Thursday, September 17, 2015

The pH level indicates the relative acidity or alkalinity of your pool water. pH is measured on a scale from 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong alkaline) and pH neutral is 7.

If pool water is not kept within a pH level of 7.2 to 7.6, the imbalance can create problems in the pool.

Low pH means the water is acidic and can cause cloudy water, staining, red eyes, hair loss, equipment destruction and cause the surfaces of the pool to deteriorate. When the pH is high or more basic other problems can occur such as a reduced effectiveness of chlorine, scales form and the filtration system can get plugged.

If pH falls too low (below 7):

• Water becomes acidic.
• Eye & skin irritation occurs.
• Corrosion - Heater element may corrode (unless you have Titanium heating elements) the pump impeller & other metal fittings on the pool will corrode.
• Dissolved metals may leave stains on the walls.
• Rapid loss of alkalinity.
• Wrinkling of liner.

If your pH is too low (below 7.4): Use pH Up (soda ash) 10g per day (per 1000-litres) until the pH has increased to 7.4

If pH is too high (above 8):

• Chlorine activity is slowed and inefficient.
• Scale formation and discolouration of pool walls.
• Water becomes cloudy.
• Filter is overworked & may become choked.
• Eye & skin irritation may occur.

If your pH is too high (Above 7.6): Use pH Minus 10g per day (per 1000-litres) until the pH has decreased to 7.6

Before we look at testing & maintaining the correct pH level we will look at two other factors that have a big influence on the pH level & the overall water balance.