Maintaining proper water balance in a swimming pool is crucial for swimmer comfort and equipment longevity. One key component of this balance is pH, a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. The target pH range for most swimming pools is between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH falls below this range, the water becomes acidic. Acidic water can corrode pool equipment, irritate swimmers’ eyes and skin, and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine. Therefore, adjusting the water chemistry to increase pH is often necessary.
Achieving the correct pH level prevents damage to pool surfaces and plumbing, thereby extending the lifespan of the pool and related equipment. Balanced water chemistry also ensures swimmer comfort and optimizes the sanitizing power of chlorine. Historically, various chemicals have been used to manage pH levels in pools, with soda ash (sodium carbonate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) being the most common and widely accepted solutions due to their effectiveness and relatively low cost.