Adjusting Your Swimming Pool pH Levels

Understand Your Swimming Pool Chemistry

Lowering Your pH Level

Care must be taken when you lower the swimming pool pH by adding muriatic acid as it can cause severe burns. Prior to adding pool acid as a pH minus, be sure the pump is running and there are no swimmers in the pool.

If you prefer (and I recommend if you’re going to use liquid acid) use a bucket filled with water and acid and then add the mixture to the pool.

Higher levels (8.0 or above) can be reduced using pool acid. There are mainly two types of acid:

The use of chlorine tablets will keep your cyanuric acid in check but it may also lower your pH level so keep an eye out for that.

Raise pH In Pool

To raise the pH in swimming pools, the most common and the safest chemical is Sodium Bicarbonate. You know, good ole’ fashion Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

I used it in my fish tank, as well as all my swimming pools for a good pH up, and it works just fine. You can also find a quality pH increaser at your local pool store.

If you have a pool fountain or waterfall be sure to turn it on as it will help increase the pH level

Try to not add more than 2lbs. of Sodium Bicarbonate, or another kind of pH increaser, for every 10,000 gallons of water in a single application.

Using the proper swimming pool chemicals and techniques will allow for better pool water chemistry.

Please refer to the chart to see the amount your pool needs to raise your swimming pool pH level.

Take care in using Sodium Bicarbonate as it tends to affect both the swimming pool pH and total alkalinity.

A Normal 20,000 Gallon Pool

or

Chart- Lowering pH with Muriatic Acid

On the last note, if you use too much pool acid or pH minus and the pH drops to 7.0 or 7.2, don’t worry. Allow your swimming pool's pH level to come up naturally, and if that doesn’t work, use Sodium Bicarbonate, or another pH up, sparingly and only when needed.

Remember, your pool knows what it needs and it’s your job to deliver. Also keep in mind in using the proper techniques in the application of pool acid and Sodium Bicarbonate.

Also, your pool's total alkalinity is a First Cousin to your swimming pool pH. This means when you add Sodium Bicarbonate or pool acid, you're actually hitting both sides. That's why these techniques are so important, to lessen the effect of the other side.

When filling a pool, first test the pH of the fill water so you may have a good starting point. You may realize no corrections are even needed.

Let’s Recap

1. What is swimming pool pH?
pH is the comfort level of the water. It has a range from 0-14, 7.0 being neutral. You’ll want to keep your pH at 7.6-7.8.
2. When do I test my pool pH balance?
You’ll want to test your pH in late afternoon or early evening.
3. Where do I test pH in my pool?
The most accurate place in the pool would be either the deep end or the point furthest away from the filter.
4. Why should the pool pH be tested?
pH, like chlorine, alkalinity, and hardness is an integral part of your pool’s water balance. At a correct pH level, 7.6-7.8, the chlorine is most effective and bathers won’t get that itchy feeling from an unbalanced pool. Also, too high or too low pH is not good for your filtration system.
5. How do I test my pool water pH level?
If you’re using a dropper test kit, you’ll want to follow the instructions. Most dropper kits say to fill the larger vial with pool water.

To do this you will hold the vial upside down over the pool and go straight into the water, about 1 foot deep. Flip the vial over to collect the sample water and come straight out of the water.

Place 5 drops into the sample water, put the cap on the vial, mix the water by gently shaking up and down then compare the sample color to the chart color. If using the Test Strips, simply take a clean glass or cup, hold it over the pool and go straight down into the water.

Flip the cup over to collect the sample water and come straight back up again. Then place your strip into the cup of pool water and compare your reading with that on the strip chart.

Never place your hand over the vial when mixing the sample water, always use the cap.

Remember, swimmers increase your swimming pool pH level. You may have dirt or debris on your hand that may compromise the test and you want the most accurate reading.

So there you have it. The best information around about your swimming pool pH level.

And you probably saved a little money too.

Happy Swimming

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Pool Tips From Swimming Pool pH