Skip to content
Ok Pool Reform

How to raise the pH of the pool and what happens if it is low

How to raise the PH of the pool: To maintain water quality and correct pH levels, these should be between 7,2 and 7,6. Learn how to raise the pH of the pool and know the consequences of what happens if the pH of the pool is low

raise the ph of the pool
raise the ph of the pool

En Ok Pool Reform and within What is the pH level of the pool and how to control it We are going to talk to you about How to raise the pH of the pool.

What pH should a pool have?

pool pH level

What is the pool pH level and how to control it

What is PH and what is it for? 

what is ph
what is ph

The acronym pH means hydrogen potential and is a measure that indicates the acidity or basicity of water.

This measurement is determined by the number of free hydrogen ions (H+) in the substance.

The pH measurement scale includes values ​​from 0 to 14; 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic and placing 7 Neutral pH.

Pool pH level

What is the pH of pool water?
What is the pH of pool water?

What is the pH of pool water?

What does ideal pH for swimming pools mean?

pool ph what is it
pool ph what is it

What does pool ph levels mean?

Ph levels in swimming pools that are

What is the optimal pool pH: The pH is the potential of hydrogen, a value that corresponds to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water of your pool and consequently it is the coefficient that indicates the degree of acidity or basicity of the water. Therefore, pH is responsible for indicating the concentration of H+ ions in water, determining its acidic or basic character.

Optimal pool pH level values

what is ph
what is ph

Optimal pool pH level

Ideal pool water pH level: 7,2

Pool pH: one of the most significant parameters in pool maintenance.

Appropriate value for pool water pH: between 7.2 and 7.4 ideal neutral pH range.

saline pool pH

ideal ph salt water pool
ideal ph salt water pool

ph saline pools

  • Really, the saline pool pH It is the same as pools treated with chlorine since the maintenance of the Swimmingpool Using salt also requires regular monitoring of the pH of the water.
  • Consequently, the pH of salt pools must also have a pH located between 7 and 7,6, the ideal level being between 7,2 and 7,4.

Essential: Control ideal pH for swimming pools

Adjust the ideal pH of pool water

control ideal ph of pool water
control ideal ph of pool water
  • The effectiveness of chlorine against bacteria is closely related to the PH (Acidity or alkalinity) of the water.
  • The ideal PH is between 7.2 and 7.6.

Problems related to the lack of control of the pH of a pool

  • When the PH is below 7.2, chlorine begins to become unstable and is consumed quickly without fulfilling its objective of adequately treating the water.
  • . With a PH greater than 7.6 the bactericidal power of chlorine is reduced.

Measure pH in swimming pool

How often to measure pH in the pool

Check pool pH daily

measure ph in swimming pool
measure ph in swimming pool
  • In fact, in the middle of the bathing season, it is recommended that pool pH maintenance be monitored daily.
  • On the other hand, in low season it is recommended to check pool pH approximately every 4 days.
  • Although, if in low season you have wintered the pool You will not need to control pool ph and chlorine.
  • Anyway, we provide you with the link to our entry about: Guide to maintaining pool water.

How do I analyze the pH of the pool?

Meters to control pool pH

how to analyze the ph of the pool
how to analyze the ph of the pool

In a swimming pool we must keep the pH between values ​​7,2 and 7,6. This interval, in addition to keeping our facilities in optimal conditions, is the ideal for the skin and eyes of the bather.

It is recommended perform regular pool water analysis to check the pH value of our pool. To carry out this operation we can resort to the Chlorine-pH Analyzer Cases or Analytical Strips. 

There are also digital meters, as well as electronic devices such as photometers that allow us to analyze different water parameters quickly and accurately.

Measure pH pool water manually

Model to measure pool pH: analytical strips

Analytical strips to control the pH of the pool price

[amazon box=»B087WHRRW7, B00HEAUKJK, B0894V9JZ5″ ]

Manual pool pH meter model: Pool ph and chlorine analyzer kit

Chlorine and ph pool analyzer kit price

[amazon box=»B087WHRRW7, B00HEAUKJK, B0894V9JZ5″ ]

Model of manual pool pH meters

Pool pH tablet analysis kit price

[amazon box=»B001982AVY»]

measure pH digital pool

Digital pool pH measurement system price

[amazon box=»B087GF158T, B07T9KW6P6″]

Digital pool pH meter: Pool photometer

Pool photometer price

[amazon box=»B00WRCSWGI»]

Digital Pool pH Meter: Smart Pool Water Analyzer

Intelligent pool water analyzer price

[amazon box=»B083JKG9CR»]

Automatic Pool pH Meters

Automatic pH and chlorine regulator

What is the automatic pool pH regulator?

