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Plastica Swimming Pools
Editorial published
with kind permission
of Plastica Limited


 
Owners Guide - Domestic Swimming Pools

Water Balancing

Controlling the pH of your Pool

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of water is measured by it’s pH value. A pH of 7 is neutral; a fall below 7 indicates increasing acidity, and a pH rising above 7 indicates an increasing degree of alkalinity.

For healthy pool-water, a pH of around 7.2-7.6 should be maintained. The pH of the water should be measured regularly and adjusted accordingly.

Alkaline Conditions - High pH

swimming pool water balancing

A pH of above 7 indicates the presence of alkaline substances.

If the pH value rises above 8, the effectiveness of the disinfection process is reduced and the water has an increasing tendency to precipitate hard salts.

The water can become cloudy and the filter capability reduced, due to blockage.

Acidic Conditions - Low pH


A pH value below 7 indicates the presence of acidic substances.

If the pH falls, the water becomes increasingly corrosive to metals and the chlorine level decreases, weakening the disinfection process.

Finally, and most importantly, if the pH is too low or high, irritation of the eyes and skin may be caused by the water.

Ideal pH

A pH in the range 7.2 to 7.6 is the ideal value for healthy pool-water.

In practice, it is sufficient to keep the pH value within an optimum range for each different disinfectant.

pH Adjustments

The chemical(s) needed to adjust the pH depends on the disinfection being used.

Chlorinated isocyanurates (Stabilised Chlorine Granules) and chlorine gas (which produce acidic reaction products) are acidic and require the addition of alkali, usually sodium carbonate (pH Plus).

Calcium or sodium hypochlorite (Granular Shock) are alkali and require the addition of an acid, normally sodium bisulphate (pH Minus).

pH Testing

A simple to use kit is available within the Relax range of chemicals.



>> Continue to Water Hardness <<





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Introduction
Initial Startup
Maintaining Your Pool
Water Balancing
Water Hardness
Filtration
Heating
Circulation System
Troubleshooting
Winterising


 

 


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