How Do I Raise the pH in My Pool?

Adding a pH increaser, such as soda ash, in small increments is the best way to raise the pH in your pool. For accurate adjustments, try our AquaDoc Pool Starter Kit, designed to balance water chemistry effectively.

Why Maintaining Proper pH Levels Matters

A balanced pH level ensures a safe and comfortable swimming environment while preventing damage to pool surfaces and equipment. If pH is too low, water becomes acidic, leading to irritation and reduced chlorine effectiveness.

Signs Your Pool’s pH Is Too Low

• Eye and skin irritation: Acidic water can cause discomfort and dryness.

• Corrosion of metal parts: Low pH can damage ladders, handrails, and pool pumps.

• Fading of pool surfaces and liners: Acidic water wears down vinyl liners and concrete surfaces.

• Chlorine inefficiency: Chlorine becomes less effective at killing bacteria when pH is too low.

• Increased water cloudiness: Unbalanced pH can cause minerals to become suspended in the water.

• Staining on pool walls and floor: Acidic water can cause stains due to metal leaching.

If left unaddressed, low pH can lead to costly repairs and poor water quality. Regularly monitoring pH levels helps prevent these issues before they become severe.

Steps to Raise the pH in Your Pool

1. Test the Water

Before adding any chemicals, always test your pool water.

• Use a pool test kit or test strips to check the current pH level.

• The ideal pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6.

• If the pH is below 7.2, it’s time to increase it.

• Also, check total alkalinity (80-120 ppm) as it directly affects pH stability.

2. Choose a pH Increaser

Different pH increasers are available, each with its own benefits.

• Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): Best for quickly raising pH levels.

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Primarily increases alkalinity but has a mild effect on pH.

• pH Increaser: Specially formulated for precise pH adjustments.

Avoid household chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as they disrupt pool chemistry and can be hazardous.

3. Add the pH Increaser in Small Amounts

Adding chemicals gradually prevents overcorrection and pH swings.

• Follow the product instructions to determine the correct amount based on pool size.

• Start with 1/2 pound of soda ash per 10,000 gallons of water.

• Dissolve the soda ash in a bucket of pool water before adding it.

• Pour the solution evenly around the pool while the pump is running.

• Avoid adding too much at once to prevent pH spikes.

4. Circulate and Retest the Water

Proper circulation ensures even distribution of chemicals.

• Run the pool pump for 2-4 hours to distribute chemicals evenly.

• Retest the water after 4-6 hours to check if the pH has reached the desired level.

• Repeat the process if necessary, adding small amounts at a time.

• If pH is still unstable, test calcium hardness and total dissolved solids to rule out other chemical imbalances.

Preventing Future pH Imbalances

Keeping your pool’s pH balanced requires regular maintenance and preventive measures.

• Test water at least twice a week to monitor pH levels.

• Adjust alkalinity first (recommended range: 80-120 ppm) for stable pH.

• Avoid overusing pH increasers, as excessive pH levels can cause scaling.

• Regularly clean pool filters and surfaces to reduce contaminants affecting pH balance.

• Keep pool water aerated, as increased oxygen levels naturally stabilize pH.

• Use Pool Starter Kit for an easy way to balance water chemistry.

• Limit rainwater accumulation, as heavy rain can lower pH levels due to acidic contaminants.

If heavy pool use or environmental factors frequently lower pH, consider installing an automatic chemical feeder to maintain consistent levels.

By following these steps, you can effectively raise your pool’s pH and maintain a safe, well-balanced swimming environment. Keeping your water chemistry in check not only extends the life of your pool equipment but also enhances swimmer comfort and water clarity. Consistent monitoring and adjustments ensure that your pool remains in perfect condition year-round.