A drop in your pool’s pH can happen for several reasons –  rain, swimmer activity, and even the use of certain chemicals. No matter what, it’s not safe at all to keep using an acidic pool when it can be fixed for as low as $20. 

In this guide, we have discussed what can happen if you leave your low pH water untreated, what are the best ways to fix this problem, and how to prevent it from dropping again.

Even small changes in the water’s chemistry or environment can quickly throw off your pH balance, making it tricky to keep it just right. If the pH in your pool drops too low, the water becomes acidic, which can spell trouble for both swimmers and your pool itself. 

Here’s a closer look at the common problems that come up with low pool pH:

Skin, Eyes, and Hair Problems

Acidic water strips natural oils from the skin, which can cause dryness, redness, itching, and even rashes. Swimmers might notice their eyes stinging and turning red as acidic water disrupts the protective tear layer. Low-pH water also takes a toll on hair, making it dry and brittle, with color-treated hair fading faster in such conditions.

Corrosion in Metal Components of Pool Equipment

When the pH is too low, it can speed up corrosion in your pool’s metal parts, like ladders, pumps, and filters, leaving them vulnerable to damage. It is because acidic water increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, which react with metals, wearing down protective layers and causing metal to deteriorate. 

If left untreated, these repairs can get expensive – much more than the simple adjustments to balance the pH in the first place 

Damage to Pool Linings

Low pH can cause plaster surfaces to wear down over time, leaving them with a rough, marbled texture. This erosion can shorten the lifespan of plaster, which usually lasts 10-15 years when the water’s chemistry is in balance. Vinyl liners are also prone to wear and tear from acidic water, increasing the risk of cracks or wrinkles. 

Also, when metal parts corrode, they can release ions that cause staining, particularly in vinyl or fiberglass pools, which can show visible marks even after you adjust the pH.

Algae Taking Hold 

When the pH dips below 7.2, chlorine’s sanitizing power takes a hit, making it less effective at keeping algae at bay. The acidic water depletes free chlorine – the form that actively fights off algae and bacteria – making it easier for algae to settle in. 

Plus, corrosion on pool surfaces can create rough patches that trap debris and spores, creating an ideal environment for algae growth.

1. Using a pH Increaser or Soda Ash

Soda ash and pH increasers both contain sodium carbonate, but soda ash is often a more affordable option compared to branded pH increasers, which can cost up to twice as much. You can easily find soda ash at most local stores, and it’s just as effective at raising your pool’s pH levels.

How It Works: When soda ash is added to the pool, it dissolves into sodium (Na⁺) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions. These carbonate ions then combine with hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the water. The reaction neutralizes the hydrogen ions, effectively raising the pH and reducing the acidity of the water.

How to Raise Pool pH Using Soda Ash or pH Increaser:

• Test the Pool’s pH: First, check the pH levels using a reliable test kit. A pH below 7.2 signals the need for adjustment, as the ideal range for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Determine the Correct Amount of Soda Ash: The amount you’ll need depends on the size of your pool and its current pH. For instance, in a 10,000-gallon pool, 6 ounces of soda ash will typically raise the pH by 0.2 units. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines on how much to use.
• Prepare the Soda Ash Solution: Instead of dumping the powder directly into the pool, dissolve it in a bucket of water to create a solution. This ensures even distribution and minimizes the risk of cloudy water.
• Add the Solution to the Pool: Pour the dissolved soda ash around the pool’s perimeter while the pump is running to ensure it circulates effectively. Avoid adding large amounts all at once. It’s better to start small and adjust later if necessary.
• Re-Test and Fine-Tune: After waiting 6 hours, test the pH again. If it’s still too low, you can repeat the process, but add small amounts gradually. This approach allows for precise adjustments and avoids overcorrection.

Important Tip: If your pool’s alkalinity is already high, using soda ash could cause it to rise further, which can cause other issues. If that’s the case, it’s better to move on to one of the other methods listed.

1. Adding Baking Soda

2. Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household method for raising the pH of pool water. However, it does not work as effectively as soda ash because it is made to raise alkalinity and not pH. Still, it helps if the pool pH is not too low – below 7.00.

How its works: When you add baking soda to the pool, it breaks down into sodium ions (Na⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). These bicarbonate ions provide a buffer against any rapid pH changes. This way it first stops pH from dropping any more low and then slightly budges it towards alkalinity with its basic pH of approximately 8.3.

