Maintaining balanced pool water isn’t just about crystal-clear water – it’s about creating a comfortable swimming experience, protecting your pool equipment, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. pH plays a central role in pool water chemistry, and if your pH level drops too low, problems will inevitably follow.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to raise the pH in a pool, so you can avoid issues and keep your pool in perfect condition.
What is pH, and Why Does It Matter?
The pH level of your pool measures how acidic or basic the water is, using a scale from 0 to 14. The sweet spot for pool water sits between 7.2 and 7.6. Anything below 7.2 makes your pool water too acidic, which can:
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Irritate swimmers’ eyes and skin
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Corrode your pool’s metal fixtures, pipes, and equipment
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Wear down surfaces like tiles, liners, or concrete
In Australia’s climate, particularly in areas like Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney, heavy rain, hot temperatures, and frequent pool use can all cause pH levels to fluctuate quickly. That’s why regular testing and adjustments are essential when learning how to bring up the pH in a pool.
Signs of an imbalance of the pH in Your Pool
If you suspect your pool’s pH is out of balance, here are the tell-tale signs:
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Irritated skin and red, stinging eyes after swimming
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Water that feels soft or overly acidic
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Rust or corrosion on ladders, handrails, or metal fittings
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Damage to pool surfaces, such as fading or etching on tiles or liners
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Trouble maintaining chlorine levels, even with frequent dosing
Notice any of these symptoms? It’s time to test your pool water and get things back on track.
How to Determine the pH in Your Pool
Step 1: Test Your Pool Water
Before you do anything, you’ll need to test your pool water to confirm that the pH is low. There are a few ways to do this:
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Test Strips: Quick and easy to use – simply dip them in your pool water and compare the colour to the chart provided.
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Liquid Test Kits: More accurate, though a little more involved. These typically involve adding reagents to a water sample and observing the colour change.
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Digital Testers: The most precise option, though they’re more expensive. They’re great for pool owners who like to be exact with their chemistry.
Pro Tip: Take a water sample from elbow depth (not the surface) and test in the morning for the most accurate results.
Step 2: Understand the Chemistry
If your test confirms a low pH (below 7.2), the next step is to raise it. You’ll use a pH increaser, typically made of sodium carbonate (soda ash) or buffer (sodium bicarbonate).
The Difference:
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Soda ash is best for quickly raising pH.
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Buffer boosts total alkalinity, which helps stabilise pH but also raises pH slightly.
Both products can play a role when you’re figuring out how to bring up the pH in a pool, depending on your water chemistry.
Step 3: Calculate the Amount of pH Increaser You Need
Precision is key when adjusting pool chemicals. Adding too much can swing your pH too high, leading to cloudy water or scaling.
Most pH increaser products include dosing instructions, but as a general rule:
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To raise the pH by 0.2 in a 50,000-litre pool, you’ll need about 200g of soda ash.
If you’re unsure about your pool’s volume, use these formulas to calculate it:
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Rectangular Pools: Length × Width × Average Depth × 1000 = Litres
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Round Pools: Diameter × Diameter × Average Depth × 785 = Litres
Step 4: Add the Chemical to Your Pool
Once you’ve measured the correct amount of soda ash, it’s time to apply it:
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Pre-dissolve if Necessary: Some products need to be dissolved in a bucket of water before adding to the pool. Check the packaging for instructions.
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Spread Evenly: Pour the solution (or granules) evenly across the pool’s surface, focusing on areas with strong water circulation.
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Run Your Pump: Keep the pool pump running for at least 4–6 hours to distribute the chemical thoroughly.
Step 5: Retest and Adjust if Needed
Wait around 4 hours after adding the pH increaser, then retest your water. If the pH is still low, repeat the process with a smaller amount of soda ash until you hit the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6.
How to Prevent Low pH in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to pool maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your pH in check:
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Test Regularly: During Australia’s swimming season (spring to autumn), aim to test your water at least twice a week. In cooler months, once every two weeks should suffice.
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Maintain Total Alkalinity: Keeping your pool’s alkalinity in the ideal range (80–120 ppm) helps stabilise pH levels. Use baking soda to raise alkalinity if needed.
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Avoid Overuse of Acidic Chemicals: Overusing chlorine, stabilisers, or muriatic acid can lower pH. Use these chemicals sparingly and according to guidelines.
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Keep Rain and Debris Out: Heavy rains (which are slightly acidic) and organic debris like leaves can throw off your pool chemistry. Cover your pool during storms and skim it regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced pool owners can make mistakes when adjusting pH. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Adding Too Much Soda Ash: Overcorrection can lead to high pH, causing cloudy water or scaling. Add small amounts gradually and retest frequently.
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Ignoring Alkalinity Levels: If the alkalinity levels are too low, the pH will fluctuate wildly. Always stabilise alkalinity before adjusting pH.
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Delaying Testing: Don’t wait for visible signs like corrosion or irritation to test your pool. Regular testing prevents bigger issues.
Keep Your Pool’s pH Balanced with Pool Assist
Balancing your pool’s pH doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular testing, careful adjustments, and the right tools, you can maintain perfect water quality. Whether lounging in your backyard or preparing the local commercial pool, keeping your pH levels balanced ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Still feeling unsure about how to bring up the pH in a pool? Let Pool Assist take the guesswork out of pool maintenance. Our experts are here to provide professional advice, water testing, and tailored solutions to keep your pool in top condition. Contact our team today, or visit us in our store, and enjoy crystal-clear, perfectly balanced water all year round!