What does pH mean

What does pH mean

What does pH mean? pH, or “potential of hydrogen,” is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, and it is an important parameter in pool water chemistry. In the context of a pool, it is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Maintaining the correct level is crucial for several reasons:

1. Swimmer Comfort: Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Maintaining the proper level ensures a comfortable swimming experience.
2. Chemical Effectiveness: The effectiveness of chlorine and other sanitizing agents is influenced by the pH of the water. If the level is too high or too low, the ability of these chemicals to kill bacteria and algae may be compromised.
3. Equipment Longevity: Extremely low or high levels can lead to corrosion of pool equipment, including pumps, heaters, and metal fittings. Maintaining the proper level helps protect the longevity of your pool equipment.

The ideal range for pool water is typically between 7.2 and 7.8. This range is slightly on the alkaline side of neutral. Here’s a breakdown of the scale in relation to pool water:

• Below 7.2: Acidic – Water can cause irritation, corrode equipment, and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
• 7.2 to 7.8: Ideal Range – This is the recommended range for pool water. It provides a comfortable swimming environment and ensures the effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals.
• Above 7.8: Alkaline – Water can become cloudy, and scaling may occur on pool surfaces and equipment. Chlorine effectiveness may also be reduced.

To adjust the PH level in your pool, you can use increasers (to raise pH) or decreases (to lower pH). It’s important to test the pH regularly (at least weekly) using a pool test kit and make adjustments as needed to keep the water within the recommended range.

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. Lower pH values indicate that a solution is acidic and higher values mean that a solution is basic. This is important for your pool, in ensuring the balance between acidity and alkalinity. If it is less than 6, this implies your pool is too acidic, while if it is more than 8 means your pool is very alkaline. The perfect balance for a pool is between 7.2 and 7.6.