We all want our pool water to be clear, but we also want it to be healthy, balanced, and safe to swim in. Sometimes pool water can look good, even great, but if the pH is off, swimmers won’t feel comfortable and it could also be damaging pool equipment.
A pool’s pH level will tell you if it is too acidic or too basic and there are a variety of test kits on the market that will instantly tell you about your water. If your water has a pH below 7.0, that means the water is too acidic and will attack and dissolve metals, especially those in the copper tubing in the heat exchanger located in the pool heater. If the saturation index is negative, the pool water will dissolve the calcium found in the pool shell, plaster, and/or grout between the tiles.
Let’s say your pool’s pH is below 7 and above 8, well this can lead to irritated eyes and itchy skin and, if combined with a chlorine level above 5 ppm, can result in uncomfortable water for you and your family.
The water can be clear but not balanced, and oddly enough, it can be cloudy but still have adequate chemical readings and be quite safe for swimming. In this case, cloudy water may be a byproduct of a large number of bathers or high temperatures, high humidity, or a lot of storm activity in the area, as all of these things, along with the proper chemical composition, can affect cleanliness and aspect. of your pool water.
Another thing pool owners need to be aware of is scale buildup. Not only does it look unsightly in a pool, but it can also clog filters and put undue strain on the pump motor and all the other equipment that ensures the water is filtered, cleaned and returned.
We all want sparkling, clean, inviting pool water. Making sure the chemical balance is just right can take some time, but it’s worth the rewards. There are many people to help, especially those pool professionals who do their job to keep every pool spotlessly clean. No one wants water that is uncomfortable to swim in and no one wants itchy eyes after a dip, so keep your pH at a normal level and enjoy swimming!