Consider having a beautiful garden with lots of plants and a pool that shines in the sun and calls you to go for a swim. However, the water is cloudy, your eyes hurt, and something is wrong when you jump in. That’s often a red flag for high pH in pool water.
We at Grow Landscapes know that a healthy pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s an important part of your outdoor paradise. Pool water balance is important because too much pH can make your skin itch, dull the water, and even hurt nearby plants. Don’t worry, though. It’s easier to figure out why it happens and fix it. You can fix high pH in pool water yourself or let our professionals do it. This guide will explain what causes it, how it affects your pool and yard, and how to get things back on track. Our professional swimming pool builder services allow you to turn your backyard into a luxurious oasis where innovation meets elegance!
What Is pH and Why Does It Matter for Your Pool?
Pool pH levels indicate how acidic or alkaline your pool water is. They range from 0 to 14, with seven being normal, below seven being acidic, and above seven being alkaline. You should get a score between 7.2 and 7.8 for swimming pool maintenance. This range ensures users are happy, chlorine works, and pool gear stays in good shape.
But here’s the cool thing: a pH right for your pool also keeps your landscaping safe. Too much alkaline water that splashes or runs off can change the chemistry of the soil, making grass patchy or plants droop. We see your pool as an important part of your home and are here to ensure it stays healthy.
What Causes High pH in Pool Water?
Pool water chemistry problems don’t approach people without a good reason. In most cases, these things are behind them:
- Source Water: The color of your fill water establishes the mood. Minerals like calcium can make tap or healthy water in many parts of the U.S. have a high pH. Our Grow Landscapes crew knows how to deal with this problem.
- Pool Chemicals: Add sodium bicarbonate (which makes the solution more alkaline) or shock it with calcium hypochlorite to raise the pH. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is another strong poison if you do too much.
- New Plaster or Concrete: Do you have a new pool? Curing produces alkaline compounds, which raises the pH for a short time.
- Aeration: What is that fancy pond or waterfall? It’s incredible but removes carbon dioxide from the water, raising the pH over time.
- Algaecides and Cleaners: Some cleaners and algaecides have a high pH level, which could damage the surface if used too much.
Step one is to determine what caused it. Our team can quickly examine your setting and fix it.
The Effects of High pH In Pool
When pool pH levels creep too high, things go south quickly:
- Weaker Chlorine: The magic of chlorine is found in hypochlorous acid, which kills algae and microorganisms. High pH changes it to a weaker form (hypochlorite ion); hence, you will need more chlorine—and more money—to keep things clean.
- Cloudy Water: Too much alkalinity causes calcium and minerals to leak, clouding water and leaving scale on surfaces.
- A buildup of Scale: That sticky white gunk on walls or pipes? Scale gets stuck in filters and breaks down equipment.
- People who swim: High pH in pool water means red eyes and itchy skin. Not the day you planned to spend at the pool.
- Yard Trouble: Splashing or water can raise the pH of the soil, which is terrible for grass and plants. Near the pool, you might see yellow leaves or bare spots.
The effects of high pH in pools aren’t just a pool problem; they ruin the fun in the backyard. So, Grow Landscapes looks at the big picture to ensure everything is okay.
How to Test Your Pool’s pH
Your best defense is to test often. This is what happened:
Testing Options:
- Liquid Test Kits: Add the chemicals, match the color, and get a good reading. With a bit of work, they’re right.
- Test Strips: Dip and check. This method is straightforward but less accurate. Please make sure the test strips are dry and follow the directions.
- For digital testers: It’s expensive but provides precise results quickly and without any guesswork.
- How Often: If you add chemicals or the water is cloudy, you should do it twice a week or every day.
Grow Landscapes Edge:
Our experts always get the job done right by using the best tools and their knowledge. This is already included in our plans for swimming pool maintenance, so you don’t have to do anything.
How to Lower High pH: Your Fix-It Plan
You should either get to work or give us a call. To lower the pH in pool water, do the following:
Option 1: Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)
What It Does: The pH drops quickly when this acid is used.
How to Use It:
- Check the pH level and know how many gallons your pool holds.
- Use a pool pH reducer calculator online to figure out the amount.
- Always mix acid with water, never water with acid.
- Slowly pour water into the pool as you walk around the edge while the pump runs.
- If it’s still high after 4 to 6 hours, test again and do it again.
Option 2: Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate)
What It Does: A milder, granular option.
- How to Use It: As directed on the package, sprinkle it in (generally into the deep end), turn on the pump, and test again.
- Pros and cons: It costs more and works more slowly than muriatic acid, but it is easier to work with.
Preventing High pH Levels in Your Pool for the Long Run
Follow these tips to stay ahead
- Test Often: Every week, do it twice to keep current.
- Intelligent Storage: Keep drugs dry, calm, and tightly closed.
- Add Slowly: Carefully pour chemicals in, test them afterward, and don’t add too much.
- Look at alkalinity. Aim for 80–120 ppm to keep the pH from increasing.
- How Much Drainage Matters: Pool water won’t soak the plant beds if your yard has good drainage.
If the pH is correct, the pool will be clear and safe, and the plants around it will be happy. Know what’s causing it, test it often, and do something about it, whether you or we do it. Your backyard will stay a summer hotspot. Don’t let high pH in pool water dull your fun; fix it today!
Why Choose to Grow Landscapes, Inc. for Your Dream Pool Project
- Expertise in luxury pool designs, installation, and maintenance. Make a world-class water park experience with our expert commercial swimming pool contractor services, where precision meets creativity!
- Use of high-end materials sourced from the USA—ensuring durability and beauty.
- Showcase of award-winning projects like the Great Falls estate (vanishing edge pool, quartz waterfall kitchen, modern outdoor living features).
- Grow Landscapes’ access to premium U.S. materials and craftsmanship benefits international clients and is perfect for buyers from other countries who want American quality.
- Visit Grow Landscapes to look at more projects or ask for a meeting.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Pool Health
- Schedules for regular professional servicing.
- Seasonal care is important, especially in Northern Virginia.
- Investing money into new tools like pH controllers that work on their own.
Conclusion
Contact Grow Landscapes for professional pool installation and maintenance services in Virginia, Maryland (MD), Washington, DC, and nearby areas. Optimize your garden with our Virginia flower planting schedule, an important source for planting at the right time of year and making grounds look great.
Visit https://growlandscapes.com/ or call to see how we can make your pool. Get our free Pool & Landscape Maintenance Guide for your region. Have a question? Leave it below, and we’ll get back to you.
