Keeping the right pH level in your pool water is super important. It helps keep the pool safe to swim in, protects your pool equipment, and makes the water look clean and feel good. Whether your pool uses municipal water or well water, pH can change for many reasons. If the pH is off, it can cause problems like skin irritation, burning eyes, cloudy water, and even metal corrosion. This guide will help you learn how to test, adjust, and take care of your swimming pool pH level, using easy tips and smart tools. For expert advice or professional assistance, you can always consult a trusted Pool Contractor California to ensure your pool stays in top condition.
What Is pH and Why It Matters in Your Pool
pH tells us if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14. For pools, the best pH range is 7.2 to 7.8. This is the sweet spot that keeps swimmers safe and helps chlorine work well to kill germs.
If the pH level is too low (acidic), it can cause:
Itchy skin and burning eyes
Your swimwear and goggles to wear out faster
Metal parts in your pool to rust
Damage to the plaster finish, vinyl liner, or other surfaces
If you’re unsure about managing pH levels, consulting experienced Pool Builders Roseville, CA can help you maintain your pool’s water quality and avoid costly damage.
If the pH is too high (alkaline), it can cause:
Cloudy water that looks dirty
White mineral scaling on tiles and pipes
Chlorine won’t work as well
Pipes and filters may get clogged
Extra wear and tear on the pump system
Having the right pH balance also makes swimming more fun and keeps the water from damaging your pool.
How to Test Your Pool’s pH Level
Testing your pool’s pH is a big part of good pool maintenance. You should test it 2 to 3 times a week, especially:
In hot weather
After rainstorms
After a pool party
When adding new water
After using pool chemicals like shock or algaecide
Ways to test your pool’s pH:
Pool test strips: Fast and easy
Liquid test kit: Includes reagents for more accurate results
Digital pH meter or pH sensor: Great for frequent testing (don’t forget probe calibration)
Always use a clean water sample, taken from elbow-deep, away from skimmers and return jets
What Can Change the pH in a Pool?
Many things can cause pH to go up or down:
Water source: Well water may have more minerals, municipal water might have extra chlorine
Too much chlorine, or not enough
Bathers adding bodily fluids or sunscreen
Debris like leaves and insects
Rainwater can lower pH and add contaminants
Aeration from fountains or water features causes CO2 outgassing, which raises pH
Filtration system problems can change water balance
Not running the pool pump enough can create imbalances
How to Adjust pH in Pool Water
To Raise pH (If pH < 7.2)
Use a pH increaser, such as:
Sodium carbonate (Soda ash) – raises pH fast
Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda) – raises both pH and total alkalinity
Steps to follow:
Check your pool’s water volume using a pool calculator
Test your current baseline pH
Add chemicals using the right dosage guidelines (read the label)
Spread the product around or use the pool pump to mix it
Wait 4–6 hours, then test again
To Lower pH (If pH > 7.8)
Use a pH reducer, such as:
Sodium bisulfate (Dry acid)
Muriatic acid (Hydrochloric acid) – stronger, but needs care
Safety tips:
Wear gloves and goggles
Mix acid with water before adding
Add near return jets while the pump is running
Use a manual or semi-automatic acid dispenser to control chemical dosing
Balancing Alkalinity and pH
Total alkalinity keeps your pH from bouncing around. If alkalinity is too low, your pH will be unstable. If it’s too high, your pH might stay high.
Ideal alkalinity range: 80 to 120 ppm
To raise alkalinity:
Use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
To lower alkalinity:
Use muriatic acid, but be careful—it can also lower pH
Check both pH and alkalinity together using your pool test kit.
Pool Maintenance Tips for Better pH Control
Use your pool cleaning equipment to clean regularly
Brush walls and vacuum the floor to remove debris
Backwash or clean the filter system often
Keep an eye on weather changes and swimming frequency
Top off water carefully after heavy swimming or hot days
Use buffer solution to maintain probe accuracy
Install automatic pH control systems for easier care
Special Pool Types and pH Needs
Above Ground Pools
Easier to test and treat
Use soft brushes to protect the liner
Lower water volume = quicker chemical changes
Saltwater Pools
Salt converts into chlorine, so pH can go up faster
Test pH and salt content weekly
Hot Tubs and Spas
Hotter water means faster pH change
Always check before and after each use
Use spa-specific test strips and pH chemicals
Seasonal Pool Care and pH
Pool Opening in Spring
Remove the cover and clear out debris
Shock the water, then balance pH and alkalinity
Test for chlorine, CYA, and calcium hardness
Pool Closing in Fall
Lower the water level
Balance the pH before winter
Add algaecide and winterizing chemicals
Common pH Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy water | High pH or calcium | Lower pH and brush pool |
| Burning eyes | Low or high pH | Adjust pH to 7.2–7.8 |
| Green water | Low chlorine + high pH | Shock pool and lower pH |
| Scaling | High pH and calcium | Use pH reducer + clean |
Final Tips for Pool Owners
Keep a weekly adjustment cheat sheet
- Check your pool’s pH level, chlorine, and alkalinity at the same time
- Use a printable chart or app to track your water chemistry
- Talk to a pool pro
If you need expert help or guidance, consider reaching out to Pool Contractors Fresno, CA, who can assist with maintaining your pool’s water quality and ensuring it’s always ready for a swim.
