Do your eyes ever start burning after jumping into a pool? Does your skin ever feel itchy when you’ve been in the water for a little bit? These uncomfortable symptoms usually mean your pool’s pH level is too high.
High pH Problems in Your Pool
Your pool’s pH levels play a big role in keeping your swimming environment safe & enjoyable. Pool pH should stay between 7.2 to 7.8. Levels above this range can create problems that affect your pool.
Signs Your Pool's pH is Too High
Your pool will show several warning signs if pH levels rise above 7.8.
- The water becomes cloudy and murky
- Scale forms on pool surfaces and equipment
- Swimmers experience burning or irritated eyes
- Skin feels dry and itchy while hair becomes brittle
- Chlorine loses its effectiveness
How High pH Affects Your Pool and Swimmers
High pH levels create multiple problems for your swimming pool. The water’s sanitization gets worse because chlorine becomes nowhere near as effective. You’ll spend more money on chemicals and still face water quality problems. The impact extends to your pool’s equipment. Scale builds up inside pipes and on surfaces as pH rises, which restricts water flow and puts extra strain on your pump system.
Common Causes of High pH Levels
The reasons behind rising pH levels vary. Natural CO2 loss through water movement and aeration are the more common causes. Your pool’s temperature changes can trigger pH increases, whether they come from heaters or sunny weather. Regular pool activities affect pH levels too. Swimming and splashing break up CO2 in the water.
Low pH acts like a troublemaking guest at your pool party and causes a ton of annoyances!!
Testing and Diagnosing pH Levels
Regular pool water testing helps you prevent improper pH levels. You should test your pool’s pH at least once per week. More frequent tests become necessary during heavy use periods or after rainfall.
How to Properly Test Your Pool's pH
- Run your pool pump for at least an hour before testing
- Collect water from elbow-depth, away from skimmers and returns
- Don’t shake excess water off the test strip
- Wait 15-30 seconds for colors to develop
- Compare results against the color chart in natural light
Understanding Test Results
Your pool’s ideal pH should stay between 7.2 and 7.8. Each point on the pH scale represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity. Test strips work well for regular maintenance checks. Liquid test kits provide more accurate readings for testing.
When to Call a Professional
- Persistent chemical imbalances despite proper treatment
- Recurring water clarity issues
- Complex chemical interactions affecting multiple parameters
- Equipment problems affecting pH levels
Poseidon Pools & Spas recommends professional water testing at least once a month and after major events like heavy storms or extensive pool use. Our technicians use testing equipment that provides detailed analysis and precise chemical balance recommendations. This makes sure your pool stays crystal clear for swimming.
Safe Methods to Lower Pool pH
Picking the right method to lower your pool’s pH is important to getting good results.
Using pH Decreaser Products
Sodium bisulfate (dry acid) and muriatic acid stand out as the two most popular chemical options to lower pool pH. Sodium bisulfate is often the safer choice for homeowners because it’s easier to handle and store. These safety precautions should guide you while using these products.
- Wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and proper clothing)
- Never mix chemicals with chlorine
- Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals
- Wait several hours before swimming
Natural Methods for pH Reduction
Natural methods can help lower your pool’s pH if you want to avoid chemicals. A distilled water system works well, especially if your area has naturally hard water. You can prevent pH fluctuations naturally through regular pool maintenance that includes debris skimming and weekly vacuuming.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional CO2-based pH management systems provide advanced solutions with these advantages.
- Safer operation compared to traditional acids
- More accurate pH control
- No potential health risks
- Natural buffering capacity
Our team at Poseidon Pools & Spas suggests professional help if your pH levels are very high since stronger chemicals like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid might be needed. Our skilled technicians safely handle these powerful acids and ensure your pool’s pH returns to optimal levels.
Preventing Future pH Problems
Stable pH levels in your pool require a routine that prevents problems before they start. Poseidon Pools & Spas believes prevention works better and costs less than correction.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Your pool needs regular testing weekly during normal use, with more frequent checks during heavy usage periods or after rainfall.
- Test pH levels before adding any chemicals
- Check water levels and adjust as needed
- Inspect and clean skimmer baskets
- Brush pool walls and floor weekly
- Run filtration system consistently
Balancing Other Chemical Levels
Stable pH depends on having the proper chemicals. Your pool’s Total Alkalinity serves as a buffer for pH levels and helps prevent big fluctuations. The alkalinity should stay between 80-120 ppm and calcium hardness between 200-400 ppm to maintain an optimal pH level.
Environmental Factors to Consider
External factors shape your pool’s pH balance. Changes in temperature, rainfall, and pool wall materials can affect pH levels. A pool cover helps reduce debris and evaporation that change water chemistry. Your water source’s alkalinity will affect your pool’s pH, so test your fill water first.
More swimmers mean you’ll need more frequent testing. Poseidon Pools & Spas suggests installing proper filtration systems.
Do You Need Pool Chemical Services?
Poseidon Pools & Spas helps you achieve perfect pH balance through our maintenance services. Our technicians use professional-grade testing equipment and bring years of experience to keep your pool clean all year. Reach out to us today to schedule your pool services!
Pool pH FAQs
How can I quickly lower the pH in my pool?
To quickly lower your pool’s pH, add a pH decreaser product such as sodium bisulfate (dry acid) or muriatic acid.
What are the signs that my pool's pH is too high?
Signs of high pool pH include cloudy or murky water, scale formation on pool surfaces and equipment, burning or irritated eyes, dry and itchy skin, and reduced effectiveness of chlorine.
How often should I test my pool's pH levels?
For optimal pool maintenance, test your pool’s pH levels at least twice per week. During periods of heavy use or after rainfall, you may need to test more frequently.
Can natural methods be used to lower pool pH?
Yes, there are natural methods to help lower pool pH. Installing a distilled water system can be effective, especially in areas with hard water.
How does high pH affect my pool and swimmers?
High pH levels can cause several problems for your pool and swimmers. It reduces chlorine effectiveness, leading to poor sanitation. Swimmers may experience skin irritation, eye burning, and brittle hair.
