How to Bring pH Down in Your Pool

There is nothing more fun than a backyard pool. A pool can bring your family hours of fun, provides an excellent opportunity to exercise and cool off in the summer, and is a great place to entertain your friends. But maintaining your pool’s pH level is crucial if you want it to be safe and enjoyable.

The pH level of your pool measures how acidic or alkaline it is. A high pH level can have some adverse effects, including causing damage to your pool’s surface and increasing the risk of algae growth.

Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to lower the pH in your pool, including using sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid.

If you are interested in how to bring the pH down in your pool, keep reading. This article will give you everything you need to know about how to keep your pool’s pH balanced, including step-by-step instructions for using sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid.

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We will also discuss some of the effects of high pH levels and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. 

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Methods for Lowering the pH in Your Pool

There are two primary methods for how to bring the pH down in your pool. You can use either sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid.

pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with seven being neutral. Anything below seven is considered acidic, and anything above it is alkaline. A high pH level means that your pool is generally alkaline, while a low pH level is acidic.

Your pool’s pH level is vital because it impacts how safe, clean, and enjoyable the water is to swim in. It would be best to keep it around 7.2 to 7.6, although it can vary depending on your pool’s surface and how often you use it.

Sodium Bisulfate

Sodium bisulfate is a chemical compound commonly used to lower the pH level in pools. It typically comes in powder form and is dissolved in water before being added to the pool. You should be careful when using sodium bisulfate, as it can be hazardous if inhaled or in contact with the skin.

To use sodium bisulfate to lower your pool’s pH, follow these steps:

1. Test Your Water

Before you begin, it is vital to test the pH level of your pool to determine how much sodium bisulfate you need. You can purchase a pH test kit from a pool supply store or online.

A pH test kit will also tell you your pool’s alkalinity. If your pool’s alkalinity is high, sodium bisulfate can also help decrease it.

2. Measure Out the Sodium Bisulfate

After you know your pool’s pH, you need to calculate how much sodium bisulfate to you.

Read the manufacturer’s directions carefully to identify how much pH decreaser you need. Each brand of sodium bisulfate is different, so you should always double-check.

Dissolve the sodium bisulfate in a bucket of water based on how much your test kit recommends. If your pool’s alkalinity is high, add more to your bucket.

3. Add the Sodium Bisulfate to Your Pool

Once you have the appropriate amount of sodium bisulfate dissolved, slowly add it to your pool. The pH level should decrease if done correctly in just a few hours.

You should add the sodium bisulfate mixture near the pool jets in the deepest part of the pool. Keep the pool pump running after you add the sodium bisulfate.

You should not add the bisulfate to the skimmer. If you have an above-ground pool, you may need to stir the pool with a skimmer or pool brush to help the pool water mix.

4. Let the pH Decreaser Dissolve

The sodium bisulfate will start working immediately to lower your pool’s pH. The process usually takes around 4 hours, so leaving the pool pump running throughout is essential.

If you see any chunks of sodium bisulfate, use a brush to break them up and incorporate them into the pool water.

5. Retest Pool Water, Repeat Process if Needed

After the sodium bisulfate has had time to work, it is essential to test your pool’s pH level again. You may need to repeat the process if it is too high.

Remember that how much sodium bisulfate you need depends on how large your pool is and how high the pH was before.

Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is another method you can use to lower your pool’s pH. It typically comes in liquid form and is already diluted, so it is less hazardous than sodium bisulfate. However, it can also be more expensive.

To use muriatic acid to lower the pH of your pool, follow these steps:

1. Test Your Water

Before you begin, it is essential to test the pH level of your pool. You can purchase a pH test kit from a pool supply store or online.

A pH test kit will also tell you your pool’s alkalinity. If your pool’s alkalinity is high, muriatic acid can also help decrease it.

2. Measure Out the Muriatic Acid

After you know your pool’s pH, calculate how much muriatic acid to use.

Read the manufacturer’s directions carefully to identify how much pH decreaser you need based on how high the pH is. Each brand of muriatic acid is different, so you should always double-check.

3. Add the Muriatic Acid to Your Pool

Once you have the appropriate amount of muriatic acid, slowly add it to your pool. The pH level should decrease if done correctly in just a few hours.

Since muriatic acid is concentrated, it can easily damage your pool liner. Before you add the acid to your pool, turn on the pool pumps and run the filter to keep the water circulating.

It is also wise to dilute the acid in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. Pour the acid evenly throughout the pool.

4. Let the Acid Mix

The acid will start working immediately to lower the pH level of your pool. The process usually takes around 1 hour, so leaving the pumps running is critical.

5. Test the Water and Repeat Process if Needed

After the acid has had time to work, it is vital to test your pool’s pH again. If the pH level is too high, you may need to repeat the process.

Repeat these steps as often as necessary to decrease your pool’s pH to a healthy level.

Effects of a High pH Level

A high pool pH can adversely affect swimmers and your pool equipment.

Reduces the Effectiveness of Chlorine

A high pH level can reduce the effectiveness of your pool’s chlorine. As a result, it will take longer for your pool to be disinfected.

