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Balancing The pH Levels In Your Pool

pH Balance
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is in the pool. The concept of pH balance can be confusing, but it is actually fairly simple:

Neutral pH is very good for your pool and the industry standard is between 7.4 - 7.6. This is the most common target point for pool water. Your eyes have a pH of 7.5. If the pH is high, your eyes will sting. If the pH is low, you will experience dry eyes.

Acidic (7.2 or lower) means that the water is generally “under-saturated” or “hungry” and is seeking something to raise the pH level. Soda Ash is usually used to raise the pH level. Some pool companies use Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise the pH but it will also raise the Total Alkalinity (TA) of the pool water.

Acidic water tends to corrode or etch metal and copper pipes and your pool’s surface. If you get lower than 7.2, you risk a corrosive environment in the water. High pH levels can corrode the heating elements of a heat pump and screw up your system and pipes. Salt cells in a salt system can also be damaged. Consult with factory recommendations for ideal pH settings.

Basic (7.8 or higher) is generally “over-saturated”; meaning that it wants to deposit some of its excess material. Pool Acid is used to lower this level and bring it into proper range

Basic water tends to deposit scale or, carbonates, on your pool’s finish or tile. It can also cause cloudy water which is a sure sign something is terribly wrong. Pool Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate can be purchased at your local pool store. There are two types of pool acid. I prefer the “Non-Fuming” brand (versus Muriatic Acid) as the fumes aren’t as strong.

pH Adjustment Tips

  1. When adjusting pH levels using pool acid or Sodium Bicarbonate, usually, you can see a difference in the test readings in under an hour. Make sure the pool pump is running to circulate the water.
  2. If the pH is way off, don’t add excessive amounts of pool acid or sodium Bicarbonate with hopes of balancing everything out quickly. If this is the case, add chemicals and wait 24 hours and adjust again. If you still have problems, take a water sample to your pool store and have them test it.
  3. High chlorine levels can cause the pH test to come out wrong. If the free chlorine is high, wait until the chlorine/sanitizer level is normal, then retest.
  4. Fiberglass pools typically have low pH readings and you may have to use more Sodium Bicarbonate to raise the pH. If this doesn’t solve the problem, get advice from your pool store professional.
  5. Do not add more than 1 gallon of pool acid per 10,000 gallons of water at one time. If the pool requires more than this, add the maximum amount then retest 12 hours later and make further adjustments. This will help to keep you from over-treating the pool.

• Note: A good rule of thumb - Once your chemicals are properly balanced, for every 2.5 gallons of chlorine you add to your pool, add 1/4 - 1/3 gallon of pool acid in the deepest area of the pool next to a return jet.

Testing pH

The pH test is fairly straightforward. It is based on a phenol red solution which turns different colors based on the pH of the water.

  1. Fill the large TAYLOR test vial to the 44 mL mark with pool water.
  2. Add five drops of R-0004, put cap on container and mix well. Compare the sample color with the printed colors on the test vial.
  3. An acceptable reading in the industry (depending on the state) is between 7.4 - 7.6.

Adjusting pH levels
Adjusting the pH is something that should be done incrementally. It is better to make slight adjustments when the pH gets a little high or low during your weekly testing.

LOW pH (7.2 or lower) - Start by adding about one scoop of a pool measurement cup (app: 20 oz) of Sodium Bicarbonate into the skimmer, or, pour it around the edge of the pool in the deep end. Don’t pour it all in one place or it will cloud up the water.

HIGH pH (7.8 or higher) - To lower the pH level, add one quart of Pool Acid at a time (one quarter of a gallon bottle) around the deep end of the pool. Check in about an hour and note the difference from your original reading. Keep adding Pool Acid in small increments until you reach the proper pH level. Because there are so many variables in pool sizes, I have found this to be the best method.. a little at a time until you get the hang of it.