Maintaining the right pH balance in your pool or spa is essential to keeping your water clean, safe, and enjoyable for your family. At Family Pool Maintenance, we want to dive into high pH levels—what causes them, why they matter, and how to bring them back down.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your pool or spa water in balance.
What Is pH and Why Does It Matter?
pH measures how acidic or basic your water is, on a scale from 0 to 14. The ideal pH level for pools and spas is between 7.2 and 7.6. When the pH creeps above that range, water becomes too basic (alkaline), which can lead to:
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Cloudy water
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Reduced chlorine effectiveness
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Skin and eye irritation
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Scale buildup on pool surfaces and equipment
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, your pH might be too high.
What Causes High pH in a Pool or Spa?
Several common factors can raise your pool’s pH level:
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Local water source: Delaware’s tap water often has a higher pH
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Overuse of certain chemicals, like liquid chlorine or sodium hypochlorite
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Aeration, especially in spas and fountains, can raise pH over time
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Heavy swimmer load or debris like leaves and pollen can throw off your balance
How to Lower pH Levels
If your pH is above 7.6, here’s how to safely bring it down:
1. Test Your Water First
Use a reliable test kit or test strips to confirm your current pH and total alkalinity. You want both numbers to be in the correct range before adjusting.
2. Use a pH Reducer
Common products include muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (dry acid). These are effective at safely lowering pH when used properly.
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Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
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Add chemicals with the pump running to help distribute them
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Re-test the water after 4–6 hours
3. Check Total Alkalinity
High alkalinity often goes hand-in-hand with high pH. Your total alkalinity should be between 80–120 ppm. If it’s too high, lowering it may also bring the pH into range.
4. Regular Maintenance
Schedule weekly cleanings and chemistry checks—especially during peak swim season. Preventative care goes a long way in avoiding pH issues.
Want to Leave It to the Pros?
If you’re tired of playing chemist or worried about damaging your pool equipment, Family Pool Maintenance is here to help. Our local pool techs in Central Delaware specialize in weekly cleanings, water chemistry balancing, and year-round service. We’ll handle the details so you can enjoy crystal-clear, comfortable water—without the hassle.
Need help balancing your pool water?
📞 Call us or 📅 schedule service online and let us get your pool or spa back in perfect shape.
