Learn whether or not a pH reducer for your pool can help keep your water healthy and clean. Find out the best products to use for reducing pH.
pH is the measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions in water. High pH water is alkaline, and low pH water is acidic. pH is one of the most important factors in keeping pool water safe for swimmers, extending the life of your equipment, and determining how effective sanitation efforts are.
pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral (balanced acidity and alkalinity). The ideal range for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8, so very close to neutral. This is because that’s the range that’s closest to the pH of human skin and eyes.
When you enter a pool within this range, it feels comfortable for your body. If the pH is too acidic, it can sting your eyes and leave your skin feeling dry or irritated. If the water is too alkaline, it tends to feel slippery or filmy and may also cause eye irritation.
A variety of factors, including rainfall, frequent chemical additions, debris, algae growth, evaporation, and the chemistry of the fill water used to top off the pool, can alter the pH. This is why it’s important to monitor pH and make adjustments when the water is outside the healthy pH range.
What should you know about pH, and what are the best ways to reduce it if need be?
Why Does pH Matter in Your Swimming Pool?
The sweet spot for pool water is just over 7, which is just slightly alkaline and offers a balance of swimming comfort and effective sanitation.
Most pool owners rely on chlorine to keep their pool water clean and healthy, but as pH rises, chlorine becomes less effective for killing algae and bacteria. You’ll need more and more chlorine to achieve the same effect as you’d get if the pH were balanced.
If pH dips below 7.2 (and especially 7), it becomes acidic. This hastens corrosion and damages pool components. Acidic water is a threat to handrails, ladders, heaters, pumps, plaster and grout. It can also make swimmers uncomfortable by causing eye irritation and dry skin.
How Do You Know If a pH Reducer Is Needed?
There are many signs that suggest there might be a pH problem. If the pH is too high and the water is too alkaline, you might notice cloudy water, ineffective chlorine treatments, and white scale deposits. The best way to determine for sure if pH is too high is to use test strips or a liquid test kit. This way, you aren’t relying on your instincts; you’re actually measuring the water’s pH.
Taylor makes a Complete Test Kit (K-2005) that measures chlorine/bromine, pH, alkalinity, hardness, and CYA (DPD–high range).
What Products Lower Pool pH?
Several products help lower the pH of your pool water if it gets too high. For example:
Granular Products
Dry acid granules are an easy-to-measure option for reducing pH. They’re easy to store and, in most instances, effective for home swimming pools.
We like Pool Pure’s pH Minus (SKU: 27082P25PP). It’s a powerful, effective solution that lowers the pH and total alkalinity levels in your pool. It comes in a convenient, easy-to-use granular form that dissolves quickly in water, making it simple to maintain a balanced and healthy pool environment.
Liquid Products
Liquid acid reducers work quickly and are often used in larger pools, including commercial pools. Liquid products are highly acidic and require careful handling. You can also get automatic chemical feeders that make it easier to store and dispense liquid acid.
Combination Products
Some products are formulated to help with a combination of chemical issues, in addition to pH. These products can make pool maintenance easier, but it’s important to use the right one so you don’t disrupt the overall chemical balance when trying to lower pH.
Help With Swimming Pool pH
Do you have questions about your swimming pool’s pH, or need assistance with any other aspect of pool maintenance?
Pool Products Canada makes it easier than ever to order what you need to keep your pool functional and enjoyable. A swimming pool is an investment you need to protect, and keeping the pH within a healthy range is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain it.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the tools and supplies you need to keep your pool’s water balanced, clean and healthy, all season long.