Maintaining the proper pH balance in your pool isn’t just about making your water sparkle; it’s a critical part of keeping your pool safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. If you’ve noticed murky water, irritated skin, or reduced efficiency in your pool chemicals, there’s a good chance your pH levels are off. High pH in pool water can lead to several problems, making it important to address quickly and correctly.
This blog will explore the risks of high pH in pool water, explain how to lower pH levels safely, and discuss how investing in a quality pool design can make your maintenance routine simpler in the long run.
What Risks Come from High pH Levels in a Pool?
When the pH level of your pool rises too high (above the ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6, though 7.2 to 7.8 is acceptable), a range of issues can emerge, both for swimmers and your pool’s infrastructure.
Impact on Swimmers
Swimmers often feel the effects of high pH in pool water more than anything else. High pH levels can lead to:
- Skin and Eye Irritation – Your pool’s water becomes less comfortable to swim in, with itchy skin and red eyes being common side effects.
- Reduced Chlorine Effectiveness – Did you know that chlorine’s sanitizing effects drop drastically when pH is high? This can leave your pool vulnerable to bacteria and algae growth, which can cause more problems for swimmers.
Damage to Pool Equipment and Surfaces
High pH in pool water can cause more than just swimmer discomfort; it can also damage your pool system. Calcium scaling may form white, chalky deposits on surfaces and equipment like filters or heaters, reducing their functionality.
Cloudy water is another common side effect, making it harder to maintain a pristine swimming experience. Over time, these problems can shorten the lifespan of your equipment, leading to higher costs for maintenance and replacements.
How to Lower pH in Pool Water
If your pool’s pH levels are too high, it’s best to act swiftly while following safe and effective methods. Here’s how to get started:
1. Test Your Pool Water
Start by using a reliable test kit or test strips to determine how elevated your pH level is. A good test will also give you insights into your total alkalinity, which affects pH.
2. Use pH-Reducing Chemicals
Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate (pH Down) are widely used to correct high pH in pools. Follow these steps:
- Measure Carefully – Always read package directions. Overdoing it can lead to low pH, which causes its own set of problems.
- Dilute if Necessary – For muriatic acid, diluting in water before adding it to your pool ensures safety.
- Distribute Evenly – Add the chemical around the perimeter of the pool while the pump runs to promote even circulation.
3. Retest and Adjust
Allow 4–6 hours for the pool water to circulate, then test again. If needed, repeat the process until pH reaches the recommended range of 7.2–7.8.
4. Prevent Future High pH Levels
Monitor pH levels regularly (at least weekly during swimming season). Don’t forget to also keep an eye on total alkalinity, which should stay between 80–120 ppm to stabilize pH.
Choose Quality from the Start
The best way to ensure that maintaining your pool’s pH and chemical balance is as simple as possible? Start with a high-quality pool build. A well-designed, custom pool minimizes the risk of physical wear and chemical imbalances like high pH in pool water.
At Pool Icons, we specialize in creating custom pools tailored to your backyard, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Our expert designs and premium materials improve water circulation and reduce common maintenance headaches like uneven chemical distribution. With features like built-in filtration systems and durable finishes, a Pool Icons custom design makes striking the perfect balance easier for pool owners.
Rekindle Your Love for Your Pool
Keeping your pool’s pH levels balanced doesn’t have to be a struggle. By understanding the risks of high pH in pool water, following the right steps, and choosing a quality pool design, you’ll enjoy fewer headaches and more time relaxing in sparkling waters.
Start your pool upkeep off right and make your life easier by exploring custom pool designs. At Pool Icons, we’ll help you create the pool of your dreams while ensuring it’s functional for everyday use. Take the first step today by contacting us for a free estimate.
