How to Lower the pH in an Aboveground Pool

The balance of a pool's pH is affected by factors such as the weather, extent of pool use and its type of chlorination system. A proper pH balance is important in keeping the pool clean and the filtering system working right, and in protecting swimmers from problems that improperly balanced water can cause. Lowering the pH in an aboveground pool is a fairly simple process that most pool owners can manage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water testing strips
• Plastic bucket
• Muriatic acid or sodium bisulphate

1. Test the pool water with a commercial test strip purchased at your pool supply store. Follow the test strip manufacturer's instructions for using the strip.

2. Compare the test strip with the chart provided by the manufacturer, to determine how far the pH is out of balance.

3. Turn on the pool's filtering system and set the timer for four hours.

4. Fill a plastic bucket three-quarters full with pool water.

5. Add muriatic acid or sodium bisulphate to the bucket according to the chemical manufacturer's instructions for application based on chemical concentration and pool volume.

6. Allow the pool's filtering system to run the remainder of the four hours set in Step 3, then retest the water. If the pH is still high, repeat all of the steps until the water is properly balanced.

7. Run the pool's filtering system an additional eight hours before letting anyone enter the pool.

Tips & Warnings

• If the test strip shows the pool water's pH is too low, use soda ash (sodium bicarbonate) to raise the level. Follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions for measuring the chemical.
• Never pour water into pool chemicals. Always pour chemicals into pool water. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with pool chemicals.

References

• Pool Wizard: Adjusting Pool Water pH