Proper pH levels are the base for a safe swimming experience. A well–balanced pH level is an indicator of a clean, sanitized, and safe-to-use pool. To ensure a safe swimming environment, it is important to maintain the pH levels within the recommended range.
Since pH measures the alkalinity or acidity of water, keeping it within the adequate range is essential. The pH scales range from 0 to 14, with 7 indicating a neutral pH, which is what you should be going for.
pH issues are one of the most common troubles pool owners face. You’ll see where to turn to address the lower pH in pool service in Phoenix.
The pH Levels in Your Pool Are Always High
If the pH levels in your pool are consistently high, it’s most likely due to the overuse of chlorine as a sanitizer or a saltwater system that keeps the pH level at a constant high.
When chlorine or salt water is used, the process releases sodium hydroxide, which has a pH level close to 13. In addition, if there is new plaster in your pool or a pebble finish, it can also raise the pH, even after a year of installment.
Another thing that might cause your pool’s pH to be on the rise is water features — fountains, waterfalls, and others can raise the pH.
The pH Levels in Your Pool Are Always Low
Low pH levels are also something that’s causing a lot of headaches for pool owners. One of the main reasons behind constantly low pH levels in pools is the use of stabilized forms of chlorine or chlorine tablets.
These forms of chlorine have a pH level of 3, which is why the pH level might be hard to raise. Also, accumulated debris, rainfall, and mulch can contribute to lowered pH.
The pH Won’t Budge
If it feels like no matter what you do, the pH in your pool neither drops nor raises, there may be an issue with the alkalinity in the pool water. Adding a pH increaser or a pH decreaser should balance out the pH levels in your pool, but in case it doesn’t, you might want to look into total alkalinity.
While testing for total alkalinity, if the results show a result of over 180 ppm, you’re dealing with very high total alkalinity levels. That is the main reason the pH can neither rise nor drop. To address the imbalance, add a pH reducer or any other acid and it should affect both issues and bring the pool’s pH levels to a safe and balanced range.
Poolsmith: A Family-Owned Pool Maintenance Company You Can Trust
Trust Poolsmith to handle even the most resilient pool issues. Being in business since 2003, we know the ins and outs of a good pool and what needs to be done so you can enjoy your investment to the fullest. We aren’t only the leaders in lower pH in pool service in Phoenix but are also an affordable option you can rely on.
Check out some of our videos explaining the most common issues in pools. Got more questions? Let’s talk.
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