Many pool owners have the problem with too high pH in the pool.
Therefore, pH reducer is a sought after pool chemical.
There are a few ways to lower the pH pool.
But first, let’s get to the root cause:
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How can it be that the pool pH is too high?
Some causes are known, for example the high alkalinity. Incorrectly used chemicals or algaecides in the pool will also lead to the increased pH in the pool, too much chemicals will make the pH in the pool appear alarmingly high. It is sometimes important to “shock” the pool.
Before shocking, pool shock chlorination should be calculated to prevent further expense. If Cal-Hypo or calcium hypochlorite is used, it may cause the pool pH to be too high.
The pH value informs the user how acidic or basic the water is. When the hydrogen ions decrease, the pH value automatically increases. When the pool is made ready for use again after the winter break, there will be carbonic acid in the water after filling.
As the water swirls, the carbonic acid dissipates. The acidic carbonic acid ensures that the pool pH is too high.
Foreign particles can also significantly increase the pH value.
Why should the pH value in the pool be lowered?
When pool pH is too high, pool users experience skin and eye irritation. Algae growth is significantly promoted by the increased pH value, while chlorine effectiveness is reduced.
The formation of lime makes the water appear cloudy, which can also trigger the clogging of the pool filter.
The annoying smell is another unpleasant side effect. Lowering the pool pH is the aspiration of the user for many reasons, as explained earlier.
The correct pH value is of utmost importance, the reasons briefly listed as keywords:
- Skin and eyes become irritated
- Algae grow faster
- Pool flocculant no longer works properly
- Limescale formation is increased
- May cause annoying pool odor
Pool pH lowering
Lowering the pool pH is not a problem for the pool user. Different measures make it possible to achieve the ideal pH value. The methods can be implemented in just a few steps.
Step 1: determine the pool pH
For the time being, it is important to determine the pH value accurately. Test strips are excellent, about 10 seconds the strip is held in the water:
The color that is now visible is compared with the colors in the table that is on the container. Briefly outlined in keywords:
- Hold the test strip in the water,
- compare the color with the table clearly visible on the container,
- now the value can be read well, the matching colors are the value.
Those who prefer expensive methods of determination can of course realize this with a special pool tester or a pool thermometer. Most often the owner knows the capacity of his pool, if not, there are certain formulas to find out the volume of the pool.
How does this happen? Below are the formulas:
- Rectangular pool = length x width x average depth,
- Round pool = diameter x diameter x depth x 0.78
- Oval pool = length x width x depth x 0.89
- Eight-shaped pool = length x width x depth x 0.85
Example:
For a rectangular pool, the following applies:
- Length: 6 meters
- Width: 4 meters,
- Depth: 2 meters,
The calculation is 6 x 4 = 24 x 2 = 48.
Therefore, the rectangular pool has a volume of 48 m³.
Step 2: Calculate required amount of pH-Minus granules
Lowering the pool pH is convenient and safe with pH Minus granules. How much granules are necessary? The measured pH value is known, the ideal value is 7.2 to maximum 7.4.
The measured pH value serves as a basis, the user now calculates exactly how many 0.1 steps are necessary to achieve the ideal value of 7.2.
An example in numbers is more illustrative:
- Measured value 7.6,
- minus perfect pH value 7.2
- results in 0.4.
Four steps with 0.1 each are required.
Step 3: Add pH-Minus granules to the water
The granules are added to the water, ideally when the pool filter is active. The water must circulate to achieve the optimum effect.
We recommend the following ph-minus granules:
A landing net is also helpful. The granules spread evenly and dissolve quickly. Lowering the pH pool with granules is preferred by users.
Alternative lower pH value with pH Minus liquid
pH Minus liquid also provides relief when the pH pool is too high. It is worth mentioning that only half of the liquid is necessary. In pH Minus liquid is called sulfuric acid, the application is similar to granules.
As an alternative to lower the pH in the pool.
It is advised to dissolve the special liquid beforehand with water conveniently in a bucket. When pouring into the pool, the liquid is automatically distributed evenly. The user should be aware that sulfuric acid is corrosive and splashing with the liquid should be avoided.
In addition, care should be taken not to enter the pool for at least 4 hours after application. The liquid has useful effects, but lowering the pH pool with sulfuric acid requires careful handling.
Can the pool pH be lowered with home remedies?
If you want to keep it simple, you can also use vinegar. The rule of thumb explains the procedure: Reduce the pH pool by 0.2 is achieved per 1 m³ with about 100 ml of vinegar.
Briefly presented in figures:
- The pH value is 7.4,
- the perfect pH value is 7.2,
- Volume of the pool is 30 m³.
- Difference 0.2 is vinegar:
- 100 ml x 30 make 3000 ml.
Thus, 3 liters of vinegar are actually needed to achieve the desired pH. Experts advise against the use of vinegar, because vinegar is at the same time a food for bacteria.
Too many bacteria are eliminated with an increased amount of chlorine, the filter system is extremely loaded in the end effect.
Conclusion
If the pool pH is too high, this will cause massive problems. Not only the algae grow quickly, but also skin and eye irritation.
Too many disinfectants, in turn, spoil the fun of bathing. Chemical agents are used, which are quite helpful when dosed correctly.
It is now known how the limit values of the pH value are determined. If the pool pH is too high, the pool user must lower the pool pH. How this is done is explained by different methods.
It makes sense to test the pool water at regular intervals and to initiate appropriate measures at an early stage if necessary.
