How to Keep pH Balanced in a Pool

There is nothing quite as exhilarating as cooling off from the summer heat by taking a dip in a pool. A few laps across a glistening oasis is the ultimate way to beat the heat. However, if your pool is dirty, we have a different story on our hands.

If you have a case of unbalanced pH, it’s important to know how to raise the pH in your pool quickly and if you can swim in a pool with low pH. 

If you own a swimming pool, you know that a perfect and balanced pH level is one of the most important maintenance items you need to attend to. Here is some information to help you keep your pool water clean, healthy, and ready to use year-round:

What Exactly Is pH? 

Before we go any further, let’s get on the same page about pH. Simply put, pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pool that does not have a balanced pH level runs the risk of becoming unsafe for swimmers. 

How to Keep Your Pool’s pH Balanced

Here are some tips for keeping the pH level of your pool in balance:

Measure pH Levels Regularly

When it comes to maintaining your pool’s pH levels, it is important to get in the habit of testing the water on a regular basis. Be sure to test the pH level at least once a week. If you and your family use your pool often, it is wise to test the pH level more frequently. There are different types of testing kits available so that you can choose the one you like best. 

Adjust pH Levels as Needed

If your test findings show an imbalance in pH levels, be sure to address it immediately. A healthy pH level for swimming pools is between 7.2 and 7.8. Anything lower is too acidic, and anything higher is too alkaline.

If the test of your pool’s water comes back as too acidic, we recommend adding sodium carbonate (otherwise known as soda ash) to help bring the number back up. On the other hand, if your pH is too alkaline, add muriatic acid to bring it down to the appropriate range. 

Keep an Eye on Total Alkalinity Levels

Most people are surprised to find out that there are a lot of factors that come into play with maintaining a pool. While the pH level is important to know, you also need to monitor the total alkalinity of your pool. This measurement tells you how well your pool water can resist changes in pH levels. Low total alkalinity will result in rapid pH level fluctuations and greater risks of skin irritation. 

Cover Your Pool

One sure way to help keep your pH balanced is to cover your pool. A pool cover not only decreases the amount of water that evaporates, which can lead to an increase in pH, but it can also prevent debris from entering the pool. 

Get the pH Right and Jump In!

If you have issues keeping the pH balanced in your pool, can never remember how long you should wait after adding pH to the pool, or you simply would like a professional to handle this task for you, reach out to Pool Care Guy. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to keep your pool a healthy and happy place for friends and family to spend their summer days!