It Irritates Your Eyes and Skin

High pH levels can also irritate your eyes and skin while swimming. The irritation is due to the high amount of chlorine it takes to combat the effects of a high pH.

It Damages Pool Equipment

High pH levels can also damage your pool equipment, including pumps and heaters. This damage can be costly and difficult to find replacement parts for.

FAQ

These are commonly asked questions about how to bring the pH down in your pool.

What causes high pH in a pool?

Several factors can lead to high pH levels in your pool. Some common causes include adding too much chlorine, having hard water, and having too much organic material.

Will baking soda lower pH in a pool?

You can use baking soda to raise pH levels in a pool. It would be best if you did not attempt to use it to lower the pH.

Can you lower the pH in a pool without chemicals? 

There is no easy way to lower the pH in a pool without using chemicals.

How do you lower pH and alkalinity in a pool? 

You can use a few different methods to lower the pH and alkalinity in your pool. Sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid are common chemicals that can help lower pH, while baking soda and vinegar may raise the pH level.

Can you lower pool pH with vinegar? 

Vinegar will not lower your pool’s pH. It will increase it.

More FAQs

How do I lower the pH in my pool naturally?

To lower the pH in your pool naturally, you can consider the following methods: installing a distilled water system to introduce water, maintaining regular pool cleaning, allowing the pH level to naturally decrease as minerals accumulate, or opting for a pool heater installation.

Will pH down lower alkalinity?

The statement “pH down will lower alkalinity” can be rephrased as “Lowering alkalinity without lowering pH is very challenging, if not unavoidable.”

What happens if pH is too high in pool?

If the pH is too high in a pool, the effectiveness of chlorine is reduced, which can result in issues such as cloudy water and the growth of algae. Fortunately, there are simple steps to lower the pH level in the pool using pool chemicals. This guide provides instructions on how to test and adjust the pH level in the pool.

Should I shock my pool if pH is high?

You should shock your pool if the pH is high. For optimal outcomes, it is recommended to shock when pH levels are between 7.2-7.4, which falls on the lower end of the ideal range. To ensure the effective distribution of chlorine, leave the pump running and brush your pool after shocking.

Does pool algae like high or low pH?

Pool algae prefers high pH levels.

How do I lower the pH and alkalinity in my pool?

To lower the pH and alkalinity in your pool, you can use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (also known as dry acid), which are the two commonly used chemicals for this purpose.

What causes pH problems in a pool?

pH problems in a pool are caused by various factors. Stagnant pool water can experience a decrease in pH as the water comes into contact with carbon dioxide in the air, leading to its dissolution. Additionally, the use of acidic cleaners such as chlorine gas can further contribute to lowering the pH levels, resulting in more acidic pool water.

Can I use vinegar to lower the pH in my pool?

Using vinegar to lower the pH in your pool is possible, but it is not the most effective method. Adding a large amount of vinegar to the pool can actually increase the sugar level, which then becomes a food source for microbes. Therefore, while vinegar can be used, it is not recommended for this purpose.

How do I lower my pH but not alkalinity?

To lower the pH without affecting alkalinity, one can utilize Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) injection for pH control. However, it is important to note that altering one parameter will inevitably impact the other. The introduction of CO₂ into water results in the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which effectively reduces the pH level.

How do I lower the pH and alkaline in my pool?

To lower the pH and alkalinity in your pool, you can choose between two methods: utilizing muriatic acid or employing a pH reducer, also known as sodium bisulfate. It is important to note that both of these methods will simultaneously decrease the pH levels. For more detailed information, we recommend referring to our comprehensive guide on pool pH reduction.

How long does it take for pH down to work in pool?

The time it takes for pH down to work in a pool can vary, but it is generally recommended to wait for about two to four hours, or even a full turnover cycle, after adding pH increaser or decreaser before retesting. The stability of the results depends on the magnitude of the pH adjustment needed, with smaller increments requiring less waiting time for the pH to become stable.

Does pool shock lower pH?

The pH of the pool is lowered when it is shocked, regardless of whether chlorine-based shock (calcium hypochlorite) or non-chlorine shock (potassium peroxymonosulfate) is used.

Will hydrogen peroxide lower pH in pool?

The statement: Hydrogen peroxide will lower the pH in the pool. Additionally, it will create bubbles in the water as it reacts with chlorine, resulting in the production of air and water.

How much vinegar per gallon of water to lower pH?

The amount of vinegar needed to lower pH in a gallon of water varies depending on the alkalinity of the soil. However, a reliable starting point is to use one cup of vinegar for every gallon of water.

Can I use vinegar instead of muriatic acid in pool?

Using vinegar instead of muriatic acid in a pool can be an alternative for lowering pH levels. However, it is important to note that vinegar will require a larger quantity compared to hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid solutions. Additionally, there may be potential residual side effects due to the presence of sugars in vinegar.

Can I use vinegar instead of muriatic acid?

You can use vinegar instead of muriatic acid. Both white vinegar and the dark kind, which are both 5% acidity, can be used as alternatives. Additionally, Menards offers white plastic trays that are slightly larger than 3 feet square and have a depth of 2 inches.