How Do You Test Pool pH Levels?

The pH value (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH) is a standard of hydrogen ion activity in a liquid solution and is one of the most common measurements of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid solution.

In general, with a pH value of less than 7 the solution is acidic, with a pH value greater than 7 it is alkaline, and with a pH value equal to 7 it is neutral.

Testing pH values of the swimming pool water regularly ensures the safety and sanitation of the pool, makes it suitable for swimming, and keeps the pool equipment operating well.

1. Here's why it's important to maintain the pH value range of the swimming pool.

The pH value reflects the condition of the swimming pool water directly, it is also closely interrelated to other chemistry values.

It is vital to maintain the pH value at the suitable level.

The acidity or alkalinity of the swimming water affects the comfort of the swimmers, the pool equipment directly.

Swimmers may feel uncomfortable, which may include eye irritation or skin itchiness, if the pH value of the swimming pool water is far beyond the normal range (7.2 - 7.8). 

Besides, some pool appliances have metal components. The risk of corrosion of these metal parts is directly influenced by the pH value of the water.

2. What is the ideal pH level for a swimming pool?

Every swimming pool is unique.

Which means that there is no " ideal " pH value, but only the most suitable one for each swimming pool.

If a swimming pool has a pH value which maintains most stability on itself, then that is the most ideal pH value for that pool.

Forcing the swimming pool to remain at a certain pH value requires regular chemicals input by the maintainer. But as time goes by, the swimming pool water will return to a stable pH value by itself, which will only make the pool maintainer frustrated.

Finding the " ideal " pH value that a swimming pool loves and keeping it at that value with the least chemicals is the easiest and cheapest way to take care of the swimming pool.

3. How Do You Test Pool pH Levels?

a) pH Test Strips

Test strips is the most common test tool for solution pH values.

All you need to do is soak the strip into the swimming pool water, wait for a while and then take it out. The result can be checked with the color reference chart.

However, the test results of the test strip can be easily affected by the environmental temperature and the results may not accurate.

b) Pool Test Kit

Pool test kits are similar in concept to pH test strips.

Just fill the test tube with swimming pool water add the chemicals from the kit, waiting for a few moments and compare the color of the liquid with the color reference cards to get the result.

c) pH Meters

The pH meter is one of the devices commonly used for pH testing and to provide more precise results compared to test strips.

There is a probe on the test meter. By simply inserting the probe into the swimming pool water, the display will show the matching ph value.

Now, you have learned a lot of information about pH values. Let's go ahead and get started on testing your swimming pools pH value right away.

To learn more about pH, you can refer to this website.