Know Your Pool pH & Swimming Pool Chemistry

pH Pool Problems & Swimming Pool Care

What if it's too high or too low. All pool owners need to learn about their pool water treatment, how to care for it, and any pool problems that may pop up.

This section seems to be the most debated issue on how to balance swimming pools.

To learn the best way to make adjustments to your swimming pool pH levels go here.

Are You Using Too Much Pool Chlorine Or Acid?

While I agree, somewhat, on the information floating around the internet about the pH in swimming pools, I believe there is something a bit better concerning your pool water pH.

Now before start dumping massive amounts of muriatic acid or some other kind of pH minus into your swimming pool, have a go at this.

Now This

When your swimming pool pH level is 5.5, the pool chlorine is 100% effective, but nobody in their right mind would ever allow their pool water pH to get so low. At around 7.2-7.4 the chlorine is about 50% effective. At a higher swimming pool pH level of 8.0-8.2 and above the chlorine effectiveness drops to 25%.

By keeping your swimming pool pH balance between 7.8-8.2, you’re actually wasting almost 75% of your chlorine! On the flip side, the pH in swimming pools that are by kept at 7.2 use too much acid, but the chlorine is a bit more effective.

Your pool water pH will naturally rise through the result of bather load (sweat, urine, spit, grass clippings, bugs, shocking, high pH of fill water, virtually any organic matter).

When a swimming pool is unbalanced, out of control, and doesn't have the proper pool water chemistry, it can be the most frustrating time for a pool owner.

I have seen many kidney-shaped flower gardens in people’s backyard. They become so irritated with their pools they drain them and fill them with dirt.

Don’t let this happen to you!!

Take the time to educate yourself about swimming pool pH levels and the proper way to balance your pool. You need to have both the knowledge and understanding of how all the elements work together to give you the pool and Hot Tub you deserve.

Clear Pool Water

So what are you gonna do now?

This is very simple. Keep your pool pH between 7.6-7.8. At this level, the chlorine is still effective but you don't have to put so much pool acid or pH minus in your pool to keep the pH level at 7.2. The YMCA pool that I manage is pretty much locked in at the pH of 7.6-7.8.

Now please don't start saying the old line you've heard 1000 times already, "But wait!! I thought running a slightly higher pool water pH would cause itching and burning eyes, ears, noses, and throats!! I thought my skin would peel off like a banana!! My swimsuit would be destroyed!! My filtration system would explode!

Call this number: 541-917-7600. This is the phone number to our Albany, OR Public Works Department. Ask them what the pH level is for the tap water. I'll save you the call, it's 7.8-8.2.

That's right!

They're purposely running a slightly higher pH level. And would you like to know why? It's because some of the plumbing is corroding in the older houses. They found that running a slightly higher pH level is actually better for the plumbing.

How about that?

Everyone in Albany who showers with the tap water, drinks the tap water, washes clothes, washes cars, waters lawns, etc...is not lined up in the Emergency Room at the hospital.

A slightly higher, but not too high, pool water pH IS the way to go.

Proper Pool Water Maintenance

If your fill water pH is already a bit high (7.8-8.2), count your blessings. Just a little pool acid or pH minus (maybe ½ gallon or even less) will bring your swimming pool pH to the proper level. Take care in adding any pH minus or pool acid.

If your fill water is reading a pH level of 7.2, great!! Allow your swimming pool pH level it to come up naturally and make small adjustments only when needed. Use a little Sodium Bicarb. or another kind of pH up.

Don’t “manhandle” your swimming pool chemistry. By this, I mean try not to add a gallon of pool acid, only to realize your pH is now at 7.0, and then add 5lbs. of Sodium Bicarbonate or a pH increaser to bring the pH back up, only to come back the next day to a pH level of 8.0. More pool acid brings the pH down, then more bicarbonate brings it up, and on and on.

Your pool is smart and will tell you exactly what it needs if you’re in tune with it. By following this advice on swimming pool pH and swimming pool care, you're on your way to being the envy of the neighborhood.

Remember: Just tiny corrections are needed once the proper balance has been established.

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Pool Tips From Pool pH