Is Your Swimming Pool's pH Level Your Priority?

Are you focused on keeping your pool's pH level balanced?

You should be using your pH kit weekly to check your levels.  Your ideal level should read as close to 7.2 as possible.  However, 7.0-7.6 is considered within the normal range.  Any reading outside that will need to be adjusted with chemicals.  Acidic is when your pH level is below 7.0.  If your level goes over 7.6 then it is alkaline.  Either of those situations can bring on unwanted consequences.

Too much acid in your pool water can damage your pool.  Although you may not be able to see the damage occurring, it is there.  Pools made from plaster are most susceptible to damages.  Tiny grooves form that attract algae and bacteria making it difficult to keep your swimming pool clean.  

The acid will cause any type of metal in your pool to corrode such as fittings, pump connectors, and ladders.  Corrosion effects the way these items fit, causing them to become weaker.  Reddish, brown, or black stains may start to appear due to the sulfate that is released, causing your pool's overall appearance to be tarnished. 

When your pool water is acidic it absorbs the chlorine, which invites bacteria and algae to invade.  You will notice a strong smell of chlorine even though less chlorine is in the water, along with burning eyes and dry skin.  Often times pool owners assume they need to add more chlorine to the water when in fact their pH level is off.  A pool chemical calculator is available to assist as a tool for keeping your pH levels in balance.

If your water is too alkaline you will find another set of problems that can develop.  The chlorine becomes powerless and your pool will become very dirty.  It takes eight times the normal amount of chlorine to get the same results you would normally get.  The water will become cloudy and uninviting.

Calcium can build up causing a variety of stains, including black stains forming along the water line all around your pool.  Calcium also causes the weight of the sand to become heavier which will make sand filters not work correctly.  For further information on getting your pool chemical levels back in balance visit SwimUniversity.com.

Keeping weekly checks on your pH level is vital for your pool's health.  Levels that are too high or too low will cause substantial problems that can be easily avoided.