  • Firstly, we would like to emphasize that the automated pool water pH regulator It is a highly recommended piece of equipment to be able to have peace of mind in the maintenance of swimming pools and security for our health.
  • This controller is capable of automatically detecting when the PH of the water needs to be modified and, using a pump, pouring the necessary solution to establish the appropriate value.

Swimming pool pH calculator

calculate pool ph level
calculate pool ph level

Calculate the ph of a pool on your mobile

Calculator to measure pool ph

ph level calculator in swimming pools
ph level calculator in swimming pools
  • New technologies are here to stay. Currently we have a mobile device capable of doing anything. From managing social networks, sending instant messages to editing photos and videos. Therefore, it will not be strange for you to know that There is an application to control the maintenance of the pool water with ease.
  • In this simple and innovative app you can calculate all the necessary chemicals.
  • In addition to being able to solve any problem, such as the water turning green or cloudy.
  • And if that were not enough, you will see all the actions that you must perform daily and weekly so that the water is always crystal clear and in perfect condition for bathing.

Pool Calculator Maintenance Functions

What use can I get from controlling the pH of the pool?

pool water maintenance calculator
pool water maintenance calculator
  • Adjust water parameters easily, such as chlorine level, pH, alkalinity, etc.
  • Additionally, carry out the actions that your pool requires.
  • You will also find the fastest and most economical solutions to any problem that may arise, such as water turning green, cloudy, etc. Guaranteeing that the water is in optimal conditions and crystal clear.
  • With the pool calculator you will be able to decide what types of actions you are going to perform. Daily, weekly, shock maintenance, filling the pool or wintering in the colder months. In addition, it offers different modules to solve the main problems that arise when maintaining pool water. Chloramine, green water, cloudy water, whitish water, lime or wall wear. 
  • This app offers great help so that you don't miss any parameters. You will be able to control the chlorine level, pH level, alkalinity and chloramines. You will have to use the pH and chlorine tests to enter the parameters in the application and it will calculate what type of treatment you have to follow to solve the problem. 

Calculator that helps you with pool water maintenance

calculator check pool maintenance
calculator check pool maintenance

Solutions to the most frequent problems with pool water maintenance

But the problems come when we see that the pool begins to falter, one day you find the cloudy water, another day the whitish water, sometimes a green color begins to appear on the walls and floor of the pool, and that is when the problems begin. Especially if we don't find a quick solution. Well, that's where this app called “Pool calculator” which, as its name indicates, has been developed to simplify all the calculations necessary to have the pool in optimal conditions.

Once installed, when we open it we will see a series of cases in which we could find ourselves with our pool. Like the water is green, there is something similar to tartar on the walls, it is cloudy, among many others. Well, all you have to do is choose one of these cases and select it, once inside we will access the calculator. There we will enter the data of our Swimmingpool, such as its size, capacity in liters or cubic meters, as well as the basic levels of chemicals present in the water.

Once all the data has been entered, a result will be shown of the amount of chemicals that we must add to the pool so that it returns to its optimal state. There are also other sections in which we can easily consult how to proceed at different times of the year, such as when we want winterize the pool, do a shock treatment to start the summer, fill the pool, or daily and weekly maintenance. Therefore, if you have problems keeping your pool ready, it is best to download this app and follow its instructions. Also along the way, and with regular use, you will learn those tricks that make pool maintenance easier, now that the heat is starting to get worse.

Optimal Pool pH Calculator App

Download App Optimum Pool pH Calculator


Pool water low pH

What happens if the pH of the pool is low

what happens if the pool pH is low
what happens if the pool pH is low

Low pool water pH: pool water acidity

Classification of substances as acidic or alkaline according to pH value

Similarly, acidity and alkalinity are two terms that respond to the way of classifying the reaction of any element.

