If you have a residential pool and you do most of the maintenance yourself, you might have encountered one of the most frequent problems with swimming pools — dealing with pH levels that get too high.
Pool pH level maintenance isn’t rocket science. But you still need to be observant about the chlorine level and other pool chemicals, the loss of CO2, and any sudden rise in temperature. These could raise your pool’s pH level beyond the ideal, which is between 7.2 and 7.8.
A pH level that goes beyond 7.8 indicates low acidity — the pool water is too soft. This can cause:
- Red and stinging eyes
- Skin irritation and dryness
- Cloudy or hazy pool water
- Clogged filters and pipes
- Pool equipment scaling
Prevent these from happening by knowing the right way to adjust your swimming pool’s pH level.
Lowering Your Pool’s pH Level
Muriatic acid is admittedly one of the most common ways to maintain a safe pH balance for your pool. However, when not used properly, it could cause skin irritation and respiratory inflammation for anyone who gets in the water too soon. It could also damage pool railings, ladders, and other pool equipment.
On the other hand, a CO2-based pH management system is safer for you and your residential property.
By using CO2 as an alternative to muriatic acid for lowering your pool’s pH level, you’re opting for a colorless and non-flammable substance that poses no potential health risks to you and your household.
CO2 provides more accurate control of your pool’s pH level, too. Its natural buffering capacity gradually raises the pool water’s pH level to the ideal balance between 7.2 and 7.8. Meanwhile, you would have to measure the exact amount of muriatic acid to dilute in the water to get a reasonably good pH balance.
Additionally, CO2 may initially cost more than muriatic acid, but you don’t need to purchase special protective clothing. You don’t need to hire a professional to keep the pool’s pH level balanced, either.
Raising Your Pool’s pH Level
Pool pH is a constantly changing factor. So although high pH levels are one of the most common concerns of residential pool owners, you should also keep in mind that low pH levels are possible.
Low pool pH levels are typically caused by heavy rainfall, pool overuse, and improper chemical balance. These could also result in eye redness, skin irritation, and pool equipment damage or erosion.
You can try raising your pool’s pH level by:
- Treating the pool water with sodium carbonate
- Adding a small amount of baking soda if the pool’s alkalinity is low
- Aerating the water by using the pool’s water features or aeration pipes
Of course, pool maintenance professionals can help you determine the best course of action.
Organic pH Balance Solutions
Poolsmith Technologies is a trusted provider of organic pH balance solutions for residential swimming pools in Phoenix and surrounding areas. We feature a natural way to balance your pool’s acidity and pH levels. This includes clear, non-toxic muriatic alternative acids that use a CO2-based pH control system.
Call us at 480-570-5716 or fill out our online form to book an appointment.
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