Do you have a pool at your house? If so, you know that it is very important to maintain proper pool water chemistry. This doesn’t only help you maintain water clean on the eye but also ensures that water is soothing and not harmful for your skin, hair, eyes, and your overall wellness. This article will help you learn all you need to know about the pH levels in your pool and how to raise pH in pool.
We will cover all the ins and outs of the pH pool levels. Here, we will start off with the basics and then tackle more advanced aspects. We will wrap things up by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
So, are you ready to learn how to raise pH in pool? Let’s dig in, shall we?
What is the pH in Your Pool And Why Pool pH Balance is Important?
We’ve all been taught about pH during our schooling years, yet we tend to forget about it completely. As such, let’s refresh your memory: pH level refers to a solution’s, in our case, pool water’s, acid-alkalinity balance. There is a more mathematical definition, including logarithm and hydrogen ion concentration; however, that would just cause a lot of confusion.
The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, where 0 means that the solution has the highest acidic levels and 14 the most alkalinity levels.
Getting the right pH level is important to help maintain clean water and also to make water suitable for human skin and other parts of the body.
That said, the ideal pH level for the pool is set between 7.4 and 7.6 or between 7.2 and 7.8 in case we want a slightly wider window. If the water in our pool has a pH lower or higher than the above-given numbers, problems will occur.
If the water gets too alkaline (above 7.8), it is likely to become cloudy, and/or it will probably cause scaling on the pool lining and plumbing equipment, which can be costly to fix. On the other hand, if the water is too acidic (below 7.2) it can cause itching and other skin issues (including skin rashes and irritation) and also induced corrosion of any metallic equipment or part in touch with the water.
The pH level also affects the efficiency of the chlorine used in the pool. If the pH levels are too low, the normal amount of chlorine will not get the proper job done.
It is also important to keep in mind that it is way easier to maintain pH levels regularly with small fluctuations around 7.5, then to let it get too high or too low and then getting it back.
Given the above information, you now know that is very important to closely monitor your pool’s pH level and maintain it on daily basis.
Why pH Levels Always Going Up or Down in Pools?
The pool is an open system, which means that there are various substances constantly entering the pool water. This includes human sweat, sunscreen creams, insects, leaves, etc. It is also not clear water since chemicals, such as chlorine are added to help maintain the water clean.
Chlorine is the main chemical used in the pool and it is very important as it disinfects the water by killing various bacteria and algae. That way water stays clean and also keeps swimmers safe since bacteria in water can otherwise cause diarrhea, ear infections, and many skin problems.
Aside from the above, chlorine also oxidizes (neutralizes) debris and dirt particles that enter the pool from the environment or swimmers.
That said, you simply cannot have a safe and clean pool without using chlorine.
Rainfalls also affect the pool pH level noticeably and can bring the pH levels down and make the water acidic. Dissolved bodily fluids also lower pH levels quite a lot, as such, it is common to expect the need to raise pH levels after a pool party or heavy use of the pool.
Most naturally occurring conditions are bringing your pool pH level down, which means that your job in maintaining proper pH level will almost entirely focus on raising it. That is why the main goal of this article is to teach you how to raise pH in the pool.
The only way you will ever deal with too high pH levels is if you will add too much of the substances that raise the pH, which will get down on its own. However, in case you need to lower your pool’s pH fast, you will use muriatic acid or dry acid (also known as sodium bisulfate).
How To Know If The pH Level Is High Or Low?
If you are like the majority of people, you must be wondering how to know if the pH level is high or low at this point, right? Well, that really is an important question and luckily for you, it comes with a simple solution.
These days you have various pool water test kits and even electrical devices that help you measure your pool’s pH. The most basic way is still pH indication/testing strips. Then there are also small tablets that you can put into a sampled water (special cups with pH level indications) that color the water according to its pH level.
The most practical are electronic devices that you manually dip into the water or can even be incorporated into the pool’s system.
It is up to you and your budget to determine which of the measuring option will be the best choice for you.
To maintain proper pH levels, the measurement should be performed at least 2 to 3 times a week. Of course, the measurement alone won’t keep the pH at the perfect level, thus make sure to take the appropriate actions (normally add substances that will raise the pH level) to maintain the 7.4-7.6 pH level.
So, how that you know why pH level maintenance is important and that you’ve also learned how to measure it, it is time to give you the actual step-by-step instruction on how to raise pH in the pool.
Note: There are many pool pH measuring kits that measure pH only down to 6.8. If you are using such a kit and get the measurement on the lower end of the scale, keep in mind that the actual pH level could be lower. As such, you need to first raise the pH to a measurable level.
How to Raise pH Levels in Your Pool
In this section, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to raise pH in pool. By following the steps below (and the information given in this article) you will be able to maintain suitable pH levels.
There are many chemicals and commercial products that may be used to raise pH levels in your pool. Usually, they have ‘pH’ and ‘Increaser, ‘Up’, ‘Raise’, or similar in the name. Whichever the brand, they are all based on sodium carbonate also known as soda ash.
Note: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is not the same as sodium carbonate. You may also use sodium bicarbonate, however, it is not ideal. More on that in one of the upcoming sections.
Here are the steps to take to raise your pool pH most easily and efficiently:
- Make sure that your pool filtration system is working properly – Ensure that the pump is running smoothly and that filters are clean.
- Test your pool’s water – using one of the methods presented in the previous section to determine a current pH level. Don’t forget to account for your device’s measurement scale.
- Calculate the amount of sodium carbonate needed – to add according to your pH result. As a rule of thumb, 175 grams of sodium carbonate will raise the pH level of an average backyard pool (approx. 42 cubic meters of water) by 0.1. Detailed guidelines that you may use are provided in the next section.