What does swimming pool ph value mean?
What does swimming pool ph value mean?
  • Likewise, we insist again, The pH scale goes from 1 to 14, with pH 7 being the neutral solution.
  • If the pH is less than 7, the solution is overall acidic., the more acidic the lower the pH value, for that reason a acid It is that chemical substance capable of giving up protons (H+) to another chemical substance.
  • In return, if the pH is greater than 7, the solution is called basic (or alkaline) and it will be more basic the higher its pH is; and as has been shown basis It is that chemical substance capable of capturing protons (H+) of another chemical substance.

What is pool acid pH?

pool acid ph
pool acid ph
What does it mean when the pH value is acidic?

When the pH is below the appropriate and established levels, say it is below 7.2: the water is very acidic.

  • That a substance is acidic means that it is rich in H+ (hydrogenions): pH greater than 7
  • Hence, Acids are substances with a pH less than 7. (pH of water equal to 7, considered neutral), in whose chemistry large quantities of hydrogen ions commonly appear when water is added. They usually react to other substances by losing protons (H+).

Thus, when the pH decreases below 7,2the water turns acidic, causing several problems for both people and pool materials. On the one hand, it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes or mucous membranes of bathers, while, on the other hand, it will accelerate the wear of the materials that make up the pool, and we may encounter corrosion problems on the stairs, valves, pumps or in the filter itself.

Learning to raise the pH of pool water is a great advantage but it does not allow for carelessness.

pool water low ph
pool water low ph
  • In this way, if we detect that the pH of the water is below the indicated levels, it is necessary to proceed to solve that problem.
  • The problem of low pH must be eliminated as soon as possible to avoid the risks and consequences of having a pool with high acidity.
  • Furthermore, as we have already mentioned, it is a process that must be precise to avoid the risks of having a low pH.
  • Therefore, as a reminder, below these levels, the pool is not suitable for bathing, as the water does not have the appropriate or neutral pH.
  • This condition of excessive acidity in the pool water brings with it harmful consequences for its users.
  • Therefore, swimming pools should always have transparent and crystalline water to ensure that it does not contain bacteria and viruses.

Causes low pool pH

Causes low pool pH
Causes low pool pH

Basics of low pH in the pool

Factors to consider for balancing the pH level of pool water

In general terms, Pool pH is usually low (acidic pool water) due to factors such as:

factors level pool ph
factors level pool ph
  • Pool levels (especially pool alkalinity).
  • Pool water temperature.
  • The weather itself: Storms, wind, sun...
  • Dust.
  • Excessive use of the pool.
  • The remains of organic material.
  • Of sun cream.
  • The sweat.
  • Remnants of hair.
  • And, many other factors.

Why does the pH in pool water drop?

Factors that influence the pH level of the pool

factors influencing pool ph level
factors influencing pool ph level

The pH is a basic parameter for the maintenance of pool water. If you want to have crystal clear water and in good condition, we must ensure that the pH is within its optimal range of values ​​at all times. These values ​​must be between 7,2 and 7,6, and they must be reviewed periodically to verify that they remain within that range.

There are many reasons why the pH of our pool can rise or fall, although in most cases, the pH of pools tends to rise:

Why does the pool ph level go up or down?
Why does the pool ph level go up or down?
  1. One of the most common reasons why pool pH changes is related to the total volume of water. The sun and wind tend to favor the evaporation of water, which causes the pH to increase as the water decreases. In addition, the sun's ultraviolet rays accelerate the dissolution of chlorine, which also causes an increase in pH.
  2. On the other hand, bathers also cause an imbalance in pH levels. Lotions, sun creams, sweat, hair and dead skin that come into contact with pool water somehow affect the chlorine and acidity of the water. In general, the presence of bathers causes the pH to rise.
  3. Finally, the way in which chlorine is added can also affect. It can be added in three ways: liquid, granulated or in tablets. If you use the liquid form of chlorine, you are adding sodium hypochlorite, a very alkaline substance that significantly raises the pH of the water. Chlorine tablets, on the other hand, include trichloroisocyanuric acid, which will tend to acidify the water, thus reducing the pH. Finally, granulated chlorine has a practically neutral pH of 6,7, so the levels will vary.

