Be sure to test your water chemistry weekly.
Notes on pH:
pH is the single most important element in swimming pool water chemistry. It affects every other chemical balance in pool water.
pH is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in water. It indicates the relative acidity or basicity of pool water. pH is measured on a scale of 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong base) with 7 being the neutral pH.
In pools a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4 to 7.6 is most desirable because this range is most comfortable to the human eye and provides for optimum use of free chlorine while maintaining water that is not corrosive or scale forming.
If pH is too low (below 7)
- Water becomes acidic
- Chlorine residuals dissipate rapidly
- Eye irritation occurs
- Plaster walls are etched
- Metal fittings, pump impeller, heater core may corrode
- Dissolved metals may leave stains on walls
- Rapid Loss of alkalinity
If pH is too high (above 8)
- Chlorine activity is slowed and inefficient
- Scale formation and discoloration of pool walls
- Water becomes cloudy
- Filter is overworked
- Eye irritation may occur
pH
