Maintaining proper pH levels is one of the most important steps in keeping your swimming pool clean, safe, and comfortable. When the pH is off, everything from chlorine effectiveness to swimmer comfort is affected. Pool pH Calculator helps you determine exactly how much acid or alkali to add in order to balance your pool water.
Why pH Balance Matters
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic your water is, on a scale from 0 to 14. A perfect pH level for pool water falls between 7.2 and 7.6. This range ensures chlorine works efficiently while keeping the water gentle on your skin, eyes, and pool surfaces.
- Low pH (<7.2): Water is too acidic. It can corrode pool equipment and irritate skin and eyes.
- High pH (>7.6): Water is too basic. It causes scale buildup, cloudy water, and reduces chlorine’s effectiveness.
How to Use the Pool pH Calculator
To balance your pH, you’ll need:
- Your pool’s volume (in litres)
- Your current pH level
- Your target pH level
- Whether you’re raising or lowering pH
If your pH is too low:
Use soda ash (sodium carbonate) to raise it.
Dosage rule of thumb: To raise pH by 0.2 in a 50,000L pool, add around 200 grams of soda ash.
If your pH is too high:
Use muriatic acid or dry acid (sodium bisulfate) to lower it.
Dosage rule of thumb: To lower pH by 0.2 in a 50,000L pool, add about 250 ml of muriatic acid.
Note: Always add acid to water—never water to acid.
How to Adjust pH Safely
- Step 1: Test your pool water with a reliable test kit.
- Step 2: Use our Pool pH Calculator to find the exact amount of chemical to add.
- Step 3: Add the chemical slowly near the return jets or around the pool edges while the pump is running.
- Step 4: Retest after a few hours, and adjust again if necessary.
Maintenance Tip
Temperature, rainfall, bather load, and chemical use all influence pH. Regular testing—at least twice a week—is key to staying on top of fluctuations.
Internal Links
- Pool Alkalinity Calculator: What to Add & How Much
- Pool Chlorine Calculator: How Much Chlorine Do You Need to Add?
- How to Maintain Your Pool
External Links
FAQ Section
1. What causes pH to rise in my pool?
High pH is often caused by high alkalinity, recent shock treatments, or aeration like waterfalls and fountains.
2. Is low pH dangerous for my pool?
Yes. Low pH can corrode metal equipment, etch plaster, and cause skin and eye irritation.
3. How often should I check the pH?
You should check your pool’s pH at least 2–3 times a week, especially in summer or after rain.
4. Can I swim in my pool if the pH is out of range?
It’s best to wait. Unbalanced pH can irritate swimmers and reduce chlorine’s ability to sanitise the water.
5. What’s the ideal pH for a saltwater pool?
The same as any pool—between 7.2 and 7.6.
Using our Pool pH Calculator, you can quickly adjust your water chemistry and maintain a healthy pool environment. Regular testing and small corrections go a long way toward keeping your pool crystal clear. Need help balancing your pool water in Cape Town? The team at Pools Reno is here to assist with expert advice and water testing services.
4. Pool Chlorine Calculator: How Much Chlorine Do You Need to Add?
