A Comprehensive Guide to Balancing pH

February 1, 2024 , Mitch Meyer

Maintaining the ideal pH level in your swimming pool is crucial for ensuring crystal-clear water, preventing equipment damage, and ensuring a comfortable swimming environment. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of balancing pH and introduce you to the necessary chemicals.

Understanding pH:

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your pool water on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. The ideal pH range for a swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.6. If your pH strays outside this range, it can lead to various issues, including skin and eye irritation, corrosion of pool equipment, and inefficient chlorine performance.

Testing Your Pool's pH:

Start by testing your pool water using a reliable test kit or test strips, readily available at pool supply stores or online. Make sure you follow the product's instructions to get an accurate pH reading.

Increasing pH:

If your test reveals that your pool's pH is below the recommended range, it's time to increase it. Sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, is a widely used chemical for raising pH levels. Pool Day’s pH-Booster is a cost-effective option if you’re in need of sodium carbonate. You can calculate exactly how much pH-Booster to add using our calculator in our Pool Chemical Guide here.

Follow these steps to increase pH:

1. Calculate the Amount Needed: The quantity of sodium carbonate required depends on your pool's size and the degree of pH imbalance. Refer to the product packaging or use the calculator in our Pool Chemical Guide here.

2. Pre-dissolve the Sodium Carbonate: To avoid cloudiness and ensure even distribution, dissolve the sodium carbonate in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. Stir until completely dissolved.

3. Add the Solution to the Pool: Slowly pour the dissolved sodium carbonate into the pool while the circulation system is running. This ensures uniform distribution of the chemical.

4. Retest and Repeat if Necessary: Wait for several hours, then retest the pH. If it's still below the desired range, repeat the process until you achieve the optimal pH level.

Additional Tips:

Regular Monitoring: Test your pool's pH regularly to catch and address any fluctuations promptly. We recommend once per week but you may need to test more often during peak swimming season.

Balance Other Levels: pH is just one aspect of water chemistry. Ensure that your pool's total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels are also within the recommended ranges.

Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about the correct dosage or encounter persistent pH issues, feel free to reach out to us here at Pool Day to speak to a pool care expert to avoid over-treating or causing further imbalances.

Maintaining the right pH level in your swimming pool is a fundamental aspect of proper pool care. With the right knowledge and products, you can easily achieve and sustain the optimal pH balance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.