What happens if pool water is too acidic

A swimming pool is basically an enclosed body of water, which means it comes with certain conditions; one of them is its pH. The pH of swimming pool water, or any water, is simply a measure of how acidic or alkaline that water is. A swimming pool with a pH below 7 is said to be in an acidic state. When swimming pool pH declines too far below 7, its water can become too acidic and even dangerous to swim in.

Water itself, all things being equal, has a neutral pH of 7. However, the recommended pH for a swimming pool should be between 7 and 8, with a pH of 7.

Once a pool's pH begins dipping below 7, meaning its acidity intensity is increasing, swimmers begin experiencing issues like eye and mucus membrane irritation. Good water quality means maintaining optimum pH and chlorine values. In other words, you check your pool water and then adjust the water chemistry with various chemicals. Chlorine is very important as a sanitizer and oxidizer.

Pool owners love chlorine because it kills dangerous bacteria and microorganisms that could harm their family.

Some people have very sensitive skin that becomes very irritated by chlorine and chlorinating compounds and chlorinated byproducts like Chloramines. Pool owners particularly hate lugging heavy bleach containers home and lugging the bleach container to and from the pool shed.

They worrying about adding too much chlorinating compound or not enough. Bathing suits look faded much too soon. CPC - Tex Lic. AZ ROC Selling Your Company? Find Your Location No Comments 1 0 0. Acidic, low pH water corrodes metal surfaces and pool accessories such as ladders, railings, light fixtures, and any metals in your pumps, filters or heaters.

Low pH water will cause etching and deterioration of plaster, grout, stone, concrete and tiling. Any vinyl surfaces will also become brittle, which increases risk of cracks and tears. All of these dissolved minerals will hold in the solution of your pool water; which can result in staining and cloudy pool water.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the presence of low pH in your pool will greatly decrease the amount of working chlorine, which can lead to bacteria and algae build up. There are a number of professional products that you can use to raise the pH in your pool. Water alkalinity is one of the main factors that will influence the chemistry of your pool water. With a proper alkalinity range, we recommend 80 ppm to ppm, total alkalinity keeps the pH level stable.

If your alkalinity level is too low, then your pool pH can fluctuate at the slightest addition of an acid or base.

Therefore, it is important to routinely perform tests; we recommend once a week. To raise your alkalinity is to firstly know the size of your pool and what your target alkalinity, within the range, will be be. When your alkalinity level is too low, we recommend Alkajuster , the alkalinity increaser from Club Pro. Alkajuster is a chemical used to increase the level of alkalinity in your swimming pool.

When using this product, broadcast it over the surface of your pool, preferably in the deep end. Aerating the water can be done by turning on water features, pointing jets towards the surface, or adding aeration pipes above the jets. We partner with HomeAdvisor to help you find the best swimming pool maintenance and cleaning services in your area.

Compare quotes for free from fully vetted pool professionals. Raising the pH level of a swimming pool is as easy as adding more alkaline materials. Soda ash and sodium bicarbonate are two common alkaline products that can be used to raise pH levels in a pool.

Remember that optimal pH levels for a swimming pool are between 7. If you overshoot it and need to bring your levels back down, read my guide on how to lower your pool pH level. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Participation in these programs helps us keep the lights on at PoolResearch. What Is the pH in Your Pool? Chlorine works in two ways: It disinfects the water by killing bacteria and algae that cause waterborne illnesses. Bacteria in pool water can cause swimmers to suffer from diarrhea, swimmers, ear infections, and skin infections.

Chlorine also oxidizes or neutralizes dirt and debris particles that come into the water from swimmers and the environment. What Causes Low pH Levels Low pH levels lead to a number of issues from maintenance headaches like premature erosion of grout and corroded fixtures like ladders and diving boards.

How to Raise pH Levels in Your Pool Maybe you have noticed something off with your pool water, or perhaps it was just time to test the water. Add Soda Ash Soda ash is a strongly alkaline material that dissolves well in water and leaves behind a minimal amount of trace. Need Some Maintenance Help?