Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool water not only keeps the water sparkling clean, but also helps protect your heater, pump and other system components from damage and can help keep your pool looking like new. One of the most important elements of this balance is the pH level. The pH value of pool water is a measure of its acidity. It is recorded on a scale of 0 to 14, with a pH below 7.0 indicating that the water is acidic. A pH value of above 8.0 means, that the water is alkaline or basic. Right between these two points is considered to be the correct pool pH level: 7.4 to 7.8.
MAIN REASONS WHY CORRECT pH IS CRITICAL FOR YOUR SWIMMING POOL
Here are five main reasons why it is so important to keep your pool water within the target pH range.
1: Low pH causes eye and skin irritation
Acidic water not only stings the eyes and nasal passages, it strips the body of its natural oils, leaving skin dry and itchy and hair brittle. Interestingly (and unfortunately) the same physical problems can occur if the pH gets too high. The human body is naturally close to the neutral point on the scale. To raise pH in your pools, adding baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate can be added thereby improving stability and clarity.
2: The high pH in the pool inactivates the chlorine
The further your pH goes into the basic or alkaline range, the less effect your chlorine will have. The result is that you spend too much money on chlorine and still have water that is not clean. To lower your pool pH level naturally, you can use distilled water system to pump in water. Adding sodium bisulphate, muriatic acid, etc., can also lower pH in your pools.
3: Unbalanced pH can damage vinyl films.
At low or high pH, the vinyl liner can actually grow and form unsightly wrinkles by absorbing water (up to 10% of its weight). If the pH gets too high, the vinyl liner will also age faster and need to be replaced sooner.
4: Low pool pH can lead to corrosion.
Acidic pool water can begin to corrode everything from pumps and other mechanical systems to ladders, slides and diving board bases. Water with a low pH can even etch or etch plaster in pools.
5: High pH causes cloudy water.
Many minerals come out of solution as the pH rises. This can lead to cloudy water and mineral deposits.
If you are ever in the look for the best services in Oman, Kehlan pools are ready to help you with all assistance related to your swimming pools.
WHAT CAUSES LOW pH AND HIGH pH IN YOUR POOLS?
Now, you may be wondering, why your pool pH is always high or low. Here are few reasons for these causes.
The pH of the pool is always low
The most common cause of persistently low pH levels in pools is the use of chlorine tablets or stabilized forms of chlorine. These have a pH of around 3. Acid precipitation, heavy leaf litter and pool dirt/mulch can also lower the pH.
The pH of the pool is always high
The most common reason for persistently high pH levels in pools is the use of liquid chlorine or a saltwater system as the primary disinfectant. Sodium hydroxide is produced, which has a pH of around 13. A new pool plaster or pebble finish will also increase the pH of pools about a year after installation. If your pool has water features such as a waterfall or fountain, the pH level in your pool will also increase.
TIPS TO MAINTAIN pH LEVEL IN YOUR POOLS
Maintaining the pH level in your pools is not only necessary for the safety of your swimmers, but also for the appearance and longevity of the pool itself. If you want to be in your pool every day this summer, here are 6 invaluable tips from Shoreline Pools pool experts to keep your pool chemical levels accurate and safe for swimming.
1. Understanding pH balance
The pH level measures the acidity of the water in your pool. It runs on a scale of 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Ideally, your pool’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Pool owners must frequently monitor the pH level and maintain a constant neutral level. When your pool’s pH is too acidic, it can cause surface corrosion. In addition, the acidity of the pool significantly affects the skin of swimmers, which can cause irritation, itching and redness. If your pool is too high (alkaline, not acidic), the pool water will be cloudy and the swimmers’ skin will be dry.
2. Chemicals to balance the pH
Pool professionals use specific chemicals such as dry acid or muriatic acid to lower the pH level. You can also help maintain pH levels by using a product called baking soda. All of these chemicals can help maintain the pH level of pools. But watch out! These chemicals require careful handling and should be stored in hard-to-reach places and always out of direct sunlight. To be on the safe side, have a pool maintenance professional dispense these products into your pool and monitor your pool’s pH levels regularly
3. Invest in a pool test kit
The test kits measure 4 important chemical levels in your pool: pH, chlorine, total alkalinity and calcium hardness. It is necessary to purchase a reliable test kit for your pool to ensure that the levels meet the regulations. This way you can determine which chemicals need to be added to keep your pool pristine with the correct pH level. Using the test suite is quite simple. First, take a sample of your pool water from 18 inches below the surface of your pool to get an accurate reading. Using the supplied kit instructions, add the specified amounts of reagent or indicator solution to the water sample. Then shake the tube to thoroughly mix the reagent and water sample. Your water sample will take on a certain shade that you can compare to a test chart to assess the chemical levels in the water.
4. Purchase test trips to pools
Another way to check the level of chemicals in your pool is to administer a test strip with litmus test technology. With a simple rod, you can dip it into the pool water and get readings based on a color chart. This method is quick and convenient; however, it does not provide the most accurate information compared to the drip style method found in pool test kits. Once you have tested the pool water, refer to the manual that came with the test kit package. This chart will allow you to derive the correct amount of chemicals to disperse into your pool.
5. Pool chemicals to maintain access
You may choose to store basic chemicals in your garage or pool house, such as chlorine tablets, pH raisers, limiters, and test kits. By having these chemicals readily available, you will be prepared for your weekly pool level check. If you have children or pets, you may want to hire a pool maintenance professional on a weekly basis to regularly dose and monitor these harmful chemicals.
6. When to check pool chemical levels
Pool experts recommend checking chemical levels two to three times a week. There are three important factors that can impair reading accuracy; pool temperature, ambient air, or precipitation and dirt that falls into your pool.
SWIM SAFELY THIS SUMMER WITH PROFESSIONAL POOL MAINTENANCE
With summer fast approaching, keeping your pool safe and clean is the number one priority. Pool balancing is important because various chemicals help keep pool water hygienic, safe and clean. If you are in Oman or Saudi Arabia contact Kehlan Pools today! Our professional pool service will do all the maintenance to keep your pool in balance so you can enjoy a fun filled summer.