Keeping your pool’s pH balanced is an important part of pool care. If the pH of your pool water is too low, it can cause irritation to your skin and eyes, damage your pool equipment, and even affect the quality of your pool water. On the other hand, a high pH can lead to cloudy water and inefficient chlorine. Fortunately, raising the pH in your pool is easy if you know the right steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your pool’s pH levels in check.
The Short Answer: How to Raise pH in Pool
If your pool’s pH is too low, you can raise it by adding alkaline substances like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (washing soda), or a pH increaser. These chemicals help raise the pH level and bring your pool water back to the ideal range of 7.2-7.8. Be sure to test your pool’s water regularly using a test strip or digital pH meter to avoid over-correcting and to maintain a balanced pH level.
Understanding pH Levels in Your Pool Water
What is pH?
The pH level measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water. On the pH scale, 7 is considered neutral. Below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Maintaining the proper pH is essential because it affects not only the water quality but also how well your pool’s chemical system functions.
Ideal pH Range for Pools
For most pools, the ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.8. This is where your pool chemistry functions best. When the pH is in this range:
- Chlorine works more effectively to keep the water sanitized.
- Swimmers experience fewer skin and eye irritations.
- Your pool equipment remains in good condition and lasts longer.
If the pH falls outside this ideal range, your pool water can start to cause problems.
What Happens When pH is Too Low?
When your pool’s pH is too low (below 7.2), the water becomes acidic. This can lead to several issues:
- Corrosion of pool equipment: Acidic water can cause damage to metal components like ladders, pumps, and heaters.
- Skin and eye irritation: Low pH can irritate swimmers’ skin and eyes.
- Etching of pool surfaces: Acidic water can damage plaster and tiles.
What Happens When pH is Too High?
If the pH is too high (above 7.8), the water becomes too alkaline. This also brings problems:
- Cloudy water: High pH can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, causing the water to appear cloudy.
- Scaling: Alkaline water can lead to the formation of scale on pool surfaces, pipes, and equipment.
- Ineffective chlorine: High pH reduces chlorine’s ability to kill bacteria, leaving your pool vulnerable to contaminants.
Maintaining the proper pH ensures that your pool stays clean, clear, and safe.
How to Raise the pH in Your Pool
Now that you understand the importance of pH, let’s dive into how you can raise the pH level when it’s too low. Here are the most common methods:
1. Using Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda)
Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda, is an effective chemical for raising pH. It is a strong alkaline substance that works quickly to increase pH levels.
- How it works: When you add sodium carbonate to your pool, it reacts with the water and increases its alkalinity, which raises the pH.
- How much to add: The amount you need depends on the size of your pool. Generally, 6 ounces of sodium carbonate per 10,000 gallons of water will raise the pH by about 0.1. Always check the instructions on the packaging for the correct amount.
2. Using Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda) is often used to raise both pH and alkalinity. If your pool’s alkalinity level is low, baking soda is a great choice to raise both.
- How it works: Sodium bicarbonate will raise the total alkalinity, which in turn helps stabilize pH. When alkalinity is too low, pH becomes unstable, and fluctuates.
- How much to add: Typically, 1.5 pounds of sodium bicarbonate per 10,000 gallons of water will raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm (parts per million). This can also help to slowly increase the pH.
3. Using pH Increaser
A pH increaser is a product specifically designed to raise the pH in your pool. Most pH increasers contain either sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate as the active ingredient.
- How it works: These products are formulated to dissolve quickly and increase pH without affecting alkalinity as much as sodium bicarbonate.
- How much to add: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage based on your pool size. For example, if your pool’s pH is very low, you might need several pounds of a pH increaser to bring the pH back to the ideal range.
4. How to Add These Chemicals to Your Pool
Here’s a quick guide on how to safely add chemicals to your pool:
- Test the Water: Use a test strip or digital pH meter to measure the pool’s pH level.
- Determine the Pool Volume: If you’re unsure about the volume of your pool, use a pool volume calculator.
- Add Chemicals Gradually: Start with a small amount of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or pH increaser. Add it to the pool near the water return or in front of the pool’s circulation system.
- Wait and Retest: Allow the pool water to circulate for several hours. Then, retest the water to see if the pH has increased. If it’s still too low, repeat the process.
- Recheck pH: After a few hours, recheck the pH using a test strip or digital pH meter to ensure it’s within the ideal range.
Common Mistakes When Raising pH and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced pool owners can make mistakes when raising pH levels. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
1. Adding Too Much Chemical
Over-applying chemicals can lead to excessively high pH levels, causing problems like cloudy water and scale buildup. Always start with small amounts and add more if necessary.
2. Skipping pH Testing
Testing the water is crucial before and after adding chemicals. Without regular testing, it’s easy to add too much or too little of the chemicals, which can lead to imbalanced water.
3. Neglecting Alkalinity
If your pool’s alkalinity is too low, adjusting the pH might not be enough. Always check the alkalinity level and raise it if needed before working on pH. Low alkalinity can cause pH fluctuations.
4. Not Considering Water Temperature
Water temperature can affect pH readings. If your pool is too warm or too cold, it may influence the pH levels and make testing less accurate. Always test your pool water when it is at a normal temperature (between 65°F and 85°F).
Why pH Balance Matters and How Net Positive Pools Can Help
Maintaining the right pH balance in your pool is more than just a cosmetic concern, it’s vital for ensuring your pool is safe, clean, and comfortable for swimmers. Here’s why it matters:
- Water Clarity: Balanced pH helps keep the water clear, preventing cloudiness and reducing the likelihood of algae growth.
- Swimmer Comfort: Proper pH levels minimize skin and eye irritation, offering a more enjoyable swimming experience.
- Pool Equipment: When pH is maintained, it helps prevent corrosion and scale buildup on your pool’s surfaces, pipes, and equipment, extending the lifespan of your pool assets.
- Chlorine Efficiency: With the right pH, chlorine works more effectively to sanitize the water, keeping it free of harmful bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants.
At Net Positive Pools, we understand the complexities of pool care and strive to make pool maintenance as simple and stress-free as possible. Our team provides a comprehensive range of services to help you maintain a healthy, balanced pool, including weekly maintenance, acid washing, filter cleaning, and more. We take the guesswork out of pool care by regularly testing your pool’s pH and making necessary adjustments, ensuring your water chemistry remains in check. We serve North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Contact us today and let us handle the maintenance so you can spend more time enjoying your pool, worry-free.