What to do when we have a low pool pH

All about pool pH level

If you have doubts about the pH in your pool, watch this video and you will be surprised by the secrets that exist to easily control it and the correct way to add the chemicals.

https://youtu.be/3e1bs4y2l_Q
low ph in the pool

Low pool pH consequences

Pool pH under consequences

consequences low pool ph level
consequences low pool ph level

Consequences pH under swimming pool: Inadequate pH value is harmful to health

  • The first point that we cannot forget is that an inadequate pH value of water can be harmful to our health.
  • It is a way to swim safely in a pool without discomfort in the eyes, most of these are caused by pools with high pH, ​​although there is a tendency to believe the burning and other discomfort in the eyes and skin is a consequence of the chlorine in the pool water.

Low pH in swimming pools consequences: Inadequate pH value means zero water disinfection

  • It must be kept in mind that: Without the proper pH balance, the disinfection of the water will be zero, applying disinfectant treatment will be of no use.

The consequences of the pool having a low pH level, that is, acidic water, are very extensive..

Below, we cite the main consequences derived from low pool pH:

what happens if the ph level of the pool water is low
what happens if the ph level of the pool water is low
  • Firstly, the pool's low pH It increases the acidity in the floor and walls of the pool, with a direct consequence such as the deterioration of the coatings on the pool surfaces.
  • In this way, we may end up requiring major renovations to rehabilitate the pool.
  • Since, as we have said, the deteriorated material releases particles that end up in the water, which also generates stains on the pool glass.
  • In turn, the low pH of the pool causes Corrode the metal parts of the pool, such as: handrails, stairs, heating pumps, they wear out.
  • But the older ones consequences of the low pH level in the pool are presented in the possible impact on the health of bathers. Well, the derivations can be: affected skin with dark spots, allergies in the eyes, throat and nose and also, the scalp dries out due to the rashes caused by acidic water.

Remove rust stains in swimming pools due to low pool pH level


How to increase pool pH

how to raise the ph of the pool
how to raise the ph of the pool

How to raise the ph of pool water

Increase pool pH

To raise the ph of the pool there are pH raising products such as pH + or baking soda, in the form of granules, powder or liquid. After reading the instructions, we gradually apply the product in the pool. The duration of dissolution in water for this to take effect is around four hours.

Method so you can't say: I can't raise the pH of the pool

1st procedure to raise the pH of the pool: calculate the volume of water

calculate water volume to raise the ph of the pool
calculate water volume to raise the ph of the pool

Step 2 to raise the pH of the pool: adjust the pH level to 7,2

  • First of all, we will read the instructions of the products to raise the pH of the pool to confirm the concentration itself since each pool pH product has a different concentration.
  • Secondly, if we have a salt pool, We will check if the products to increase pool pH are compatible with saline chlorination pools.
  • Next, we will start the filtration until a cycle is completed to purify all the water in the pool (normally it is between 4-6 hours depending on the volume, type of purifier, etc.) and after the relevant hours, we will return to measure the pH.
  • In the event that we still need to raise the pH of the pool further, we will repeat the operation.
  • NOTE: We recommend adjusting little by little so as not to overdo it.
amount of liquid to raise pool ph
amount of liquid to raise pool ph

3rd action: adjust the free chlorine of the pool

How to use shock chlorine

How to use shock chlorine

Ideal pool chlorine level

Procedure to increase the chlorine level in the pool

  • First of all, we will read the instructions of the products to raise the pH of the pool to confirm the concentration itself since each pool pH product has a different concentration.
  • Secondly, if we have a salt pool, We will check if the products to increase pool pH are compatible with salt chlorination pools.
  • Next, we will start the filtration until a cycle is completed to purify all the water in the pool (normally it is between 4-6 hours depending on the volume, type of purifier, etc.) and after the relevant hours, we will return to measure the pH.
  • In the event that we still need to raise the pH of the pool further, we will repeat the operation.
  • NOTE: We recommend adjusting little by little so as not to overdo it.
increase the pool ph level by raising chlorine shock
increase the pool ph level by raising chlorine shock

Buy shock chlorine

Granular rapid chlorine price

[amazon box=» B0046BI4DY, B01ATNNCAM, B08BLS5J91, B01CGKAYQQ » ]

Video increasing the pH of the pool

What is good for raising the pH of water

Obviously, the question of what is good for raising the pH of water has a quick answer: alkaline products called pH plus, which serve to raise the pH of the pool.

