Written by Ryan Sheridan | Fairfield Store Manager. Published on . Hits: 22122
A quick look into why your pool requires Acid regularly to maintain the pool’s pH.
If you feel like Acid is always on the to-do list when you get the water tested, you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place to find out why. I will be going over why your pool needs it, and why it will benefit you to add it regularly.
Why do Swimming Pools need acid?
The reason we add acid to swimming pools is reduce the pH (Potential Hydrogen) of the water. The pH is always slowly rising due to either chlorine being added manually or produced through salt chlorination. This Chlorine generally has a high pH of around 14 and brings the total pH of the pool up when added to the water. The water’s pH naturally rises anyway when exposed to air, so even if you’re not using chlorine, this is why acid is still required, just in small doses.
Why do we even need to lower the pH?
The recommended range (as you may have seen on the test printouts) is between 7.2 - 7.6 - This is because this is the same pH of our skin, and allows the water to be comfortable. Also, our sanitiser chlorine works effectively in this range. As the pH rises above 7.8, Chlorine stops working as effectively even if the level is high. This can lead to bacteria build up and Algae formation! Nobody wants a Green Pool
Quick benefits of keeping the pH within range.
- Keeps White Calcium in solution and slowes the build up on the Cell and Pool Surface.
- Enables your cleaner to clean the pool more effectively, as high pH cause the walls and floor to become slippery.
Great, so how often should I add Acid?
We recommend adding Acid weekly! Adding a little and often is better for your water and can actually save you money overtime. Large doses over longer periods of time take a larger portion of your ‘Total alkalinity’ away.This way you’d be adding more ‘alkalinity up’ over the season costing you more. To reduce this further, the best way to add Acid is to mix it in a bucket of water (water first) and pour it around the edge. Talk to us in the store to find out what your weekly amount should be for your pool!
Best Regards,
The JC Pool Services Team.
As a pool maintenance expert with extensive experience in water chemistry and pool care, I can confidently discuss the concepts mentioned in the article about maintaining pool pH levels using acid. Understanding the intricacies of pool water balance, pH control, and the role of chemicals like acid is crucial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
The article primarily focuses on the significance of maintaining the pH level of pool water within the recommended range (7.2 - 7.6) and the necessity of using acid to achieve this balance. Here's an overview of the key concepts discussed in the article:
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pH Regulation: pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in the water. The article emphasizes the need to regulate pH levels in swimming pools because chlorine, whether manually added or generated through salt chlorination, tends to increase the water's pH. Additionally, exposure to air also contributes to a gradual rise in pH. Acid is used to counteract this rise and bring the pH back within the ideal range.
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Importance of pH Range: Maintaining the pH within the recommended range (7.2 - 7.6) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures comfort for swimmers as this range is akin to the pH of human skin. Secondly, this range optimizes the effectiveness of chlorine as a sanitizer. If the pH rises above 7.8, even with adequate chlorine levels, its efficiency decreases, leading to potential issues such as bacterial growth and algae formation, which can turn the pool water green.
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Benefits of Maintaining pH: Keeping the pH within the suggested range offers multiple advantages. It prevents the buildup of white calcium on pool surfaces and equipment, allowing the pool cleaner to operate more effectively. Moreover, maintaining optimal pH levels prevents the pool surfaces from becoming slippery, thereby ensuring better safety for swimmers.
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Frequency of Adding Acid: The article recommends adding acid on a weekly basis to counteract the gradual rise in pH. Regular small doses are preferred over infrequent large doses to maintain water quality effectively. Adding acid in smaller quantities helps in preserving the total alkalinity of the water, which, when excessively reduced, would require additional chemicals (such as alkalinity increasers) to balance, ultimately costing more.
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Application Technique: The article suggests diluting the acid in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. This method helps prevent potential damage to the pool surfaces and equipment by minimizing direct contact with concentrated acid. Pouring the diluted acid mixture around the pool's edges ensures even distribution.
In conclusion, maintaining proper pH levels in a swimming pool is essential for water quality, swimmer comfort, and effective sanitizer performance. Regular monitoring and adjustment of pH using acid in small, frequent doses can help pool owners avoid issues and ensure a clean and safe swimming environment.
