How to Lower pH in a Pool

As you read up on pool chemistry 101, you will see that pH is a major factor in the health of your water and a key component of your pool water chemistry. If you pool water chemistry is high in pH, you will need to know how to lower pH in a pool.

Proper pH Pool Water Chemistry

Your pH level should be between 7.2 – 7.6.

• If your pool water is below 7.0 you will generally start to have red eyes and can start to eat metal components of the pool.
• If you pool water pH is higher than the recommended range, then you will start to have scale buildup.

Note that pH is just one of the components of your pool water chemistry. Play close attention to your alkalinity levels in your pool as it has a direct effect in pH.

How to Lower pH in a Pool 

Lowering pH in your pool is done by adding acid to your pool. This can be done in 2 different ways ::

• Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate) – Don’t add to pool when windy
  • Each manufacture will have different concentrations, but sure to read the directions for dosage.
    • Make sure to know how many gallons of water you have in your pool.
  • Add directly to the pool over a pool return so the force of the water dissolves the powder.
    • Get close to the water when adding it as it can easily become airborne.
  • Use your pool brush to brush in any chemical that hasn’t dissolved after a couple of minutes.
• Liquid Acid (Muriatic Acid)
  • TAKE EXTREME CARE when handling any liquid acid
    • Can cause burns, eats concrete & can damage pool surfaces
  • Each manufacture will have different concentrations, but sure to read the directions for the correct dosage.
    • Make sure to know how many gallons of water you have in your pool.
    • Dilute the product if the directions instruct you to do so.
  • Disperse the product directly over a return jet slowly.

Notes on Pool Chemistry 101

• Lowering pH will also lower your alkalinity
  • Make sure your pump is running when you add anything to adjust your pool water chemistry. Check the water chemistry 12 – 18 hours later and adjust again accordingly.
• Liquid acid will eat masonry, stone, concrete, tile . . .
• Never pour chemicals directly into your skimmers.
• Always, always read the instructions on the chemical you are adding. If you are unsure, make sure to contact pool contractors that perform swimming pool services for help.

You pool should be fun and learning Pool chemistry 101 doesn’t need to be difficult. Main thing to remember is that you can’t fix everything at once.