- Make sure to follow the instructions on the package – Pool chemistry must be treated with caution and respect. If dealing with the powder, make sure to add it properly as instructed. In some cases you will be instructed to add the powder directly into the pool in others you will need to dilute the powder in a bucket of water first.
- Start by adding about 75% (3/4) of what you calculated – Then wait for about an hour and retest the water. Then add the remainder if needed.
- Retest the water for pH and total alkalinity after 6-12 hours – Make sure that the pumps are running for at least 4 hours during that time, to ensure that the water is circulating and mixing.
This is it. You now know how to raise pH in pool in simple 6 steps. Once you are more experienced, you can skip step 5.
Aside, from using soda ash to raise your pool’s pH levels, there are other methods, though none is as efficient and simple. These include aeration, baking soda, pH up, and other options. The steps for each of these (aside from aeration) are as explained above, however, the quantity of the substance will vary.
How Much Sodium Carbonate is Required to Raise pH to 7.4-7.6
Following the basics of chemistry, there are several factors, you need to account for when determining how much sodium carbonate you will need to add to raise your pH to 7.4-7.6.
Here are the input pieces of information you need:
- Current pH level
- The capacity of the pool (the amount of water in it):
- For the amount of water in your pool to be determined, you will need to know your pool’s volume, which can be calculated based on your pool’s length and width or diameter. When calculating the volume, make sure to consider the units (if possible do it in meters (1 meter = 3.3 feet). Be extra cautious when performing the unit transformation.
- Pool Water Volume = length x width x water depth (for rectangular pools)
- Pool Water Volume = 0.785 x diameter x diameter x water depth (for round pools)
- For the amount of water in your pool to be determined, you will need to know your pool’s volume, which can be calculated based on your pool’s length and width or diameter. When calculating the volume, make sure to consider the units (if possible do it in meters (1 meter = 3.3 feet). Be extra cautious when performing the unit transformation.
Once you have the above input info, you can easily determine the approximate amount of sodium carbonate required to raise pH level to 7.4-7.6 using the following guideline:
- pH reading 7.2-7.4: add 4.4 grams of sodium carbonate per 1 cubic meter of water
- pH reading 7.0-7.2: add 5.9 grams of sodium carbonate per 1 cubic meter of water
- And, pH reading 6.8-7.0: add 8 grams of sodium carbonate per 1 cubic meter of water
Most Significant Advantage and Disadvantage of Both Baking Soda and Soda Ash
Above we have mentioned that baking soda may be used as an alternative to soda ash. In this section, we will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each substance. It is then up to you to decide which one do you prefer.
- Baking soda (pH of 8.3) is about half as efficient at raising pH levels as soda ash (pH of 11.4).
- Baking soda has more impact on overall alkalinity, which means that it may cause alkalinity levels to increase above 120 ppm. As such, it is best to use baking soda only when alkalinity levels are below 80 ppm.
- Baking soda is completely organic and thus better for your health.
- Baking soda is best for raising alkalinity
- Soda ash is best for raising pH levels
Overall, soda ash may be more suitable for pool chemistry maintenance, however, if you want to be on a more organic side and also save some money, baking soda would be the way to go.
What’s The Difference Between pH and Alkalinity?
Before moving on to FAQs, we feel obligated to explain the difference between pH and alkalinity. By now you know that pH refers to the acid-alkalinity balance of the solution (water in pool’s case) and that it refers to any number from 0 to 14, 7 being the neutral pH, below 7 acidic, and alkaline above 7.
Alkalinity on the other hand refers to the absolute concentration of the alkaline substances in the water. Unlike pH, which doesn’t have a unit, the alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm). The recommended value of alkalinity for pools is set between 80 and 120 ppm.
Most simple pool water chemistry measuring techniques and monitors focus on pH, however, it is good that you are familiar with alkalinity as well as they are closely related but not one and the same.
For instance, you can’t use chemistry to raise pH without also raising alkalinity and you can’t lower pH without also lowering alkalinity.
However, not all pH raising or lowering techniques affect both, pH and alkalinity, equally. Aerating is a good method to raising pH without raising alkalinity, though, it takes at least an hour to get the results.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
How can I balance water quickly?
The fastest methods include using soda ash and/or baking soda for pH balance. In addition, you need to use chlorine and anti-algae agent to get the best water quality.
How do I raise pH without raising alkalinity?
Aerating the water is the best method to do that.
Can baking soda really be used to clean a pool?
Yes, baking soda may be used to clean the pool. It may also be used to raise pH levels. However, it is most suitable for alkalinity raising.
Are there any risks of using baking soda in a pool?
The biggest risk of using baking soda is raising your pool water’s alkalinity above 120 ppm, which can mess up the chemistry. Your water will be cloudy and if in such a state for longer periods, it will take its toll on the pool equipment.
Is it safe to swim in high or low pH or alkalinity?
Not really. If you are swimming in a pool with pH levels above or below 7.2-7.8 pH or alkalinity above or below 80-120 ppm, you are risking skin issues, eye problems, potentially diarrhea, and other highly unpleasant conditions.
What does baking soda do for a pool?
Baking soda raises the pool’s pH and alkalinity.
Why is it paramount to raise your pool’s alkalinity level?
Alkalinity levels are related to pH levels. If the alkalinity level is too low, you will have extreme difficulties maintaining pH levels and thus the quality of your water.
How much baking soda should I use in pool?
It is not that straight forward. You need to know your pool’s size and current level of alkalinity and pH to determine the exact amount of baking soda to be added. As a rule of thumb, 1.5 lbs of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water will raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm.
What are common pool problems with baking soda?
The most common problem with using baking soda is getting the alkalinity too high. To maintain the perfect pH and alkalinity levels when using baking soda as an agent, aerating must be used to get the pH up without raising alkalinity.
Recommended Articles