Bathing in your own pool is a fine thing. However, to ensure that fun does not turn into a mishap, the water quality in the pool must be checked. A quality mark for this is the optimal pH value in the pool.

In a nutshell

  • optimal pH in the pool between 7.0 and 7.4
  • A pH value that is permanently too high or too low can damage people and material
  • causes unpleasant odor
  • Check-up recommended once or twice a week
  • Test kits or electrical measuring devices are available from specialist dealers

PH value

The pH value is an important indicator of water quality as it tells you whether the pool water is acidic, neutral or alkaline. A value above 7.0 is referred to as hard (alkaline) water, below 7.0 it is referred to as soft (acidic) water. The swimming pool water is neutral if it has a value of 7.0. This is also the quality that is considered optimal for pool water.

Notice: If the water in the swimming pool is acidic or alkaline, this can have a negative effect on people and the pool. For example, one of the facts is that the effect of disinfectants is weakened.

Measure pH

There are several ways to establish the facts (acidic, neutral or alkaline), such as:

  • Manual test kit
  • Electronic measurement devices

Since the pH value is not constant and can change quickly, you should check it once or twice a week. Because the water temperature, frequency of bathing (hair, dander, sunscreen) and environmental influences (e.g. rainwater, pollen, leaves), but also the addition of disinfectants and flocculants have an effect on the pH value. That is why you should check a few hours later after the administration of chemical agents whether the pool water is in the optimal pH range.

Measure the pH in the pool with test strips

Manual test kit

If a test kit is used, the quality of the water in the pool can be determined using a color scale.

Electronic measurement devices

Electronic measuring devices show the value on a display. Because they are more accurate than liquid test kits or tablets, these test methods are recommended. With automatic measuring systems, a probe measures the pH value of the swimming pool water. If a deviation from the optimal range is determined, a correction is made. Such pH metering systems are commercially available as part of salt electrolysis systems and chlorine metering systems or as additional modules.

Optimum pH range in the pool

It is optimal for the pool when the pH value is almost neutral. Therefore, the value should be between 7.0 and 7.4. Some pool experts see the range even narrower, namely between 7.2 and 7.4. The advantages of the ideal pH value of the swimming pool water are:

  • best development of water care products
  • highest feel-good factor for people
With an optimal pH value in the pool, nothing stands in the way of bathing fun.

pH too low

If the pH value in the pool is below the optimal range, the negative consequences are often:

  • Increased risk of corrosion on metal parts of the pool
  • Inhibiting the action of flocculants
  • Occurrence of increased smell of chlorine
  • Damage to the filter pump
  • Irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes and hair

pH too high

If the swimming pool water moves in the alkaline range, this can also be harmful for the skin and the pool:

  • Impairment of the fat and acid protective layer of the skin
  • Irritation of mucous membranes and eyes
  • Limescale deposits (cloudy pool water, clogged pool filter)
  • Promotion of algae development
  • Inhibition of the effect of flocculants and disinfectants
  • Reduction of the disinfecting effect of chlorine
  • unpleasant odor development
At a pH of 8.0 and above, chlorine supplements develop only 30 percent of their actual effectiveness.

Notice: Readings above 7.4 (“too high”) are far more common than readings below (“too low”).

Correct pH value

If the pH measured in the pool is outside of the optimal range, it should be corrected. For this, chemical agents that restore the ideal value are used. Depending on what goal you want to achieve

  • sinker or
  • lifter

for use. The following rule of thumb applies to dosing: For ten cubic meters of swimming pool water you need 100 grams of sinker or lifter to correct the value by 0.1.

Notice: Since these water care products take several hours to develop, you should carry out a control measurement after 24 hours.

frequently asked Questions

Which color means alkaline or acidic?

The correct and incorrect colors for measuring pool water are usually different shades of yellow and red. However, it can also be a spectrum from red to blue tones.

Can the water quality also be optimally corrected with home remedies?

In principle yes, but the dosage is difficult. If the value is to be increased, washing soda can be used with the pump running and in several steps. You can use vinegar to lower it. However, this promotes the formation of bacteria, which leads to an increased load on the filter system and requires an increased use of chlorine.

Are there refills for electronic pool testers?

Yes, you don't have to buy a new test device for every application.

Category:

Garden design