pH

What It Means: pH measures how acidic or basic your water is. It’s one of the most important indicators of water balance. Low pH means your water is acidic, which can corrode metal components, strip vinyl liners, and irritate eyes and skin. High pH means your water is too basic, which can cause scale buildup, cloudy water, and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.

Ideal Range: 7.2–7.6

If pH Is Too Low: Acidic water can damage your pool’s surfaces, equipment, and comfort level. To raise your pH, use a pH increaser like Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Be sure to add in small amounts, circulating thoroughly and retesting between doses.

If pH Is Too High: High pH reduces chlorine’s effectiveness and can cause scale to form on surfaces and inside pipes. Use a pH reducer such as Muriatic Acid. Chlor-Dash offers both options with safe packaging and instructions. Add cautiously to avoid overcorrection.

Best Practices:

• Test pH 2–3 times per week, or daily during high usage or after heavy rain.

• Adjust Total Alkalinity before fine-tuning pH, since alkalinity acts as a buffer.

• Allow water to circulate for 4–6 hours before retesting after any chemical adjustment.

Chlor-Dash Recommends:

• Alkalinity Control to increase low pH levels.

• Muriatic Acid to reduce high pH.

• Test Kits or AquaChek Strips to monitor your levels regularly.