pH has an important impact on sanitizer effectiveness, pool and spa surfaces, pool equipment and the swimmer. There are common problems associated with pH levels that are too high or too low. The following table details these problems:
| High pH Readings | Low pH Readings |
| Poor sanitizer efficiency | Poor sanitizer efficiency |
| Cloudy water | Stained plaster |
| Shorter filter runs | Corroded metals and equipment |
| Scale formation | Skin and eye irritation |
| Skin and eye irritation |
The ideal pH range for pool water is approximately 7.4 to 7.6 with pH values of 7.2 to 7.8 being acceptable. Spas should be maintained within a pH range of 7.2 to 7.8.
Balanced water is a term used to describe the ideal condition of a pool. The water is balanced if it has just the right amount of pH, pH buffers, calcium and magnesium hardness, and dissolved solids.
In order to determine the pH and disinfectant concentration in your pool water, tests should be conducted regularly with the miniLab pH meter. Public pools should test their water every day before the pool is opened, then at least once during the morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Testing intervals should be no longer than four hours when the pool is open.
Consult pool and spa supply stores for help in raising or lowering pH levels in the pool water,. Soda ash and sodium bicarbonate are helpful in increasing pH. Liquid muriatic acid works best to lower pH effectively.
We recommend the miniLab pocket-sized pH meter for your pool maintenance needs. The meter requires no maintenance and stores dry. Our silicon chip sensor eliminates the risk of fragile glass sensors and will change the way you measure pH. Our meter offers high accuracy and fast response times. It is very rugged and easy to use in both personal and public pools. View the miniLab pH meter and get more details.