Your swimming pool's pH level is affected by the lower its alkalinity. Having an acidic pool can pose a health hazard to both the swimmers and the water itself. It's important to maintain a healthy pool to prevent it from going bad. It's hard to tell if the water in your swimming pool is alkaline or not. Although it may seem clean and bright, it's still dangerously low.
Importance of Alkalinity Level in Your Pool
If your swimming pool has low levels of alkalinity, it can cause it to get damaged and even melt. This can lead to the formation of pools' stained walls. Some of the metal surfaces will eventually give way due to the acidic water, which then causes the walls to get damaged.
Even minor changes in the composition of the pool water can cause severe fluctuations in its pH levels. When the pH level gets too high, it can cause low levels of alkalinity, which can affect the operation of the pool.
Without adequate levels of chlorine, your pool water will not perform well. This is because it will only require more chlorine to achieve the same results. This means that you'll have to spend more money on maintaining the pool and getting the proper concentration of the chemical. Aside from its effects on the body, low levels of alkalinity can also irritate the skin and eyes.
What Leads to Low Alkalinity?
- Use of dry acid or muriatic acid. Although these chemicals can be useful in treating pool water, they can also reduce the pH level of the water. To prevent this, one should only use a prescribed amount of these chemicals. This method will allow one to lower the pH level of the water in the pool. After 6 hours, you can also test the water's alkalinity level.
- It's possible that the rain that hit the area may have low alkaline levels, which could cause your pool to become flooded.
- If the water's pH level is low, adding freshwater to your pool will most likely deplete its natural balance.
How to Increase Swimming Pool’s Alkalinity?
Your swimming pool's target range and its size are two important factors that you should consider when it comes to maintaining its health. Ideally, your pool should range from 80 to 120 parts per million. However, depending on the area, experts might suggest that you maintain the 100 - 120 ppm range.
How to Improve Swimming Pool Alkalinity Level
Baking Soda
One of the most common compounds used in the pool industry is baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate. This natural component can be used to increase the alkalinity level of a pool. Various substances, such as alka-plus, are also used to improve its condition.
Baking soda is not only cheap and readily available, but it also has an exceptional ability to increase the alkalinity level of a pool.
You can also purchase it from a pool supplier. Unlike retail stores, where you might not be given instructions on how to use the compound, buying from a pool supplier comes with perks.
- Your pool's overall level of alkalinity will determine if it needs to be changed or decreased. After testing, it's important to add up the pH concentration to see if it's below 80.
- If your pool's level of alkalinity is low, you need to purchase enough sodium bicarbonate to replace the baking soda. It's important to note that this amount should be purchased in a large container. You should also consult with your supplier or retailer about the size and type of container that's needed.
- Getting too low in your pool's level of alkalinity could cause it to become acidic. Having the right amount of baking soda is also important to maintain the proper pH levels in your pool. It should be around half or three-quarters of the recommended amount.
- You'll also need to dilute the baking soda in order to maintain its pH levels. Each container of baking soda comes with instructions.
- The soluble and quick-dissolving baking soda can be easily added to your pool to increase its alkalinity. However, it's important to pour it in a wide area and avoid doing so in a way that could cause the powder particles to get blown into your mouth and eyes.
- After adding the various treatments mentioned above, you can then check the results of your pool's test by repeating the process for six hours. Even if you can't see the results after that amount of time, it should still not exceed 24 hours.Â
After completing the multiple steps, your pool's level of alkalinity might still be depleted. You can then repeat the process and try to restore its condition until it reaches a stable level.
LESLIE'S - ALKALINITY UP
Without raising the pH level, Leslie's Alkalinity Up can help keep your pool's total alkalinity at a healthy level. A low level of total alkalinity can pose a threat to both swimmers and the people who use your pool. Leslie's Alkalinity Up is made with 100% sodium bicarbonate, which helps keep the pH level and total alkalinity balanced.
Features:
- Alkalinity increaser
- 100% sodium bicarbonate
- Doesn't raise pH levels
- Keeps pool free of damage
- Helps maintain a safe swimming environment
Bottom Line
A balanced level of alkalinity is very important for a healthy swimming pool. Having low levels of this can lead to various health issues. Having regular checks and tests is also beneficial as it can help you avoid spending a lot of money on new equipment.
The type of water that you have in your pool will also determine its healthy levels of alkalinity. For instance, if you have a concrete or glass pool surface, then a level of 100 to 120 is ideal.
The chemistry of water is a delicate subject that needs to be strictly followed in order to keep your pool looking its best.
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