Sometimes, pools can become cloudy and develop a musty smell, indicating a potential issue with pool maintenance, particularly concerning water chemistry. To address this, it’s essential to check the pH levels of the pool water.
But how exactly can acids lower the pH in a pool? While they can lower pH levels, an alternative compound is both environmentally friendly and safe for swimmers. Maintaining proper pH levels in your pool ensures it remains clean, healthy, and inviting.
Read on for a comprehensive guide!
Understanding High pH Levels in Pool Water
When filling a pool with water, it’s crucial to ensure the water is pH balanced. The ideal pH range for a pool is between 7.2 and 7.8, with an optimal target range of 7.4 to 7.6. Remember: pH below 7.2 indicates excessive acidity, while levels above 7.8 suggest high alkalinity.
Achieving perfect balance is essential to ensure swimmers’ safety and protect the environment, as the water may be drained during pool cleaning. But what causes pH levels to rise in a pool?
Several factors can contribute to high pH levels in a pool:
- Sudden temperature changes or consistently high temperatures
- Insufficient carbon dioxide in the water
- Excessive use of chemicals, particularly chlorine
The Importance of Lowering Pool pH
If you discover that the pH in your pool is higher than usual, it is crucial to rebalance the water promptly and refrain from swimming until it’s rectified. Alkaline water poses risks, including skin irritation, dryness, red eyes, cloudy water, and potential damage to pool equipment.
To ensure both your well-being and the longevity of your pool, lowering the pH levels is essential.
Water Alkalinity and Its Impact on pH Levels
Water alkalinity refers to the water’s ability to neutralize acids. Alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm) and should be maintained between 80 and 120 ppm. If alkalinity levels are too low, the pH levels in the pool will be unstable and can fluctuate rapidly.
This can cause damage to the pool and make it challenging to maintain proper pH levels. If alkalinity levels are too high, pH levels will be difficult to adjust and may result in cloudy water or scaling.
Carbon Dioxide and Acids for Lowering Pool pH
While we mentioned that acids can lower pH in a pool, carbon dioxide is also a practical option.
Carbon dioxide is superior for balancing pH due to its eco-friendly nature. It helps prevent cloudiness and preserves the integrity of your pool equipment. This non-toxic compound poses no risk of corrosion.
On the other hand, acids can be used to lower pH levels, but they are corrosive, toxic, and can damage pool equipment. They can also cause respiratory issues for swimmers. It’s important to note that while acids can lower pH levels, they do not provide comprehensive water balance, making carbon dioxide the preferred option.
Hassle-Free Pool Cleaning and Maintenance
City Wide Pool Service is your trusted partner for complete pool maintenance services. Our team of experts is committed to keeping your pool in top condition throughout the year, with a comprehensive 7-step process that includes tile cleaning, pool skimming, vacuuming, brushing, emptying baskets, backwash filtering, and balancing chemical levels to ensure your pool stays pristine.
Reach out to us for all your pool maintenance needs. We are here to help you enjoy a clean, healthy pool all year round.
