How do I Increase or Decrease my Pool's pH Levels?

A sparkling, crystal-clear pool doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of consistent care and proper water chemistry. Among all the elements that contribute to a healthy pool, pH balance stands out as one of the most critical. At PROvision Outdoor Living, we understand how essential it is to maintain this delicate balance not just for your swimming experience, but also to protect the longevity of your pool’s surfaces and systems.

Balanced pH ensures your water feels comfortable on the skin, protects your equipment, and helps maintain water clarity. But there’s another crucial reason to keep your pool’s chemistry in check: your pool plaster warranty. Most plaster warranties explicitly require proper water maintenance. If you neglect the pH balance, you may unknowingly void your warranty—and that’s a costly mistake no homeowner wants to make.

Let’s break down how you can keep your pool’s pH levels in check and safeguard your investment.

Understanding pH and Its Role in Pool Chemistry

What is pH? pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) your pool water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14:

• 0–6.9 = acidic
• 7.0 = neutral
• 7.1–14 = alkaline

For swimming pools, the ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6. This range mirrors the pH of the human eye and mucous membranes, which helps create a comfortable swimming environment.

But comfort isn’t the only reason to care about pH. A balanced pH level supports:

• Swimmer comfort: Too low, and the water stings your eyes and dries your skin. Too high, and it causes irritation and cloudy water.
• Equipment protection: Pumps, filters, and heaters can corrode or accumulate scale if the water chemistry is off.
• Water clarity: Balanced pH allows sanitizers like chlorine to work effectively, keeping your pool water clear and free from bacteria.

Why pH Balance Affects Your Pool Plaster Warranty

Your pool’s interior finish—whether it’s white plaster, quartz, or pebble—relies on properly balanced water to maintain its strength and appearance.

Here’s how unbalanced pH can damage pool plaster:

• Low pH (acidic water) can lead to etching, a rough, worn texture on your plaster’s surface.
• High pH (alkaline water) can cause scaling, resulting in calcium deposits and discoloration.

Most pool plaster warranties clearly state that improper water chemistry—especially consistently low or high pH—will void your coverage. That means any premature surface damage caused by unbalanced water is on your dime. Regular testing and adjustment are simple steps that protect your finish, your warranty, and your wallet.

 How to Test Your Pool’s pH Levels

Maintaining proper pH starts with accurate testing. There are three main ways to check your pool’s pH:

1. Test Strips – Fast and easy but not always the most precise.
2. Liquid Test Kits – The most accurate and reliable method. These use chemical reagents to give a clear color reading.
3. Digital Testers – Great for tech-savvy pool owners, though some models require calibration.

We recommend using a liquid test kit for consistent accuracy. Or better yet, hire a pool service company that will track and document the chemistry for you each week.

Testing tips:

• Test at least once a week, and after heavy rains, pool parties, or chemical additions.
• Take the water sample away from jets and at elbow depth to avoid skewed readings.
• Test in the morning or early evening, not during direct sunlight for best results.

How to Increase pH in Your Pool (Raising Low pH)

Common causes of low pH:

• Rainwater and storm runoff
• Overuse of acidic pool chemicals like chlorine tablets or miradic acid
• Swimmers and organic debris

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To raise pH levels:

1. Use a pH increaser, like sodium carbonate (soda ash).
2. Calculate the correct dosage based on your pool’s gallon capacity (consult the product label for guidance).
3. Turn on your pool pump to circulate water.
4. Slowly add the soda ash to the deep end of the pool.
5. Allow water to circulate for at least 2–4 hours, then retest.

Safety tips:

• Always wear gloves and goggles.
• Never mix chemicals together.
• Don’t overdose—raising pH too high creates new problems.

 How to Decrease pH in Your Pool (Lowering High pH)

Common causes of high pH:

• High total alkalinity
• Environmental factors (wind, debris)
• Use of hard water or certain sanitizers

To lower pH levels:

1. Use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (dry acid).
2. Calculate your pool’s volume and follow the product’s dosing guide.
3. With the pump running, carefully pour the acid into the deep end of the pool.
4. Allow the pool to circulate for several hours.
5. Retest pH and make additional adjustments if needed.

Dosage note: Know your pool’s size in gallons—adding too much acid can lead to low pH, which is just as harmful as high.

Safety tips:

• Add acid downwind and wear protective gear.
• Never add water to acid—always acid to water if diluting.
• Don’t swim for at least 4 hours after adjusting.
• If your pool’s pH is too low, it can cause the copper components in your gas pool heater to oxidize, which may turn the pool water green.

 Tips for Maintaining Consistent pH Levels

The key to long-term pH control is consistency. Here’s how to keep your levels stable:

• Monitor Total Alkalinity: TA acts as a buffer for pH. Keep it in the 80–120 ppm range.
• Watch Calcium Hardness: Helps prevent corrosion and plaster damage. Ideal range is 200–400 ppm.
• Clean and Circulate Regularly: Debris buildup and stagnant water disrupt chemical balance.
• Use a Buffer Like Sodium Bicarbonate: Helps stabilize alkalinity and reduce pH fluctuations.
• Install a Pool Cover: Prevents rain, debris, and UV exposure from altering water chemistry.
• Professional Help: If your pH is constantly unstable, it may be time to call in a pool service pro to inspect your system or adjust chemical balances professionally.

Balanced pH isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a non-negotiable for anyone who wants to protect their pool investment and enjoy clear, comfortable water. From swimmer safety to equipment longevity, and especially preserving your plaster warranty, keeping your pH levels in the sweet spot is essential.

Start by testing weekly, understand how and when to adjust, and stay on top of your pool’s broader chemistry profile. Don’t leave things to chance.

Dealing with green water, plaster damage, or constant chemical headaches? These aren’t just minor annoyances—they’re signs your pool may need more than just a quick fix. If you're planning a remodel, it’s the perfect time to get everything right, from water chemistry to surface integrity. At PROvision Outdoor Living, we specialize in complete outdoor transformations, and that includes ensuring your pool is built—and rebuilt—to last. Message or call us today to talk about your next remodel and how we can help you avoid these costly issues from the start.

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