Keeping your pool pH level balanced is one of the most important parts of pool care — and it doesn’t have to be complicated. pH in a pool is a measure of how acidic or basic your water is. Staying within the ideal range keeps your water comfortable and clean. Read on to discover what pH in a pool is, why it matters and exactly how to raise or lower pH when adjustments are needed.
The ideal pool pH range is 7.2 to 7.8.
Why Is Pool pH Important?
Maintaining a proper pH level in your pool is essential for other chemicals, including chlorine, to do their work. It also helps prevent damage to pool equipment and keeps water comfortable for swimmers.
Low pH in Your Pool: What It Means
A low pH level means your pool water is acidic, which can not only cause corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment, but it can also reduce your ability to control Total Alkalinity. Acidic water can make swimming uncomfortable by irritating the eyes and stripping away the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and itchy.
What Causes Low pH in Your Pool?
Many things can lower the pH in your swimming pool, including:
- Low pH in your water source
- Heavy pool usage
- Organic matter such as grass, insects and dust
- Rain
How to Raise Your Pool’s pH
There are two main ways to increase pH in a pool.
- Use a Pool pH Increaser: The general rule is to use 1 lb. of pH increaser for every 10,000 gallons in your pool to raise the pH by 0.1. After you add the chemical, wait at least 6 hours before retesting
- Add Fresh Water: Water from your hose is typically slightly higher in alkalinity than your swimming pool, so adding new water will bring your pool’s pH level up a bit
High pH in Your Pool: What It Means
If your pool pH is too high, it means the water is basic. Over time, high pH levels can cause the water to scale on your pool filters, plugs, pipes and other equipment. Scale build-up can restrict water circulation, increase pressure within the circulation system and put added strain on your pool equipment.
What Causes High pH in Your Pool?
Your local water source may have a higher-than-normal pH level. Or, you may have added a little too much pH increaser when you saw your pool’s pH level was too low.
How to Lower Your Pool’s pH
There are two main chemicals typically used to decrease pH in pools: muriatic acid and dry acid (also known as sodium bisulfate). These products are often labeled as pool pH decreaser.
How Often Should You Test Your Pool’s pH?
To stay on top of your pool pH level:
- Test 1-2 times a week with test strips or a water test kit
See, Feel and Smell the Difference
FROG® Sanitizing systems transform your pool by combining proprietary FROG Sanitizing Minerals® with low levels of chlorine to destroy bacteria. The result is Fresh Mineral Water®∞, our signature water quality experience that’s gentler on skin and free from the harsh, over-chlorinated feel of traditional pool care.
- Uses up to 50% less chlorine*
- Less chlorine creates water that is cleaner, clearer and softer
- Easier on skin, swimsuits and pool surfaces
- No harsh odors
* Compared to the minimum EPA recommended chlorine level of 1.0 ppm for a stabilized swimming pool
∞ Cleaner, Clearer and Softer water for pools, hot tubs and swim spas
