What are the factors that influence the pH of pool water?

Getting to Know pH Better to Master It

A crystal-clear pool is a true invitation to swim. Clear and clean water is often a source of pride. And a task that is close to the heart, especially when hosting family or friends, is to do everything possible to ensure that everyone enjoys swimming! Sometimes, an imbalanced pH can disrupt the water's quality. To "tame" this factor, it is wise to understand what can alter the pH of pool water, how to stabilize it, and control it effectively for carefree moments.

What are the pool factors that can cause pH variation?

As we know, pH is a highly sensitive chemical parameter of water that fluctuates at will, influenced by a multitude of random factors. Some are related to conditions we endure and have no control over, while others can be influenced.

Hard Water

Depending on the region, water can be hard due to high calcium content. In such cases, pH is challenging to stabilize and tends to be high. Additionally, hard water causes damage to the pool's lining and equipment. The concentration of calcium and magnesium in pool water, or TH (Hydrotimetric Title), is measured and ranges between 10°f and 25°f. It can be neutralized using specific pool anticalcium products. To eliminate this potential source of variation, it's essential to add the corrector when starting the pool and with each water refill.

Pool Treatments

Salt electrolysis is an effective treatment, but the pH level needs close monitoring as the caustic soda it produces can cause water instability. Therefore, it is highly recommended to install a pH regulator simultaneously when deciding to treat the pool with salt.

Alkaline treatments like chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, or flocculants tend to increase the pH level.

Weather Conditions

Weather is a major factor that constantly alters the pH value.

Strong temperature variations, both increases and sudden drops, violent weather changes like storms, more or less acidic rains (rainwater pH between 5 and 6!), strong winds bringing pollution from leaves, dust, twigs, and desert sand—these are all factors to consider to ensure water quality and balance. It's recommended to measure the pH level after each unexpected weather change to maintain control over water quality!

Pool Usage

The more people in the pool, the more potential for Hydrogen Potential variation. Swimmers bring their share of dirt, hair, sweat, perfume, sunscreen, laundry (swimsuits), soap, shampoo, small debris under the feet—pollutants that can affect the pH value. To limit this influence, having a shower installed near the pool is an excellent way to preserve water quality.

Water Agitation

Another factor that can disturb the pool's pH level is water movement.

What would the pleasure of a good swim be without dives, jumps, and other lively games? These fun activities don't disrupt or significantly alter the pH, but the agitation and movements release carbon dioxide. This phenomenon is valid for overflow pools, waterfalls, counter-current swimming, jets, and other factors that can influence pH through energetic water movements.

So yes, swimming, games, treatments, weather, all have an impact on Hydrogen Potential. Therefore, it is essential to check it several times a week to maintain balanced water. This can become tedious and cumbersome. Fortunately, there is a solution that greatly facilitates the management of this essential but capricious factor: the pH regulator!

Let's explore more about what pH is in pool water and why it's important. Discover the consequences of an improperly adjusted pH for the pool. Understand also how to control the pH of the pool and how to correct the pH of your pool.