Is Your Pool pH & Alkalinity Too High or Too Low?
Pools are a great way to cool off during the summer, but it’s important to make sure that the pH and alkalinity levels are well-balanced. You can always check for high or low pH in pool. Pool pH levels measure how acidic or basic the water is, while alkalinity is a measure of how much carbonate is present in the water.
If the pH and alkalinity levels are too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as damage to pool equipment. On the other hand, if the pH and alkalinity levels are too high, it can make the water feel slimy and can cause cloudy water.
It’s important to test the pH and alkalinity levels of your pool regularly to make sure that they are within the ideal range.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about pH and alkalinity levels in pools, including why they’re important, how to test for them, and how to adjust them.
pH & Alkalinity: What Are They?
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is, while alkalinity is a measure of how much carbonate is present in the water. The ideal pH level for pools is between 7.2 and 7.8, and the ideal alkalinity level is between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million).
pH levels can be affected by a number of factors, including rainwater, swimmers (sweat and urine), and pool chemicals.
Alkalinity levels can be affected by carbon dioxide from the air, swimmers (sweat), and pool chemicals.
It’s important to test for both pH and alkalinity levels because they both play an important role in keeping your pool water clean and safe to swim in.
Why Is It Important to Maintain the pH & Alkalinity of My Pool?
One of the most important reasons to maintain proper pH and alkalinity levels in your pool is to prevent skin and eye irritation. If the pH level is too low, it can cause skin irritation, red eyes, and burning sensations. If the alkalinity level is too low, it can also cause skin irritation.
Another reason to maintain proper pH and alkalinity levels is to prevent damage to your pool equipment. If the pH level is too low, it can corrode metal parts of your pool (including ladders, rails, lighting fixtures, etc.). If the pH level is too high, it can scale up on surfaces and clog filters.
You should test for both pH & alkalinity every 2 weeks & adjust as needed! If you leave the pool alone, the pH levels will continue to rise naturally.
Aerating the water to release carbon will raise pH while adding more lowers it.
In conclusion, knowing if your pool pH too high or too low is important. If you want to continue to swim safely and not cause damage to your pool, test your pH regularly.