How to Troubleshoot and Adjust the pH of a Swimming Pool
- 1). Select a pH test kit. Choose between a paper strip test kit or one-step tablet tests. Keep in mind that paper strip tests can be somewhat less reliable, according to the CDC. If you opt for paper strip tests, keep them in cool, dark locations between uses. To evaluate your pool's overall health, opt for a combination test kit, which measures pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels.
- 2). Test the pool water, following your test kit's instructions carefully. If using a tablet test, compare it against an already-reacted sample of the ideal pH level in a separate dropper bottle. If using test strips, use more than one strip to avoid the variability of a paper strip that's lost its testing ability over time or from sitting out in a sunny location too long.
- 3). Select the appropriate chemical to add to your pool, according to the pH level of the pool at present. Add soda ash if your pool has a pH level higher than 7.8. Add muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, if your pool's pH level is below 7.2.
- 4). Add muriatic acid if your pool is too alkaline, with a pH higher than 7.8, in a quantity relative to the pool's total size and relative alkalinity. Add 1 1/2 ounces of muriatic acid to a 1,000-gallon pool with a pH between 7.8 and 8.0. Add 2 1/2 quarts of muriatic acid to a 50,000-gallon pool with the same pH level. Add 2 1/2 ounces of muriatic acid to a 1,000-gallon pool with a pH between 8.0 and 8.4 and add 1 gallon to a 50,000-gallon pool with a pH in the same range.
- 5). Add soda ash if your pool is too acidic, with a pH level under 7.2. Add 3/4 ounce to a 1,000-gallon pool with a pH between 7.0 and 7.2. Add 2 1/2 pounds to a 50,000-gallon pool with the same pH range. Add 1 1/4 ounces of soda ash to a 1,000-gallon pool with a pH level between 6.6 and 7.0 and add 4 pounds to a 50,000-gallon pool with the same pH level.