ash.
In The Swim Pool pH Increaser – 50 lb. Pail