We all know that the PH scale ranges from 0 to 14, zero being the lowest and 14 being the highest level. The highest level of PH (14) in the water is the indication of high alkalinity and on the other hand, if that level is 0, it would be an indication of high acidity. Hence, if you want to keep a perfect balance between alkalinity & acidity, keeping the PH level of the water at around 7 (7.2 to 7.6) would be the best practice.

Below we have put a light on the disadvantages and risks involved in not maintaining a balanced PH level in the pool water:

Disadvantages of Low PH level

The skin of the swimmer swimming in the water with a low PH level (<7) can get red, irritated, and itchy. It is just like getting shampoo or soap into your eyes. If the pool water is too acidic, it may have even worse effects on the swimmer’s health, leading to a medical emergency.

In addition, this level of PH may also cause the metallic ladder of the pool to erode, thus leading to a more dangerous situation for the swimmer.

Disadvantages of High PH level

A higher PH level (greater than 7.6) usually makes the water dirty or cloudy, which can eventually lead to risks for the swimmer’s health. Further, it may also cause some issues in the plumbing equipments of the pool.

Maintaining the PH level in the pool

When it comes to the maintenance of the pool PH, it is necessary to keep checking its level daily on a regular basis with the use of test strips in order to make sure that it is fine, healthy, and acceptable. It should be kept in mind that not only the things like leaves & other debris but also the people swimming in the pool can cause a disturbance in its PH balance. Maintaining the right level of PH in the pool water is a continuous process.

Final Words

As mentioned above in this article, both low as well as high levels of pool PH are harmful to swimmers. So it is recommended to keep it in check. An unbalanced PH not only causes health hazards for the swimmer but also makes the swimming uncomfortable. On the other hand, a balanced PH (or the PH maintained within the recommended limits) would ensure the safety and comfort of the swimmer.

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There are a number of factors that can disrupt and destroy the chemistry of a pool. A swimming pool is its own self-contained ecosystem that requires monitoring and the correct application of chemicals to keep it clean, healthy, and sanitary.  Anything that enters the pool has the potential to alter and destroy pool chemistry – and it can be expensive to correct.

People

When people use a pool, they bring a variety of unseen elements with them that includes sunscreen, makeup, dead skin cells, bacteria, fungi, and viral contaminants. Those all increase with the frequency with which the pool is used and the number of individuals that are swimming.

Sunlight

Rays from the sun reduce the amount of chlorine in a pool, allowing bacteria and algae to grow. Sunlight can easily reduce the amount of chlorine by up to 90 percent in just two hours when the pool water is directly exposed on a highly sunny day. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks down chlorine, allowing it to gas off into the air.

Rain

The rainwater that falls in your pool contains acidic properties that will affect pH balances, alkaline levels, calcium and other chemicals. Heavy rain can significantly dilute the chemical balance of a pool. It’s further compounded if runoff from a house, porch or deck gets into the pool. The pool chemistry will also need to be tested and adjusted if individuals need to add water to the pool.

Vegetative Material

When removed right away, leaves won’t have a substantial effect on the pool water. However, if they’re left very long they’ll begin to use chlorine, stain the pool, and can result in an algae bloom. Even if there aren’t any plantings close to the pool, leaves and pollen can easily be displaced by the wind where they will be deposited into the pool. The same is true of mulch.

Too Many Chemicals

Maintaining the correct ratio of chemicals can be a balancing act. Adding too much, not enough or the wrong chemical can lead to pool chemistry that only a professional can remediate. Any of those situations can also result in injuries, and even emergency situations, if swimmers breathe them in or swallow even small amounts of pool water.

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The pH level of a pool is more important than most people realize. It ensures that the pool is clean, sanitary, and safe for use. Maintaining the proper pH levels aids in keeping pumps and other components working properly and from becoming damaged or corroded.

Even with careful monitoring, there are some things that will adversely affect pool pH levels and owners have no control over them. It’s just one of the reasons why it’s important to have a pool professional perform regular checks and maintenance.

Wind

While wind won’t directly affect pH levels, it can indirectly deposit chemicals and other types of contamination from a neighbor or other nearby sources through drift. Owners should be especially vigilant in areas where spraying or aerial dusting is conducted for pests such as mosquitos, gypsy moths or Japanese beetles.

Rain

A summer rain can drop a significant amount of water into a pool. It dilutes chemicals and disrupts pH levels. After it rains, it’s not uncommon to see an algae outbreak or the water become cloudy. The same things can occur by replenishing pool water levels with water from sources such as well water.

UV Rays

The sun’s rays can contribute to heating a swimming pool, but quickly rising temperatures in pool water due to UV rays can reduce chlorine by up to 90 percent. Bacteria breeds more quickly in warmer water and the pool will deplete its chlorine content more rapidly. There are chemicals that can be used to reduce the effects of UV rays, but they should only be applied by a professional.

Pollen

In addition to aggravating allergies, pollen in the pool creates an increased demand for chlorine that will result in a pH imbalance.

Sun Screen

The use of sunscreen is necessary, but it also dissolves when worn in the pool and reacts with the pool’s chlorine and other chemicals. The more sunscreen that’s in the pool, the more unbalanced pH levels become and owners may notice their pool water becoming cloudy or swimmers may complain of eye irritation. The same is true of haircare products cosmetics.

Usage

The more swimmers there are that use a pool and the frequency with which they do so, will contribute to a pH imbalance.

Staying Safe

The health of a pool is dependent upon many factors, including pH levels. A balance ensures safety and sanitation for swimmers and less cost for owners. A pool professional has the experience and knowledge to keep pools healthy, sparkling clean, and maintain a proper pH balance.

Pool Guys of Palm Beach | Lake Worth, FL

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