What is the proper pool pH and how to get it | ARM & HAMMER™ (2024)

FAQs

What is the proper pool pH and how to get it | ARM & HAMMER™? ›

Ideally, your pH is between 7.2 and 7.8 and the alkalinity is between 110 and 150 ppm (parts per million). If your alkalinity level is lower, and especially if less than 80 ppm, then you need to raise the pool water alkalinity.

Aim for a pH level of between 7 and 7.6. If the water pH is higher than 8, anyone who swims in the pool is at risk of skin rashes, while a pH of lower than 7 can sting swimmers' eyes. Some of the many factors that can affect your pool's pH level include heavy rain, the number of swimmers in the pool and chemicals.

Typically, people start with 24 ounces to as much as 128 to 160 ounces of baking soda to increase the pH level. Of course, this depends on how low the alkalinity and pH level is inside your swimming pool. Pool chemical measurements are based on 10,000 gallons of water per dosage.

If you find the pH levels in your swimming pool to be too low, pH Increaser increases the pH level in your water. The amount of product you use depends on how low your pH levels are. If your pool has a pH below 6.6 PPM, add one pound of product per 10,000 gallons of water.

From cloudy pool water to slimy surfaces, there are many common problems that can affect your personal oasis. Use this helpful chart to learn about potential issues-and the most effective ways to solve them. ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda is the quick, safe and natural way to open your pool for the season.

When chlorine levels are too high, the water's pH will start to decrease, which can eventually lead to corrosion. However, liquid chlorine has a pH of 13 and can cause the water's pH to increase.

Yes, chlorine shock does affect the pH levels of the water. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with the organic matter present, such as sweat, oils, and any urine in the pool. This chemical reaction causes the pH level to rise, making the water more alkaline.

If the pH gets higher than 7.8, the water is becoming too alkaline. When water is too alkaline, it reduces the effectiveness of chlorine — the pool chemical that kills pathogens. Water with a pH that's too high also can cause skin rashes, cloudy water and scaling on pool equipment.

Liquid Acid (Hydrochloric Acid or Muriatic Acid)

Evenly pour the liquid acid around the edge of the pool, avoiding splashing or pouring outside the pool. Allow the acid to mix with the pool water. Test the pH levels again in 4-6 hours to confirm the desired level has been achieved.

For proper swimming pool pH, keep levels between 7.2 and 7.4. Water below 7 is acidic; above 7 is alkaline. Acidic substances like lemon juice and vinegar are low in pH, while alkaline substances like certain soaps are high.

How long does it take to adjust the pH level in a pool? ›

After adding pH increaser or decreaser you'll want to wait about two to four hours, although some chemical manufacturers suggest a full turnover cycle, before retesting. The smaller the increments you need to adjust for pH, the less time you'll need to wait for the results to become stable.

Test alkalinity, along with pH and calcium hardness, a few times a week. Because alkalinity can have such a big influence on the pH balance, it's important to always adjust the alkalinity first.

When your pool pH level is too low (below 7.2) you can experience: Irritated eyes and mucous membranes of swimmers. Damage or dimpling of your pool's plaster finish. Corroded metal parts such as ladders or diving board bases.

As pool experts, we hear this question a lot. The short answer is no; baking soda will not clear a green pool, as it cannot kill algae. Adding baking soda to your pool will, however, raise your alkalinity and pH levels and can be helpful when dealing with small growths of black algae.

Let the baking soda dissolve into the water. Turn on your pool's circulation system to help it disperse. Retest and repeat if needed. Between 6 and 24 hours after you added the baking soda, retest your pool's pH and total alkalinity.

You should wait at least six hours after adding baking soda before swimming in your pool. Even better, wait at least 24 hours to ensure it's fully mixed in and dissolved. While it's likely not harmful, if you get in the pool too early, the baking soda may irritate your skin or eyes if you're sensitive to it.

How Do I Adjust Pool Water pH? The basics of adjusting pool pH are: If your pool water pH is above 7.8, add an acid such as muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. If the pH level is below 7.2, add an alkaline base such as sodium carbonate (soda ash) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

There is no “ideal” value. The best you can do is target a TA value that keeps your pH rise (or fall) to a minimum. For most pools, pH is always rising due to carbon dioxide outgassing. So a low TA (below 80ppm) and high pH (7.6-7.8 range) is usually good.

What causes low pH? Stagnant pool water tends to dip in pH because the carbon dioxide in the air will start to dissolve the water. Acidic cleaners like chlorine gas will also lower the pH levels and make your pool water more acidic.