As a swimming pool owner, you know that keeping the right water chemistry is crucial. Among all the chemical balances you need to maintain, pH levels are particularly important. Learning how to bring the pH up in your pool is a must if you want to maintain a healthy pool.

Why does pH matter so much? Well, imagine taking a refreshing dive, only to come out with itchy skin and stinging eyes. Or worse, your expensive pool equipment starts corroding. Yikes!

That’s what happens when the pH level in your pool goes haywire, especially if it drops too low. Low pH isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a real party pooper for both you and your pool.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle low pH levels and ensure your pool stays in tip-top shape.

Understanding pH Levels

Before we jump into the how, let’s clear up why it’s so important to bring the pH up in your pool if it gets too low.

pH measures how acidic or basic your pool water is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Seven is neutral. Anything below seven is acidic, and anything above is basic.

For swimming pools, the sweet spot is between 7.2 and 7.6. Why this range? It’s simple: this range ensures comfort for swimmers and longevity for your pool equipment. At this level, chlorine works most effectively, keeping your water clean and safe.

Now, what happens if your pool’s pH drops below 7.2? Brace yourself:

• Corrosion: Your pool’s metal parts, like ladders and filters, start corroding. This can add more costs to your existing list of pool expenses.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Swimmers might experience itchy skin, red eyes, and overall discomfort.
• Etching of Plaster: If your pool has a plaster surface, low pH can cause it to wear away faster.
• Ineffective Chlorine: Chlorine, your pool’s best friend for sanitation, becomes less effective in acidic conditions, leading to murky water and potentially harmful bacteria.

Reasons for Low pH in Pools

So, what causes these pesky low pH levels? Several culprits could be at play:

Acidic Rainwater

Rainwater is naturally acidic due to atmospheric carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid. When this rainwater enters the pool, it introduces these acids, causing the pH levels to drop and making the water more acidic.

Chemical Imbalances

Ever heard the saying “too much of a good thing???? Well, it applies here. Overusing certain chemicals, especially muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate, can plummet your pH levels. While these chemicals are important, be sure to use only as required.

Debris Decomposition

When leaves, dirt, and other organic debris fall into the pool, they begin to decompose and release organic acids into the water. These acids lower the pH levels, making the pool water more acidic and potentially causing imbalances in the overall water chemistry.

Testing Pool pH Levels

Now that we know the “whys,??? let’s talk about the “how??? – but before we talk about how to bring the pH up in your pool, lets first look at how to keep an eye on your pool’s pH levels.

Regular testing is key. It’s like a health check-up for your pool. Here’s what you need:

Tools Required

• Test Strips: Quick and easy to use. Just dip them in the water and compare the color change to the chart.
• Digital pH Meters: More accurate and reusable. Simply dip the meter into the pool water and read the digital display.
• Liquid Test Kits: Most accurate and what many professionals use. More complicated than the previous two, so make sure to follow instructions carefully.

Step-by-Step Testing Guide

1. Collect Water Sample: Take a sample from about 18 inches below the surface to get an accurate reading.
2. Use Test Strips: Dip a test strip into the water and hold it there for a few seconds. Remove it and wait for the color to develop.
3. Compare Colors: Match the strip’s color to the chart provided. This will tell you your pool’s current pH level.
4. Digital Meters: If using a digital meter, simply turn it on, dip it in the water, and wait for the reading.
5. Liquid Test Kits: If using a liquid test kit, fill the container cells with water and add required drops and compare.

Testing your pool’s pH should be done at least once a week, and more often if your pool is heavily used or after heavy rain.

How to Bring pH Up in Pool

So, your test results are in, and it looks like your pH is too low. Don’t panic! Here’s what you’ll need to fix it:

Materials Needed

• Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash): Commonly used to raise pH levels quickly.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Primarily used to raise alkalinity but can slightly raise pH.
• pH Increaser Products: Available at pool supply stores, these are specially formulated to raise pH levels efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve tested your pool’s pH and it’s too low. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Follow these steps on how to bring the pH up and keep your pool in great shape.

1. Test the pH Level

First things first, you need to confirm the current pH level of your pool. You might have already done this, but if not, grab your test strips or digital meter and check it again. Make sure you’re getting a reading from about 18 inches below the surface for accuracy.

2. Determine the Amount of pH Increaser Needed

Next, you need to figure out how much pH increaser to add. Most products will have instructions on how to bring pH up in your pool based on the volume of your pool. If you’re unsure about the volume, a quick search or call to a pool professional can help you calculate it. It’s crucial to get this right to avoid overcorrecting.

3. Add the pH Increaser

Now comes the fun part: adding the pH increaser. There are a couple of options here, depending on what you have on hand.

For Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

Sodium carbonate, or soda ash, is a common choice for raising pH levels. Here’s how to add it safely:

• Measure the Amount: Based on your pool volume and the product instructions, measure out the required amount of soda ash.
• Dissolve in Water: For best results, dissolve the soda ash in a bucket of water before adding it to your pool. This helps prevent cloudiness and ensures it distributes evenly.
• Add to Pool: Pour the dissolved soda ash into the pool, spreading it around the perimeter. As a precaution, be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from splashes or skin irritation.

For Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is typically used to raise alkalinity, but it can also slightly increase pH. Unlike soda ash, sodium bicarbonate can be added directly to the pool. Here’s how to use it:

• Measure the Amount: Again, follow the product instructions to determine the right amount based on your pool’s volume.
• Distribute Evenly: Broadcast the sodium bicarbonate over the surface of the pool. Walk around the pool and sprinkle it evenly across the water.

4. Distribute the Chemical

After adding the pH increaser, it’s crucial to get your pool’s water circulating. Turn on your pool’s pump and let it run for at least a few hours. This will help the chemical spread evenly throughout the pool, ensuring the entire volume benefits from the adjustment.

5. Retest the pH Level

Patience is key here. Wait a few hours, ideally overnight, and then retest the pH level. Use the same method you did initially to ensure consistency in your readings. You’re aiming for that sweet spot between 7.2 and 7.6.

6. Adjust if Necessary

If the pH level is still low, don’t stress. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get it just right. If needed, add a bit more pH increaser, but remember to go slow. It’s better to add in small increments and retest than to overshoot and end up with high pH.

Tips for Maintaining Proper pH Levels

Now that we’ve worked out how to bring the pH up in your pool, it’s time to keep it where it is!

Keeping your pool’s pH in check isn’t a one-time job; it requires regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of it:

• Regular Testing Schedule: Test your pool’s pH at least once a week, and more often during heavy usage or after rain.
• Balanced Chemical Use: Use chemicals according to the instructions and avoid overusing any single product.
• Keep the Pool Clean: Regularly remove debris like leaves and dirt that can affect water chemistry.
• Monitor After Heavy Usage: After a pool party or heavy swim day, check your pH levels and adjust as necessary.
• Circulate Before Testing: Give the chemicals time to distribute before retesting.

Conclusion

Low pH levels can cause a host of problems, from irritating your skin to damaging your pool’s infrastructure. But with regular testing and a bit of know-how, you can keep everything in balance.

Remember, the key steps are to test regularly, add the right amount of pH increaser, and ensure good circulation. By following these steps, you’ll keep your pool water sparkling and safe for everyone to enjoy.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions