How Do I Lower High pH in My Pool?
To lower high pH, add muriatic acid or dry acid with the pump running, a little at a time, and retest after 4 to 6 hours. The target is 7.2 to 7.6. High pH makes chlorine weak, irritates eyes, and causes cloudy water and white scale, which is a bigger risk in Bakersfield's hard water. If pH keeps climbing back, check total alkalinity, because high alkalinity pulls pH up.
Why is my pH high?
- High total alkalinity. It drags pH up no matter how often you lower it.
- Liquid chlorine and salt systems. Both tend to push pH up over time.
- Splashing and aeration. Waterfalls, spillovers, fountains, and spa jets raise pH.
- New plaster. A new or resurfaced pool raises pH for months.
- Fill water. Tap water is often higher in pH than pool water should be.
How do I lower pH safely?
- Step 1: Test pH and total alkalinity.
- Step 2: Work out the dose. Bring in a sample and we will tell you how much acid your pool needs. As a rule, add no more than about a quart per 10,000 gallons at one time.
- Step 3: Put on gloves and eye protection. Open the acid outdoors and keep your face away from the fumes.
- Step 4: With the pump running, pour the acid slowly into the deep end, away from the walls and the skimmer.
- Step 5: Add acid to water, never water to acid. Never mix acid with chlorine.
- Step 6: Let the pump run, and retest after 4 to 6 hours. Repeat if needed.
Why does my pH keep going back up?
Usually because total alkalinity is too high. Alkalinity is the cushion that holds pH in place, and when it is high, it holds pH high. Each acid dose lowers both, so with regular doses alkalinity comes down toward 80 to 120 ppm and pH starts to hold. Salt pools and pools with water features need acid more often. That is normal.
Why does high pH matter more in Bakersfield?
Our water is hard, and summer evaporation concentrates the calcium. When pH rises above about 7.8, that calcium comes out of the water as a cloudy haze and as white scale on tile, in heaters, and inside salt cells. Keeping pH at 7.4 to 7.6 is the cheapest scale prevention there is. We carry HASA muriatic acid in disposable and returnable containers.
What should my pool pH be?
7.2 to 7.6. Swimmers are comfortable, chlorine works well, and the water is less likely to scale.
Is muriatic acid or dry acid better?
Both lower pH. Muriatic acid is a liquid, works fast, and costs less per dose. Dry acid is easier to store and handle. Ask us which fits your pool.
How long after adding acid can I swim?
About an hour with the pump running, once the acid has mixed in. Test first if you added a large dose.
What if I add too much acid?
pH will drop too low, which irritates eyes and can corrode metal parts and plaster. Raise it with soda ash, a little at a time, and retest.
Don't cry, we can help
Bring a water sample to Top Dog Pool Supply. Local pool owners get a free water test on our Taylor Xpress Flex system, and we'll tell you what to add, and how much, for your pool's size.
Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.