There is a bit more to keeping a swimming pool healthy than making sure the water looks sparkling blue. One of the things that can easily be overlooked is pool water pH. It is not particularly exciting but getting it right makes a noticeable difference to how the water feels, how well your chlorine works and even how your pool equipment holds up over time.
So, what should your pool pH be?
pH tells you whether your pool water is acidic or alkaline. For most swimming pools, the sweet spot is around 7.2 to 7.6.
That range is important because it keeps the water comfortable for swimmers while allowing chlorine to do its job properly. If your eyes feel irritated after a swim, or the water just doesn’t feel quite right, it is worth checking the numbers rather than assuming you simply need more chlorine.
Why does pH keep changing?
Pool water is constantly being affected by its surroundings – rain can alter the chemistry so can swimmers, leaves, dust, chemicals and regular evaporation. During an Adelaide summer, when the pool is being used much more often, you may notice the balance changing faster than it does during the cooler months and sometimes there is no obvious reason at all. That’s normal.
This is why regularly checking your pool pH levels is a much better approach than waiting until the water turns cloudy or you start noticing problems.
If your pH is too high
When pH rises above the recommended range, chlorine becomes less effective. You might also start seeing cloudy water or scale developing around the pool and equipment. The water can feel unpleasant too, particularly around the eyes. A small adjustment early is usually much easier than trying to correct a pool that has been sitting out of balance for weeks.
And if it is too low?
Low pH means the water is too acidic. Over time, this can contribute to irritation for swimmers and may affect pool surfaces, fittings and equipment. It can also cause chlorine to act more aggressively than intended. Pool chemistry is really about keeping things steady rather than constantly chasing a perfect number.
How often should you test it?
There is no need to turn pool testing into a daily ritual but regular checks are important especially during summer when the pool is getting plenty of use, testing a few times a week is a sensible habit. After heavy rain or a particularly busy weekend, it is worth checking again. A good test kit or digital tester will give you a much clearer picture than simply judging the water by how it looks.
Keeping your pool balanced
Good pool maintenance is mostly about consistency. Keep an eye on pH and chlorine, maintain your filtration system and remove leaves and debris before they have a chance to build up. If you find yourself adjusting the water constantly and never quite getting it right, there may be something else going on. In that situation, getting professional pool service Adelaide advice can save plenty of time, chemicals and frustration.
Everclear Pools can assist with practical advice on pool water chemistry, pool maintenance Adelaide and keeping your pool clean, balanced and ready for those long Adelaide summer afternoons.
