Understanding pH: Its Impact on Swimming Pools

Introduction:

Maintaining a swimming pool isn't just about keeping the water clear and inviting; it's also about ensuring that the water chemistry is balanced for optimal safety and comfort. One crucial aspect of pool water chemistry is pH. In this blog post, we'll delve into what pH is, its significance in pool maintenance, and how it affects the overall pool experience.

What is pH?

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It stands for "potential of Hydrogen." The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. The lower the pH value, the more acidic the solution; conversely, the higher the pH value, the more alkaline it is.

pH and Swimming Pools:

In swimming pools, maintaining the proper pH level is crucial for several reasons:

1.     Comfort: The pH level directly affects the comfort of swimmers. Water with an improper pH can cause eye and skin irritation, making the swimming experience unpleasant.

2.     Equipment Protection: Imbalanced pH levels can damage pool equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heaters. Acidic water can corrode metal components, while alkaline water can cause scaling and mineral deposits.

3.     Chemical Efficiency: The effectiveness of pool sanitisers, such as chlorine, is influenced by pH levels. If the pH is too high or too low, the sanitisers may become less effective, leading to inadequate disinfection and potential health risks.

4.     Water Clarity: pH imbalance can contribute to cloudy water and algae growth, diminishing the visual appeal of the pool.

Maintaining Proper pH Levels:

To ensure optimal water quality and safety, it's essential to monitor and adjust the pH levels of your swimming pool regularly.

Here are some tips for maintaining proper pH levels:

1.     Test Regularly: Use a pool water testing kit to measure pH levels at least once a week, if not more frequently during periods of heavy use or extreme weather.

2.     Adjust as Needed: If the pH level is outside the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6, take corrective action. To raise pH, add a pH increaser (sodium carbonate or soda ash). To lower pH, add a pH reducer (hydrochloric acid or sodium bisulphate).

3.     Balance Alkalinity: Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer to prevent rapid fluctuations in pH. Keep TA levels in the range of 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm) to help stabilise pH.

4.     Seek Professional Help. At Henry's Pool Care, we specialise in comprehensive pool maintenance services that go beyond just cleaning and skimming. Henry is dedicated to ensuring that your pool maintains the perfect pH balance and chemistry levels for optimal enjoyment and safety. With our regular maintenance plans, we'll visit your pool on a scheduled basis to conduct thorough testing, make necessary adjustments, and provide personalised care to keep your pool water pristine and inviting.