5 Things to Know About Pool pH

Keep pH between 7.4 and 7.6 This is the range where chlorine works best and water feels comfortable on skin and eyes.

Below 7.2 causes corrosion and irritation Acidic water will corrode metal ladders, damage the liner, and sting your eyes.

Above 7.8 makes chlorine ineffective Basic water reduces chlorine’s sanitizing power, even if free chlorine tests fine, and leads to cloudy water and scale deposits.

Adjust pH with the right chemicals Use pH increaser (soda ash) to raise it or pH decreaser (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate) to lower it. Add small amounts, wait an hour, then retest.

Test pH twice a week in hot weather pH drifts frequently. Testing weekly is cheaper than fixing a corroded pump.