How Long to Wait After Adding pH to Your Pool

If you own a swimming pool, then you know how important it is to regularly check and maintain its pH levels. A pool with a low pH level will be too acidic, and one with a high pH level will be too alkaline. Both unbalanced levels can put swimmers and pool equipment at risk. 

Pool Care Guy is your one-stop shop for all things pool care. We can help you learn how to raise pH and lower alkalinity in a pool and can share some proven tips and tricks for keeping the pH balanced in a pool. So, if you have just added a pH product to a pool but are unsure of how long to wait before dipping your toes in, rest assured that you are in good hands. 

Why a Balanced pH Level Is Important 

An ideal pH level for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. Water that is too acidic can easily cause both skin and eye irritation, whereas a pool with water that is too alkaline can also cause irritation while simultaneously reducing the levels of sanitizer found in the pool. 

It is important to keep a balanced pH level in your pool to prevent any unwanted side effects for those who are enjoying their time in the water. 

If you are here, you know that balancing pH in a pool isn’t just a one-step process. There is a wait period involved before you go for a dip after the water has been treated. This time is needed in order to give the pH solution enough time to dissolve and activate. 

Ideally, we recommend waiting at least two full hours before getting into the pool. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. While we wish there was a 100% straightforward answer, the amount of time that you should wait depends on various factors, such as:

How Big Your Pool Is

You don’t need us to tell you this, but we will anyway. A larger pool will require more time for the pH solution to distribute throughout evenly. A smaller pool will not. 

How Much pH Solution You Added

As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the label of the product you are using to adjust the pH level of the pool. It goes without saying that the more solution you add to your water, the more time it will need to dissipate and spread throughout the entire pool.

How Fast Your Pool Water Circulates

The faster the water in your pool circulates, the less time you have to wait before using it again. This directly relates to the size of the pool and the amount of pH solution that was used, as we mentioned earlier. A faster circulation rate will ensure that the solution is dispersed and spread evenly throughout the entire pool—regardless of the size. 

Remember, the longer you wait, the better. 

It’s Time to Jump In!

Now that you are an expert at all things pH-related, it’s time to enjoy your pool. If you want to know what products to use to raise pH in a pool, be sure to check out our latest post or reach out directly to a professional at Pool Care Guy!