Owning a swimming pool means taking the time to keep it in the best possible condition for swimming. That is why in this article we talk about how to lower and how raise the pH level.
What is pH?
In a swimming pool, the pH is the most important water parameter, as keeping it within the recommended levels will allow you to enjoy your pool for longer, thus avoiding less water treatment and helping to extend the life of the pool.
This indicator indicates the level of alkalinity and acidity of the water and should always be between 7.2 and 7.6. In the case of having a lower or higher level, it will be necessary to balance it properly.
How do I know if the pH of my pool is correct?
There are several ways to measure the pH of the pool. One of the most common is to use test strips. They are very easy to use, you simply take a strip from the bottle, put it in the water, submerge it completely, and when you take it out you can see the colour it takes on. Depending on the colour, you look at one of the sides of the canister, which has a colour scale and compare it.
On the other hand, there are the analyser kits which are the most complete as they include: two bottles of reagent liquid and a pH and chlorine or bromine meter. In this way, you have to take the meter and submerge it about 5 centimetres in the water to fill the two tubes, one that analyses the pH level and the other the chlorine or bromine. Once filled, 5 drops of the corresponding liquid should be poured in, and depending on the colour of the water with the chemical, the tone should be checked with the scale on the side to see if it is correct or not.
What happens if the pH of the pool is low?
Having an above-ground or in-ground pool with a pH below 7.2 is not advisable because the main consequence is that the water turns green, helping the creation of algae, thus causing skin and eyes to become irritated.
But it does not only affect your health, it also affects the pool. A low pH causes all metallic elements to rust. Be careful if the pool structure is made of steel, first, it starts to rust, and then holes are created.
High pH of the pool: Consequences
If the pH of the pool water is high, it means that the water is not suitable for swimming, as it causes itchy eyes and skin.
On the other hand, pools with a pH higher than ideal are prone to cloudy water, generating a bad smell and the appearance of microbes that affect the health of both the person and the pool.
In addition, if you want to use any chemical disinfectant, for example, anti-algae, flocculant, etc., it will not do any good. It is not going to do any good because, if the pH parameter is not correct, the rest of the chemicals will not be effective for the cleaning or maintenance of the pool.
How can I regulate the pH of the pool?
Once the alkalinity level of the pool water has been analysed, it must be balanced so that it is between 7.2 and 7.6, using the appropriate chemical for each case.
Raising the pH of the pool
If it is below the ideal level, the chemical called “pH increaser” should be added to the water. It is advisable to spread the product all over the pool area and after leaving it to act for a while, this parameter should be re-measured to see if it is correct.
Lowering the pH of the pool
If, on the other hand, the pH is high and must be lowered, the chemical to be used is the “pH reducer” and should act in the same way as the pH increaser.
As we have seen, having the pH regulated is necessary for the bath. It is necessary to keep an eye on this parameter and check it at least a couple of times a week during the spring-summer season. By completing the water treatment with the rest of the products, the pool will be in perfect condition.
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