Balance in everything holds great importance but if there is some imbalance then it can cause problems. The same is the case with your swimming pool. It needs to maintain its pH level.
The pH level of the pool water should be at an ideal level otherwise it can cause a serious threat to the lives of the swimmers as well as will also decrease the life of the pool.
In this article, you will learn the causes and effects of higher pH levels in the pool, and how to lower ph in pool
Let’s dive into detail.
Table of Contents
What Causes High pH in Pool?
When you notice your pool’s pH level is high then it means it is too alkaline.
It can lead to too many issues for the pool and the swimmers. There are numerous causes of high pH in the pool that are described below.
- The first and foremost reason for the high pH Level is the loss of carbon dioxide. It makes carbonic acid by dissolving in water that decreases the pH level of the pool water. If there is splashing in the water then it leads to carbon dioxide loss. In this way, the pH level of the pool increases.
- The use of chemicals to sanitize the pool water also cause a rise in pH level.
- If there is algae growth in your pool then it can be the cause of the rise in pH level.
What Happens If pH is too High in Pool?
Chorine is a chemical that helps killing pathogens in pool water but if the pH level rises to 7.8 then it will be too alkaline that reduces the effectiveness of the chlorine.
It can affect in the following ways.
- Cause rashes on your skin
- There will be cloudy water
- Scaling will start making its place that will grow and prove a hurdle in water flow
- You need to take action to adjust the alkalinity of the pool water if want to prevent such effects.
How to Lower pH in Pool Water Naturally?
Many chemicals are used to make a balance in pool water but you might be searching for some natural ways.
To lower the pH of pool water, you can do it in one of the following manners.
- At first, you need to install a purified water system in your house. Because the purified water has no minerals that can raise the pH level of the water. Empty your pool and fill it with this water and then check the alkalinity of the water.
- You can also heat the pool that will help the calcium carbonate to dissolve naturally. In this way, the acidity of water will increase and the pH level of the pool water will decrease.
- Another way is to not change the pool water frequently. It is because after some time the pool water builds the chemicals that decrease pH level. So it is advised to check the pH level of the pool if it is less than 7.2 then you should change the water.
How to Lower pH in Pool With Household Products?
Household products play an important role in every task especially if these are about cleansing hacks.
Baking soda and vinegar can bring the pH level of the water down.
Vinegar is less acidic than pool water; however, it can help you to take the pH level to a low level but not be able to bring big changes.
Baking soda is a household product that has a higher pH level and if you will pour it in your pool water that has a higher pH level then it will get it to the same level. You need to pour 1.5lbs per 10,000 gallons in your pool water and wait overnight and then check the pH level again.
How to Lower pH in Pool With Vinegar?
Vinegar has a 2.5 pH level in it and although it is a weak household product to decrease the pH level of your pool water but it can help you if the pH level needs minor changes.
You can do it in the following manner.
- Check the pH level of your pool water.
- Pour vinegar in your pool directly.
- Wait for 2 to 4 days.
- Check the pH level again.
- You might not notice many changes but it will help you in bit change.
The vinegar can cause acetates in pool water that is why it is suggested not to use. Muriatic Acid is a good option to decrease the pH level.
How to Lower pH in Pool Without Lowering Alkalinity?
The alkalinity level is also very important in pool water. If the alkalinity level of the water is required but the pH level is very high then you must be searching for the method that lowers pH in the pool without lowering alkalinity.
You can do it by adding soda ash to the pool water; it will get both the alkalinity and the pH at the same level.
Another way to adjust the pH level is to inject carbon dioxide into the pool water. It will not affect the alkalinity and just help decreasing pH.
How to Lower Pool pH With Muriatic Acid?
Muriatic Acid is a strong chemical to lower the pH level of the pool water. It can help you to clean the pool surface but you need to be very careful while using this chemical.
You should use it in the following manner.
- First of all, test the alkalinity and pH of the pool.
- Take a bucket of water and add one part of Muriatic Acid in 10 parts of water. It will avoid any backsplash in pool water.
- When the pool pump is running, add the solution in deep parts near the jets.
- Wait overnight and then retest the pH level of your pool. If it still needs more acid then repeat the process.
- Check the pH. Level if it is too low then you can use some other pH increaser to get the required level.
Summary
Pool maintenance is necessary to enjoy your summer. If you will swim in a pool with having high pH then it can be dangerous for your pool and your body.
In this article, you have learned how to lower the pH level of pool water. This way you can make your swimming experience a fantastic one.