5 Things to Know About Swimming Pool pH Levels

Safe pH range is 7.2 to 7.8 The ideal pH for swimming is 7.4 to 7.6, but anything from 7.2 to 7.8 is acceptable if you are careful.

High pH above 8.0 reduces chlorine effectiveness When pH exceeds 8.0, chlorine stops working well, allowing bacteria and algae to grow. It also causes skin rashes, eye irritation, and scale buildup on pool surfaces.

Low pH below 7.0 damages equipment and irritates skin Acidic water eats at metal fixtures and irritates skin and eyes. It is worse than high pH for both swimmers and pool hardware.

Chlorine works best at 7.4 to 7.6 At this neutral range, chlorine is most effective and the water feels comfortable on skin and eyes.

Adjust pH before swimming Run the pump for a few hours with pH decreaser or increaser to fix the balance. This protects your skin and pool equipment.