Video How to INCREASE ⬆️ the pH of your pool 
How to raise the pH of the pool

Products to increase pool pH

Products to increase pool pH
Products to increase pool pH

How to increase pool pH with pH Increaser

Ultimately, Products to increase the pH of the pool are very useful for lowering the acidity in the pool water.

Next, we offer you guidelines on how to increase pool pH with the pH plus increaser:

  • Before evoking any type of product, sThe pH value must be known, therefore we must measure it.
  • Applying pH plus for swimming pools requires knowing how to increase pool pH and knowing its instructions for use.
  • As soon as we are sure of what the pH level is, we will know the amount of product that needs to be added to the water to raise the pool pH.
  • In this way, another determining factor for adding the appropriate chemical treatment is to do so with the dose proportional to the volume of the pool glass.
  • Thus, we must guarantee that the appropriate quantities or proportions are added, calculating the volume or liters of water in the pool.
  • Before throwing away chemical product, leave the filtration system on for a few hours.
  • On the other hand, whenever possible, it is preferable to apply the chemicals in the pool basket, leaving the filtration system running for 24 hours if possible.
  • Add the chemical to the pool gradually.
  • Or, if we want to apply them directly to the pool glass, we have to dissolve them first in water, and then gradually spread it throughout the entire pool (in this case, we will also leave the filtration system running if possible for 24 hours). .
  • After 1 hour of invoking the product, we will determine if the pH is beginning to rise; if it has not increased at all, we will add a little more product and continue like this as soon as we see certain changes.
  • When we notice a small increase in pH, we will wait 24 hours until we will perform another measurement to see if we need to repeat the process of administering more of the pool's pH increase.
  • We can carry out this process for two days, at this point we must have the pH of the pool water between 7,2-7,6, while if we have not reached this index, it is time to contact a professional technician to evaluate narrow the problem and help us conserve pool water.
  • Finally, another detail is not to confuse pH increasers with caustic soda, which is used to make detergents and other products.

Video products to increase pool pH

products to increase pool pH

Buy products to raise the pH of the pool

Buy product to raise the pH of the pool

[amazon box=»B00WWOAEXK, B00PQLLUZC, B073D8YX15″ ]

Buy liquid to raise pool ph

[amazon box=»B087D25NLT, B08BLVBCX4, B08XMQJFL7″ ]


Increase homemade pH of the pool with baking soda

How to raise the pH of the pool with home remedies

Increase pH at home

increase ph homemade
increase ph homemade

Previously, we have stressed the importance of maintaining balanced pH in pool water for many reasons.

Emphasizing to protect the metal parts and coatings of the pool walls.

And of course, avoid the rashes and itching that pools with poor pH control leave behind.

In this way, as we have already said, it is necessary to carry out adequate maintenance to raise the pH of a saline pool.

To know how to raise the pH of the pool with home remedies or simply maintain it, you have to change the pool water less frequently since calcium carbonate, among other compounds, tends to accumulate naturally in your pool water with the time.

Regarding these homemade pool water treatments, sometimes they may not be completely effective.

Raise pH with bicarbonate

Raise homemade pool pH with baking soda

Baking soda to raise pool pH

Consequently, there are also methods to raise the home pool pH in the pool water, which should preferably be adjusted between 7,2-7,4.

raise ph with baking soda
raise ph with baking soda
  1. The remedy that we present below to learn how to raise pool pH at home with baking soda can be used above 100 grams per 10m3 of water to correct the problem of low pool pH.
  2. And, it has a momentary effect for one day of coloring the water white.
  3. This product can add baking soda to regulate it and disinfect the water so that it looks crystal clear and without impurities that turn the water greenish.
  4. When faced with a pool with low pH, the most recommended measures to increase the pH of the pool are 1.8 kg of bicarbonate, for 100 m3 of water, which increases the alkalinity by 10 ppm and balances the pH or how to increase the pH of the pool caustic soda, a care option because it is corrosive and toxic.

Baking soda video to raise pool pH

How to raise pool ph with baking soda

Next, the video teaches you how to lower or raise the pH of the water completely naturally using products that we have in our homes: A lemon, vinegar and baking soda.

How to raise the pH of pool water naturally