How to Raise pH in Swimming Pool Water

Maintaining balanced water chemistry is crucial for a safe, clean, and enjoyable swimming experience. One of the key factors in pool water chemistry is pH, which measures the water's acidity or alkalinity. If the pH level is too low (acidic), it can cause skin and eye irritation, damage to pool equipment, and cloudy water. Ideally, pool water should have a pH between 7.4 and 7.6. If your pool’s pH is too low, follow these steps to raise it to the ideal range. Pool owners should regularly test water chemistry and consult professional swimming pool builders for assistance in maintaining the proper pH balance. A well-maintained pool ensures a pleasant swimming experience and long-lasting equipment performance.

What is pH, and Why Does it Matter?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. Pool water with a pH below 7.0 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7.6 is alkaline. The ideal pH for a swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.6, as this range ensures optimal chlorine efficiency, protects pool equipment, and keeps the water comfortable for swimmers.

When the pH drops too low, the water becomes acidic, which can corrode metal surfaces, degrade pool liners, and irritate the skin and eyes. Conversely, when the pH is too high, the water becomes too alkaline, leading to cloudy water, scaling on pool surfaces, and reduced effectiveness of chlorine.

Read More: How Much Acid to Add to Pool and Balance pH Levels

Step 1: Test the pH Level

Before attempting to adjust your pool’s pH, it’s essential to test the water to determine its current pH level. You can use a pool water test kit or digital tester to measure the pH. Follow the instructions on the testing kit and ensure you get an accurate reading.

If the pH reads below 7.0, it’s considered too low, and you'll need to raise it. If it’s between 7.0 and 7.4, it’s still slightly acidic, and you may want to increase the pH slightly. If it’s above 7.6, the water is too alkaline and needs to be adjusted downward.

Step 2: Choose the Right pH Increaser

To raise the pH in your swimming pool, you’ll need to use a pH increaser (also called pH up or pH plus). The most common pH increaser is sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. Soda ash is highly effective in raising pH levels and is commonly available at pool supply stores.

Another option is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), though it’s primarily used to increase alkalinity rather than pH directly. If both pH and alkalinity are low, sodium bicarbonate can be used to increase both.

Step 3: Calculate the Correct Dosage

The amount of pH increaser you need depends on the size of your pool, the current pH level, and how much you need to raise it. Pool product labels typically provide dosage instructions based on the volume of water in your pool.

For example, to raise the pH of a 10,000-gallon pool by 0.2, you may need approximately 6 ounces of soda ash. However, this amount may vary based on your specific pool conditions, so always check the label for more precise measurements. If you’re unsure, it’s better to add smaller amounts and test again than to overcorrect in one go.

Step 4: Add the pH Increaser

Once you have calculated the correct dosage, it’s time to add the pH increaser to your pool:

  1. Turn on the Pool Pump: Make sure the pool pump is running to ensure that the chemicals mix thoroughly with the water.

  2. Add the pH Increaser Slowly: Slowly broadcast the pH increaser evenly across the surface of the pool. You can sprinkle it directly into the water, preferably in front of the return jets so the water circulates it efficiently.

  3. Allow Time for Mixing: Let the pump run for several hours to allow the chemical to dissolve and circulate throughout the pool water.

Step 5: Test the pH Again

After the pH increaser has been fully mixed in, wait for 4-6 hours and test the water again to check if the pH level has reached the desired range of 7.4-7.6. If the pH is still too low, you can repeat the process, adding the recommended amount of soda ash in smaller increments.

Step 6: Maintain pH Balance

Once you’ve successfully raised the pH, it’s important to regularly monitor your pool’s pH levels to keep them in the ideal range. Check the pH at least once a week, especially during the swimming season when pool use is higher. Also, keep in mind that changes in weather, rain, pool usage, and chlorine addition can affect pH levels, so adjustments may be needed from time to time.

Other Tips to Prevent pH Drops

  1. Avoid Overusing Chlorine: Excessive chlorine can lower pH levels over time. Use the right amount based on your pool’s size and needs.

  2. Maintain Proper Pool Alkalinity: Low alkalinity can cause pH levels to fluctuate. Keeping alkalinity in the range of 80-120 ppm can help stabilize pH levels.

  3. Control Pool Water Balance: A balanced pool chemistry helps keep the pH from going too low or high. Regular testing and adjusting of other chemical levels, such as calcium hardness, is essential for overall water health.

Conclusion

Raising the pH in your swimming pool is a simple yet important process that should be done with care and attention. It's essential to regularly test the water and add the correct amount of pH increaser to maintain proper pool chemistry. By keeping track of your pool's pH levels and ensuring they stay balanced, you can enjoy clear, comfortable, and safe water for swimming. If you're unsure about the process or need assistance, consider reaching out to pool contractors near you for expert advice and service.

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