Question 1

How to Lower Alkalinity in Pool Water

Accepted Answer

If the alkalinity of the water is too high, i.e. more than 120 ppm, it’s an easy fix to lower the alkalinity of the water. First, make sure the water pump is on and take a current pH measurement. Add one quart (946ml) of muriatic acid or 2 pounds (0.9kg) of dry acid at a time around the perimeter of the pool. Let the acid mix in the water for about an hour, then test the water again. Maintain a water pH of about 7 and keep adding pool acid in small increments until the correct alkalinity level is reached. Once the alkalinity level is correct, allow the pH to climb naturally by circulating the water. Only add soda ash to raise the pH if the pH stops climbing after 1 week.

Question 2

How to Raise pH in Pool Water

Accepted Answer

If the pH level is too low, add soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate or pH Up. We recommend never adding more than 2 lbs or 900g of soda ash per 10,000 gallons of water per treatment. Starting at the deep end, sprinkle the soda ash over the entire surface of the pool. Make sure that the pump is circulating to move the water around and then wait at least an hour before testing again. If the pH is still too low, try adding some more soda ash. Soda ash may make the pool water a little cloudy at first, but it should become clearer after a day or so.

Question 3

What’s the Difference Between pH and Alkalinity?

Accepted Answer

While alkalinity and pH are pretty similar, knowing the difference can make all the difference to your pool’s health. As mentioned above, pH is how acidic or alkaline the water is and is tested on a scale from 1-14. Alkalinity, on the other hand, is the absolute measure of the concentration of all alkaline substances in the water and is measured in parts per million (ppm). The recommended level of total alkalinity of a pool should be 80-120 ppm.

Question 4

What is pH and What Should it be?

Accepted Answer

pH simply means the water’s total acid-alkalinity balance. Pool experts suggest that the ideal pH reading of pool or spa water needs to be between 7.2 - 7.8. If the balance is off, problems can and probably will occur in your pool or spa. Any element added to the water, be it sweat, sunscreen or leaves or bugs will cause the pH to change. If the water becomes too alkaline (between 7.8 - 10), the water can become cloudy or it can cause scaling on the plumbing equipment and on the pool lining; something that can be costly to fix. If the water is too acidic (between 1 - 6.9), it can cause etching or corrode the metallic equipment. In the worst-case scenario, highly-acidic water can give you and your guests skin rashes or irritations. For these reasons, it’s important to monitor pH levels closely. It’s also important to note that the water will need to be tested more frequently during periods of high usage due to an increase in by-products from swimmers (sunscreen and natural oils from hair and bodies) or simply from dirt that gets tracked into the pool.

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The Best Ways to Raise or Lower pH and Alkalinity in Pool or Spa Water