According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), residential pool owners must be responsible in regularly checking for the chlorine concentration and pH of the pool in question to help protect family and friends from any recreational water illnesses. Chlorine, as is widely known by many pool owners, deal with the elimination of germs. Meanwhile, pH is what determines water acidity.
As recommended by many specialists, the best pH for pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Due to the presence of chlorine as well as natural effects like temperature, pH levels may fluctuate from the ideal count and rise higher. It is important to consistently check for ideal levels and lower pH in pool if necessary.
Why is pH so Important?
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- If pH gets too high, the effectivity of chlorine drops.
- If pH is too low, chlorine effectivity rises but corrosion of tiles, pipes, and other items like swimming goggles or swimsuits will take place even if they are fiberglass pools.
- At the correct pH level, swimmers will be safe from any recreational water illness, and the longevity of pool life is assured.
What to do if pH is too High?
If after using a pool test kit it is found that pH levels are too high, there are two acids one can use to lower pH in pool and those two are:
- Dry acid (Sodium Bisulfate), and
- Liquid hydrochloric (muriatic acid)
Common referrals to these two acids are pH minus, pH reducer, and pH decreaser. Mixing these chemicals are dangerous, so one must make sure that they have purchased the correct ones for the task. It is up to the individual as to what they think will be the best pool chemical to balance out pH level.
How to Lower pH in Pool with Liquid Hydrochloric (Muriatic Acid)
First, one must establish the needed amount based on the pH test results. Before pouring, make sure to read instructions from the manufacturer to avoid any mishap. One can use three-quarters of the written recommendation and test again for pH levels. Continue doing so until ideal levels are reached.
A person may choose to pour the proportioned acid on one spot of the pool. Remember to have the pump turned off so that the acid has the time to sink to the bottom. Only turn on the pump after all the muriatic acid has been poured. Test for pH levels again and continue to apply muriatic acid until correct levels are shown.
Lower pH in Pool with Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate)
Sodium bisulfate comes in powder form and some manufacturers recommend dissolving it first before pouring. If not, avoid administering this during windy days for safety reasons. Like with muriatic acid, a person can use three-quarters of the recommended amount to correct pH level based on test results. Continue to add more until ideal pH level is reached. Better to add a little bit at a time than to add too much in one go.
Being that sodium bisulfate is in powder form, it is necessary to pour this chemical where the water return jet sights are located. This will allow for the powder to spread all throughout the pool allowing full coverage of the area. Wait for 5 to 15 minutes for the powdered chemical to dissolve completely. Once the time has passed, test again for pH levels and add more if needed.
NOTE: Because an above ground pool is often shallower than inground pools, there might be a need to spread the sodium bisulfate with one’s hands or using a pool rod for the powder to spread completely and for it to dissolve faster.
Practice Extreme Caution
Both muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate may cause serious burns, so careful handling is required. Reading manufacturer instructions is always a must and the need for protective gear is highly recommended. Before administering the acid, ensure that the pool will not be used for at least four hours after the use of the chemicals.
Do not pour water into acid. Only add acid to the water and not in large amounts. Too much may damage pool walls, corrode pumps, pipes, and filters, and ultimately lower pH of the water.
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