What is the ideal pH level for my pool?

pH refers to the acid-alkaline balance of your pool water.  This is measured on a scale from 0-14, with 7 regarded as being neutral.  From 7 to 0 being degrees of acidity and from 7- 14 being degrees of alkalinity.  Consequently, a pH level of 0 is very acidic and a pH level of 14 is very alkaline.  It is imperative that the pH for a fibreglass pool is kept at 7, and for concrete pools at a range of 7.2 - 7.6 is recommended.  If the pH is too high (alkaline), the chlorine loses its ability to destroy bacteria and algae.  The water becomes cloudy and a scale may form on the plaster finish of a concrete pool.  Should the opposite occur (acidity), the result would be irritation to the skin and eyes. Excessive corrosion of metal fittings would also be induced.

To lower the pH level, add acid and to raise the pH level, add soda ash.

The correct pH of 7 in a fibreglass pool is particularly helpful for controlling "blackspot" in older pools that were manufactured without the vinyl ester backing that the new pools have.