How To Raise the pH in Your Pool

When a pool’s pH balance is compromised, a number of issues can occur, including discomfort while swimming and long-term damage to pool equipment. Since maintaining a pool’s pH balance is so important, in this article we will explore how to raise the pH in your pool and go over what factors may be negatively affecting your pool’s water chemistry. 

What causes low pH in your pool?

There are a number of reasons your pool or hot tub’s pH can be out of sorts. Below we’ve outlined some of the most common reasons the chemical balance of your pool water could change, and why each factor changes pool acidity or pool alkalinity: 

Rainwater

When introduced to your swimming pool, rainwater can unexpectedly impact the water’s pH levels due to its natural acidity. Frequent rain storms and even acid rain can lower pH levels significantly, resulting in an unpleasant swimming experience if not tested and treated regularly. 

Frequent use

Showing your pool lots of love through frequent use can also wind up impacting the pool’s acid and alkalinity levels. Upon entering the water, the body can carry different contaminants with it. Think of sunscreen, sweat, body oils, and other bodily fluids. 

Optimum pool pH

Want to be sure your water is safe to swim in? Be sure to test your water regularly and monitor the pool’s total alkalinity and strive for a pH range between 7.2 and 7.6 and an alalkalinity level between 80-120ppm.. When water drops below 7.2 parts per million (ppm), that means the water may be a little too acidic for swimmers and pool equipment alike. 

How to test your pool’s pH

The key to maintaining proper pH is to test your pool water regularly. There are several different ways to test the quality of your pool water. When testing, you can use the below methods: 

Using test strips

Test strips are the perfect solution to a simplistic approach to investigating your water. The process itself works by dipping the strip into the pool water, waiting a few moments, and then comparing the color of the test strip to the color on the provided chart. Not only is this quick and easy, it’s also cost effective. 

Liquid test kits

Want a little more accuracy to your test? Consider using liquid test kits for proper water balance and testing. Simply add a few drops of reagent to a small sample of pool water and wait for the water to change in color. With this testing method there will also be a color-coated chart to reference that will help determine if you need to raise the pool pH or lower it. While this type of test may be a little more time consuming, it does provide slightly more accuracy. 

Digital pH meters

Looking for the easiest and most accurate way to test your pool water? A digital pH meter is just the product you need! With a digital reader, homeowners get a precise answer as to where their water chemistry is. Although the out-of-pocket cost is a little more than most other testing methods, it’s a sound investment for reliable readings. 

How to raise your pool’s pH

Need to raise your pool’s pH? Here are some easy solutions to even out your waters pH: 

With baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a safe, convenient, and cost effective way to treat your water. To use baking soda, try to sprinkle it evenly around the pool, using around 1.5 pounds of baking soda for every 10,000 gallons to raise the pH by 0.1.

With soda ash

Also known as Sodium carbonate, soda ash is another effective way to manage low pH. For every 10,000 gallons add around 6 ounces to raise the pH scale by 0.2. This solution works at a quicker rate than baking soda.

Aeration

Creating more water movement can help raise pH levels. You can do this by running the pool pump for a longer amount of time or by utilizing any water features such as sheer descents, waterfalls, jets, or fountains.

With borax

Lastly, pool owners can use borax to raise pH levels. While not as common, it only takes 20 ounces per every 5,000 gallons to raise the pH by 0.1 ppm. 

Why is optimum pool pH important?

Hoping to avoid skin irritation while simultaneously prolonging the life of your pool equipment? If so, staying on top of your water’s pH balance can go a long way. Additionally, you’ll find that treating your pool with chlorine remains effective for longer. 

How does total alkalinity affect pool pH?

When referring to total alkalinity, we are referring to your pool’s ability to withstand rapid fluctuations in pH levels. If the alkalinity is too low, it can lead to sporadic and difficult changes in your water’s pH. If the alkalinity is too high, it can become resistant to change, making it more difficult to lower the alkalinity in your pool.

What can low pH do to your pool?

Low pH means high acidity. Water that’s too acidic can corrode equipment with time, damage the pool liner, and eventually result in significant, costly repairs. Be sure to keep an eye on your pool water even when it’s not in use. 

GPS Pools has everything you need to keep your pH in perfect balance 

At GPS Pools, we understand the importance of proper pool care for both chlorine and saltwater pools. With dedicated storefront locations, as well as a skilled team, we’re sure to have just what you need to care for your backyard oasis. From our large inventory of pool chemicals to helpful pool maintenance services, contact us to learn more about what we can do for your and your pool!
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