Measuring pH sounds rather complicated but it really just refers to how acidic or alkaline the pool water is.
The pH level is measured on a scale from 1 to 14, where 1 is acidic and 14 is alkaline. The ideal pH range for swimming pool water is between 7.2 – 7.8
Low pH can be caused by rain water, frequent bathing and or excessive use of acid in the pool. pH increases over time as a result of adding chemicals to the pool water.
Solution to a LOW pH
If pH is lower than 7.2 this means that the swimming pool water is too acidic.
A low pH can cause:
- Bathers to have itchy eyes
- Damage to the pool lining
- Rapid Corrosion of pool equipment
Steps to increase your pH
Step 1: Switch the pool filtration system off
Step 2: Depending on the filtration system, turn the multiport valve onto Bypass or Recirculate then turn the system back on.
Step 3: Pour the full contents of the 2kg bag of Aqua Pro Alkalinity Booster into the weir. After running the system for a minimum of 3 – 4 hours on Bypass/Recirculate, return the multiport valve back onto the filter setting and run as normal.
Re-test the pH after 1 day. If the pH has not reached the desired level, repeat the process.
Solution to a HIGH pH
If the pool’s pH is higher than 7.8 the water is too alkaline.
A high pH can cause:
- Reduction of efficacy of chlorine
- Skin irritation of bathers
- Cloudy water
- Scaling on pool equipment
Steps to lower your pH
Step 1: Dilute 250ml of Aqua Pro Acid into a bucket of water
Step 2: Pour the diluted acid the weir while with the multiport valve set on bypass/circulate
Step 3: Ensure that the pool is on filter for at least 3 hours in order for the acid to fully circulate through the pool
Run the system on filter for a minimum of 3 hours to allow the acid to circulate through the pool. Aqua Pro Acid should have an immediate effect. Re-test the pH after 3 hours and if it is still high, repeat the process.
Please note that all solutions are based on a 50 000 litre pool.
Head down to any of The Pool Team Stores and chat to a professional for further advice on your personal pH solution.