Raising pH in the pool is a very important factor that you have to control. If it is too low, the water will become acidic and corrosive. This can irritate the skin and eyes, it can also create excessive surface wear and mechanical failures in the pool's operation.
During the pool season the levels of chemical substances can vary naturally, the ideal pH is 7,6, which is appropriate for swimming pools. These levels can change due to various factors. such as too much sun, water leaks, recent rains or someone who has entered the pool with too much sunscreen.
Therefore, It is very important to check the PH levels at least once a week. to know what to do if you are not at the right level. Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies to raise the pH of your pool safely and effectively.
Why is it important to control the pH in a pool?
The proper pH level in a pool is essential to maintaining alkalinity and the correct balance of the water. pH is a measure used to measure the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water. and is on a scale from 0 to 14.
A pH level below 7 indicates that the water is acidic., while a level of pH greater than 7 indicates that the water is alkaline. The optimal pH level for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is above or below this range, the water becomes acidic or alkaline, respectively.
An incorrect pH can cause several problems in the pool, such as irritated skin, eyes and mucous membranes in swimmers, corrosion of pool equipment, damage to the pool surface, and the proliferation of algae and bacteria. Therefore, it is important to regularly measure and monitor the pH of the pool and take steps to raise the pH as necessary.
Home remedies to raise the pH of the pool
There are several safe and effective home remedies to raise the pH of the pool:
Sodium bicarbonate
El sodium bicarbonate It is a common and safe way to raise the pH of the pool. It is a product that is found in almost every home and is very easy to use.
You have to calculate the volume of the pool to know the amount of water in it, you have to use mathematics whether the pool is rectangular or round.
You will simply have to dissolve 1 pound (about half a kilo) of baking soda per 10.000 gallons of water in a bucket and add the solution to the pool slowly.
Next, test the pH and add more baking soda as needed to reach the proper level.
You need to wait at least 6 hours before testing again and 24 hours to give the baking soda time to completely dissolve.
Wood ash
Another effective home remedy to raise the pH of the pool is wood ash. Ash is formed when wood burns and is an excellent source of potassium carbonate, a naturally occurring alkaline compound.
It is important to collect wood ash from a safe source and it is preferable that the wood is not chemically treated.
Also, make sure they are completely cool before picking them up to avoid burns.
This product may require a little more time to see results. Remember that it can add a slight color and flavor to the water when adjusting the pH.
To use wood ash to raise the pH, simply mix a container of ash with a bucket of water and add the solution to the pool slowly.
Water with lemon
Lemonade is a refreshing option and is also a good home remedy to raise the pH of the pool. The citric acid in lemonade acts as a neutralizing agent and will immediately increase the pH of the pool. To use lemonade to raise the pH, Simply add 1 gallon of lemonade to the pool and mix well.
Eggshells
Let us remember that they are rich in calcium and can be very beneficial for raising the pH of the water. In this case you have to wash them, dry them and grind them until you achieve a very fine powder.
Then add one tablespoon of eggshell powder per gallon of water and mix well.
How can we measure the pH of pool water?
The measurement is a very simple process and you can use a digital pH meter or PH test strips. The products are available in specialized stores or you can buy them online.
If you do it with a digital meter Immerse the electrode in the water and wait a few seconds until it tells you the PH value.
If you use pH test strips, Submerge one in water for a few seconds and then compare the color of the strip with the color scale provided on the package to determine the level.
Prevent pH problems in the pool
Raising the pool's pH is just one part of maintaining the correct alkalinity of the water. It is also important to take steps to prevent pH problems in the pool. Here are some tips to prevent the pool's pH from becoming acidic:
Regularly clean the pool: One of the most common reasons a pool's pH becomes acidic is the buildup of leaf debris, weeds, and other debris. Cleaning the pool regularly will reduce the amount of organic matter that breaks down in water, which will help avoid pH problems.
Keep equipment in good condition: Teams at the pool, such as pumps, filters and heaters, are prone to corrosion when exposed to acidic levels. Therefore, it is important to keep equipment clean and in good condition to prevent pH from becoming disoriented and causing corrosion.
Finally, Raising the pH of the pool is essential to keep the alkalinity of the water at the correct level and prevent problems of corrosion, irritation and proliferation of algae and bacteria.
There are several safe and effective home remedies to raise the pH of the pool. In addition, it is also important to take measures to prevent problems in the pool, such as cleaning it regularly and keeping the equipment in good condition. These homemade tips are the key to a safe and healthy pool.