Can Low pH Make Your Pool Cloudy?

The proper pH level leads to a cleaner, better sanitized pool.

A low pH level in a swimming pool will not make the pool water cloudy, but a high pH level will have that result. A low pH level will have its own effects on the quality of the water and will, just like a high pH level, physically affect any swimmers who venture into the water before the correct pH level is restored.

pH and Cloudy Water

When the swimming pool water is cloudy, it is a result of a high pH level, which means that the pool is too alkaline. The power of the chlorine that is added to the pool to disinfect is lost. What happens is the calcium in the water unites with carbonates, forming scales. Look around the edge of the water, and you will likely see the calcification buildup at the waterline and on the surface of the water.

Danger to Swimmers

The high pH level does not only show its effects on the water, but it will also cause problems with swimmers who go into the water. Pool users may suffer symptoms such as a burning nose, or their skin and scalp may become dry and itchy after being in the water. Because the pool's normal pH level is close to the pH level of the eyes, if the pool's pH level is too high, the eyes of swimmers will also suffer by burning.

Fixing Cloudy Water

Fixing the problem of cloudy water and lowering the pool's pH level are accomplished by adding acid to the pool. The two most common acids used for this task are liquid hydrochloric acid, also called muriatic acid, and a dry acid, or sodium bisulphate. Never add the acid to the pool when swimmers are still in the water. Mix the acid in a plastic bucket, making sure that the pool pump is running, and pour the acid directly into the water in the deep end of the pool.

Low pH Problems

Although it does not cause cloudy water, a low pH pool level does offer its own set of symptoms and problems. Swimmers in this water will also suffer the effects of dry and itchy skin and scalp as well as also burning in their eyes and nose. Unlike a high pH level, a low pH level means the pool water is too acidic, and, as a result, metal pool equipment and accessories corrode. The power of the chlorine is lost rapidly also, resulting in the pool not being properly sanitized.

References

• Pool Wizard: pH Pool Water Problems