Why is the pH level important in swimming pools

I have started with pH as the first of the elements we need to consider for good water balance, as it is the most important.

Without a balanced pH level of between 7.2 and 7.6 problems can start to arise, chlorine becomes ineffective when the ranges are in the extreme range, as the chlorine molecules become inert thus reducing their ability to control bacteria and organisms.

So what does the term pH mean?

pH is the measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a water based solution. This measurement of acidity or Alkalinity is shown on a scale with 7.4 being neutral, 7.4 to 1 being acidic, increasing in strength to the lower  number and 7.4 to 14 being alkaline, increasing in strength to the highest number.

The term pH was first used by Peter Lauritz Sorensen in 1909 who was an accomplished Dansih biochemist, pH is an abbreviation for " the power of hydrogen ", in German it is " potenz Hydrogen ".

Below is a scale which can best describe the pH Scale, as you can see, once the range of pH moves out of neutral, problems can start to occur.

pH generally is always rising in swimming pools if any type of chlorine solution is used as the primary sanitation means, this includes chlorinators and cell combinations, which convert salt or minerals in the water into chlorine gas and fed back into the pool.

Chlorine, and there are many types, have a higher range of pH in them which can go up to 14 on the pH scale, so when chlorine is introduced to neutral water, 7.4, the abundant levels of alkaline raises the pH level of what was neutral water, this can keep climbing up to the pH levels of the chlorine used, unless a pH reducer is introduced to bring this back down.

So we have to add acid, which is at the opposite end of the scale to achieve this, bringing the pH level back to neutral. Liquid Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid are types of liquid acids to use or pH dry powder, consult your local pool shop for other pH reducers for more options, these can be introduced either straight into the pool water using a plastic measuring jug and broadcasting ( broadly spreading ) this around the pool.
Note where gloves and eye protection. Or dilute in a bucket of plain water and then broadcast around pool.

The best way to test these yourself is with Test Strips, easy to use and fairly accurate depending on their age as they don't last forever. You can buy Test Strips HERE these have everything you need to test your water.

Extreme pH effects in your pool

• Cloudy water
• Sore eyes
• Irritated skin
• Algae growth
• Staining
• Equipment damage
• Scale forming
• Staining on walls
• Metals etching or corroding
• Vinyl can wrinkle
• Filtration not performing

As you can see from all the above, if your pH is under control, then your pool and the combined chemicals will work in harmony, making life a lot easier, all by just by testing your pH levels regularly.

Please note that any swimming pool chemicals must not be mixed together, they can only be mixed separately, then placed into the pool by themselves. Mixing these chemicals together can cause catastrophic results, even death. 

Water being pH neutral and inert makes it possible to have the chemicals all mixed in together in your pool and spa. 

Next we will discuss Total Alkalinity 

The Pool Professor