There is a common misconception that clear pool water is safe pool water. While this is not always the case. Most of the time, acidic pool water is clear because nothing is able to grow in it. With a low pH and alkalinity reading, problems can arise. While your pool might look nice, it can actually be dangerous to swim in.
What causes acidic water?
In a lot of cases, low pH is caused by factor such as heavy rainfall, overuse, and improper chemical use. Rainwater actually has a pH of about 5.5. We recommend that your pool water has, at the very least, a pH of 7. So when this rainwater gets into your pool, it can lower your water's pH. Dissolved body fluids can also result in a lowered pH. So, if you have a pool party with lots of people, it is possible that your water could become acidic soon after. Improper chemical use is a huge culprit when it comes to acidic pool water. A lot of chemicals on the market can do more harm than good to your pool. Also, it is easy for your pool water to become out of balance when you try to treat it by yourself.
What happens if my pool is too acidic?
Acidic pool water can lead to a lot of issues. If your pool waters pH is too low, it can corrode your pool equipment. Acidic water can lead to damage of your pool surface. It can also cause eye, skin, and nose irritations for swimmers. It can become itchy and cause redness, as well as ear infections. It can also bleach your swimwear over time if not taken care of as soon as possible. Softer water, with a higher pH, is much more pleasant for swimmers. Any water level below a 7 should be raised. We recommend pool water between a 7.4 to 7.6 pH level.
How can I prevent acidic pool water?
There are several ways to prevent acidic pool water. First and foremost, we recommend getting your pool water professionally tested once per week. When you get your water test professionally, the pH and alkalinity should be tested. Getting this reading weekly will allow you to see trends in your readings and understand what you need to do to get your water in balance. Another way to prevent acidic pool water is to add hose water. Fresh water is normally high in pH and this can prevent lowering pH levels. You could also add pH Up into your pool water. This chemical made for pool water will raise you pH.