How to increase pool pH using baking soda: 

• Test Your Pool Water: Start by using a reliable test kit to measure both the pH and alkalinity. 
• Determine the Amount of Baking Soda Needed: For a typical 10,000-gallon pool, approximately 3-4 pounds of baking soda should raise the pH if it’s below 7.2. For smaller adjustments, a smaller amount will suffice.
• Add Baking Soda to the Pool: Spread the measured baking soda evenly over the pool surface while the pump is running. This ensures the soda dissolves and circulates throughout the water. To avoid over-adjusting, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more as needed.
• Allow the Baking Soda to Dissolve: Let the water circulate for at least 6 hours before testing again. This gives the baking soda ample time to dissolve and distribute evenly in the water.
• Monitor the Effects: After 6 hours, test the pH and alkalinity again to see if further adjustments are necessary.

Important: While baking soda is effective for raising pH, it can sometimes lead to significantly increased alkalinity levels. If your pool’s alkalinity rises above 150 ppm, this can cause additional problems, such as difficulty adjusting pH in the future, cloudy water, or scaling on the pool’s surfaces.To counter that, you may need to use other chemicals, such as muriatic acid, to bring it back down. This can complicate maintenance and increase overall chemical costs.

1. Aerating Your Pool Water

2. Aerating your pool water is a natural, chemical-free method for raising pH levels. It works by introducing air into the water, which helps expel excess carbon dioxide (CO₂). This process lowers carbonic acid – formed when CO₂ reacts with water molecules – thereby increasing the pH without affecting the pool’s alkalinity. It’s an ideal method if you want to raise pH levels without the side effects associated with chemical treatments.

How to Raise Pool pH Through Aeration:

• Use Existing Water Features: If your pool has fountains, waterfalls, or other built-in features, turn them on to agitate the surface of the water. This increases oxygen exchange and facilitates the release of CO₂. If you don’t have built-in features, you can install deck jets to introduce streams of water into the pool, which will also improve aeration and add visual appeal to your pool.
• Adjust Return Jets: Position the return jets so that they point towards the water’s surface. This will create turbulence and help air mix more effectively with the water, further promoting CO₂ off-gassing.
• Increase Pump Speed: If you have a variable-speed pump, running it at a higher setting can boost water flow through the jets, further enhancing aeration.
• Install a Dedicated Aeration System: You can install a pool aerator, a device specifically designed to inject air into the water efficiently. These systems connect to your pool’s pump and can be adjusted for optimal flow.
• Encourage Movement: If swimmers are present, ask them to splash or use pool toys to create waves, which will also help aerate the water.
• Use a Pool Brush: Brushing the surface of the water with a long-handled brush can help create ripples, increasing aeration in a simple, manual way.

While aeration is a safe and effective way to raise pH, it is a slower method compared to using chemicals like soda ash. The process may take several hours or even days to yield noticeable results, especially if your pool’s alkalinity is already high.

Shocking your pool can cause a temporary rise in pH, but this effect is generally not long-lasting. Once the chlorine levels return to normal and the shock’s residual impact fades, the pH may drop again, particularly if there are other contributing factors like elevated carbon dioxide levels. While shocking can momentarily boost your pH, it won’t provide a permanent solution.

The effect on pH can also vary depending on the shock treatment you use. For example, when using calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) to shock the pool, the pH might rise briefly. This is because cal hypo has a high pH level (between 10.5 and 12), which can increase the pool’s pH in the short term.

Conversely, certain types of shock – such as those containing dichlor or other acidic chlorine compounds can lower the pH of your pool.

Cover Your Pool on Rainy Days: Rain water is naturally a bit acidic, it can mix with your pool water and cause a drop in pH. Hence, by covering your pool, you keep that acidic rainwater out and prevent it from diluting your pool’s chemicals, like chlorine and pH stabilizers. It’s also a good idea because rain tends to bring in debris like leaves, pollen, and dirt, which can further disrupt your pool’s chemical balance and contribute to acidity.

Maintain Stable Chlorine Levels: When chlorine levels are too low, organic matter like leaves, debris, and even swimmers’ oils can build up in the pool. These contaminants produce acids when they break down, which can lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. On the other hand, if chlorine levels are too high, it can make water acidic by creating hydrochloric acid. This makes it important to keep your chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm.

Ensure Proper Circulation: Good circulation is essential for an even distribution of chemicals like chlorine and pH balancers. Without it, some areas of your pool can become over-saturated with chemicals, leading to pH imbalances. Proper circulation prevents stagnation and helps ensure the water stays balanced throughout, preventing areas from becoming too acidic or too alkaline.

Skim Out Debris Regularly: When organic debris like leaves or insects sink into your pool and decompose, they can produce acids, which contribute to lowering the pH. By regularly skimming your pool, you’re reducing the amount of organic material breaking down in

When it comes to raising your pool’s pH, there are a few options, depending on how quickly you need results and how much you’re willing to maintain. 

Soda ash is the quickest and most cost-effective fix, offering an immediate pH boost. On the other hand, aeration, though slower, provides a more sustainable long-term solution. 

Baking soda can help with minor pH adjustments, but it’s not the go-to if your pool’s pH is significantly low.