How to Test a Pool's PH

The water in a swimming pool is to be maintained at a certain pH level. The pH determines the acidity or alkalinity of pool water. A pH of 7 is neutral; a pH below 7 means the water is acidic; a pH above 7 characterizes the water as basic. Ideally, the pH of pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Low pH may lead to the corrosion of the pool equipment. A pH above 8 is indicative of the high content of carbonate salts in the water.

Things You'll Need

• pH paper
• small beaker, 15-30 ml

Instructions

1. Get a water sample from the pool and add about 10 ml of water to the beaker.

2. Cut a piece of pH paper about 1.5 inches long.

3. Dip one end of the pH paper strip into the sample solution for 1 or 2 seconds, and take it out. The pH paper will change color.

4. Compare the color of the pH paper with the pH scale typically printed on the pH paper pack and assign the pH of the water accordingly.

References

• "Swimming Pool pH Level - Easy Steps to Get it Under Control," Frank Surgoat.

Resources

• pH Paper