How Do I Raise or Lower pH in My Pool?

Maintaining proper pH in your pool is essential for swimmer comfort, chlorine effectiveness, and protecting your equipment. The ideal pH range is 7.4 to 7.6.

If your pH is too low or too high, follow these steps to correct it.

How to Raise pH in Your Pool

Low pH symptoms:

• Itchy eyes or skin
• Corrosive water (can damage metal and plaster)
• Rapid chlorine loss

Step-by-Step:

1. Test Your Water
   Use a reliable test strip or liquid kit to confirm pH is below 7.4.
2. Add a pH Increaser
   Use sodium carbonate (soda ash) to raise pH. Follow dosing instructions on the label.
   Product: Pool Supplies Canada pH Up – 8 kg
3. Distribute Evenly
   Broadcast the product across the deep end with the pump running.
4. Wait and Retest
   Wait 4 to 6 hours, then retest. Repeat if needed until pH is between 7.4 and 7.6.

How to Lower pH in Your Pool

High pH symptoms:

• Cloudy water
• Scaling on surfaces and equipment
• Reduced chlorine effectiveness

Step-by-Step:

1. Test Your Water
   Confirm pH is above 7.6 using test strips or a liquid test kit.
2. Add a pH Reducer
   Use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (dry acid). Both are effective, but follow safety guidelines, especially with muriatic acid.
   Product: Pool Supplies Canada pH Down – 8 kg
3. Dilute if Needed
   For muriatic acid, it’s often safer to dilute it in a bucket of water before adding to the pool. Never add water to acid, always add acid to water.
4. Pour Along the Pool Wall
   With the pump running, pour slowly in front of a return jet to help mix it evenly.
5. Wait and Retest
   Wait 4 to 6 hours, then retest and adjust further if needed.

Tips for Managing pH

• Balance total alkalinity first (ideal: 80–120 ppm), as it helps buffer pH.
• Always follow manufacturer dosing instructions based on your pool size.
• Make small adjustments and retest frequently rather than adding too much at once.
• Test 2–3 times per week, and more often after rain, heavy use, or chemical treatments.