pH and chemical balance – “Unraveling Myths”
Why is pH so important?
This is a really good topic of discussion.
During my last discussion I chatted for a moment or two about the relevance of maintaining adequate levels of conditioner to protect your chlorine levels.
The level of your pH is a critical component of creating a balance within your water. When this is out of whack, goofey things can take place. Not to mention that nasty tile line that can build up over time and if your water is too acidic, ugly things can happen to your pool equipment causing unwanted repairs – and hundreds of dollars spent unnecessarily.
The water’s pH is a measure of its total acid-alkalinity balance, the relative proportion of acids and alkalis in the water. Simply put, water that is either too acidic or too alkaline will cause undesirable chemical reactions. If the water is too acidic, it will corrode metal equipment, cause etching on the surface materials and cause skin irritation. If the water is too alkaline, it can cause scaling on the pool surface and plumbing equipment and can cloud the water.
Additionally, both high acidity and high alkalinity alters the effectiveness of the chlorine. The chlorine won’t destroy pathogens as well if the water is too alkaline, and it will dissipate much more quickly if the water is too acidic.
On the pH scale, zero indicates extreme acidity, 14 indicates extreme alkalinity and 7 indicates a neutral state. I recommend a pool pH between 7.2 and 7.8. To raise or lower pH, a pool custodian simply adds acids or alkalis into the water. For example, adding sodium carbonate (soda ash) or sodium bicarbonate will generally raise the pH, and adding muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate will lower the pH.
Maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in the pool is a continual process, because any new element — oils from a swimmer’s body, a shot of chlorine, stuff that falls in the water shifts the water’s total chemical makeup. In addition to pH, pool owners should also monitor total alkalinity, calcium hardness and total dissolved solids.
I will discuss those goodies and important elements of maintaining your swimming pool in upcoming posts.
A chemically well balanced pool, utilizes less chemicals, has a nice sparkly blue appearance to the water and creates a much more enjoyable experience to those swimming in the pool.
Stay tuned…
Creating happy pools,
Terry
P.S. I sincerely hope you found this information beneficial and ensightful. I truly have a passion for helping others and saving people bundles of dough. I hope that’s exactly what I’m accomplishing. If you haven’t already picked up your copy of Professional Grade, I would highly recommend hopping on over there and taking a peek at how much frustration and money that it’s guaranteed to save you: www.FireYourPoolGuy.com.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Terry,
How many pages is your book and how long is the delivery time. This info doesn’t seem to be on your web sight…
I’m thinking about getting a pool and I want to learn as much as I can so I don’t regret something later. Thanks
Good questions…
Each are about 160 pages. You’re doing what many pool owners OUGHT
to do BEFORE making a large investment. Whether it’s my guide or information you can find through a book store, you’re doing yourself good.