High pH in a pool can lead to several issues. When the pH level rises above 7.8, you may notice cloudy water, scaling on pool surfaces, and clogged filters. High pH can also cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, leading to potential bacterial growth. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly test and adjust the pH to keep it within the ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6.

The effects of high pH in a pool are multi-faceted. Not only does it diminish the sanitizing power of chlorine, but it also promotes the formation of calcium carbonate, which can create unsightly scaling on pool surfaces and equipment. Additionally, swimmers may experience discomfort, including red, irritated eyes and dry, itchy skin.

If you find that the pH in your pool is too high, there are a few different ways you can bring it back to earth. But before we begin, safety first. These acids in concentrations strong enough to adjust the pH of thousands of gallons of water with just a few small cups. They are incredibly dangerous if mishandled, as they can cause severe respiratory issues, chemical burns, and eye damage. Take all possible precautions to protect yourself, but first and foremost, read the instructions on safe handling and storage. Always be informed about any chemicals you buy, handle, and store at your home. 

1. Use Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate. The most common way to lower pH by far is to use muriatic acid, which is a liquid acid sold at any pool store; you can even find it at some hardware stores. Another less common option is Sodium Bisulfate, which may be used more commonly in certain markets or some specific use cases. Whichever you choose, these are the two chemicals that can quickly reduce your pool's pH levels. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage, safe handling, and safe storage.

2. Add Acid Incrementally. When adding acid, do so gradually. Pour it into the deep end of the pool while the pump is running to ensure it distributes evenly. Retest the pH after a few hours and add more acid if necessary.

3. Regular Testing: Regularly test your pool water, at least once a week during the swimming season, to ensure the pH stays within the ideal range. This proactive approach helps prevent pH from reaching high levels and allows you to make adjustments as needed.

Having a pH below 7.2 is often indicative of a bigger problem. This is especially common in pools that are using too many chlorine tablets. There are better strategies to manage chlorine levels in your pool than cramming the chlorinator full of tablets! Low pH levels can be highly corrosive and damage your pump, heater, plaster, or even the structure of your pool. It can also cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers. It's urgent to correct this situation immediately!

If your pool’s pH is too low, you can raise it using these steps:

1. Add Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): The most common method to raise pH is by adding soda ash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage based on your pool's size.

2. Add in Increments: Follow the instruction label's guidance on how to add the soda ash to the water; typically this would be to distribute evenly and brush. Retest the pH after a few hours and add more if necessary.

3. Regular Monitoring: Test your pool water frequently and adjust as needed to maintain a balanced pH level.

Saltwater pools require the same attention to pH levels as traditional chlorine pools. The process for lowering pH in a saltwater pool is similar:

• Monitor pH Regularly: Saltwater systems can sometimes lead to higher pH levels. Regular monitoring is crucial.
• Add Acid: Use muriatic acid to lower the pH, following the same incremental addition process.
• Check Salt Levels: Ensure that your salt levels are within the recommended range, as imbalances can affect pH.

Here's a secret, or maybe not—you will constantly be adjusting pH. It's the never ending battle of pool maintenance, and fluctuates at the drop of a hat. Pool pros have it a bit harder than you do, since we can only adjust it once per week. With that said, here are the best ways to maintain your pH.

• Balanced Water Chemistry: Total Alkalinity has a special effect on pH. Higher Alkalinity can make it more difficult (and more expensive) to lower pH, and lower alkalinity can contribute to pH swings. While it is generally accepted that 80-120ppm is ideal, there have been strong advocates for slightly lower alkalinity lowering the pH ceiling. If you have issues with your pH frequently drifting above 8.0, it's certainly worth the time to research. Conversely, if your pH is consistently low, consider raising your alkalinity closer to 120ppm and evaluate your other maintenance practices (limit tablet usage). Regardless, always ensure your LSI is between 0.0 and 0.3 to avoid damaging your pool! Alkalinity is quite a complex topic, and it is well covered by Orenda.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance routines, including netting, vacuuming, and brushing, can help prevent the accumulation of leaves, twigs, dirt, and pollen that can lead to numerous issues with water chemistry, including but not limited to, you guessed it, pH. As these organics rest in the pool, they can actually raise the pH levels.
• Aeration: Believe it or not, running fountains and bubblers can actually aerate the water, naturally increasing the pH. While this difference may be slight in the grand scheme of things, this can be an effective method to stabilize your pH if it tends to run low. It is also good to be wary of this if your pH tends to run high, and you like to run water features. If that's you, consider a bit more frequent maintenance routine.