A common issue that pool owners face is having their pool water turn green. This green tint to the water is often caused by algae growth. However, there are multiple factors that can contribute to pool greening, with high pH being one potential cause. In this article, we will examine how pH affects pool water clarity and algae growth. We will also provide tips for testing, adjusting and maintaining proper pH levels to prevent a green pool. Quick answer: Yes, allowing pH to remain too high can lead to green pool water due to increased algae growth.
What is pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the pool water is. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Lower pH levels are acidic, while higher pH levels are basic or alkaline. The ideal pH range for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.8. This helps provide an optimal environment for chlorine sanitation and prevents corrosion or scaling. If pH drifts too far above or below this range, problems can occur.
How does high pH cause green pool water?
When pH is allowed to climb too high, it can contribute to pool algae growth and green water in several ways:
Reduced sanitizer effectiveness
Chlorine and other pool sanitizers work best at lower pH levels. As pH rises above 7.8, chlorine becomes less effective at killing bacteria and algae. This allows algae spores in the water to thrive and reproduce, turning the water green.
Scale formation
High pH causes minerals like calcium and magnesium to precipitate out of the water and form scale on pool surfaces. This rough scale provides the perfect environment for algae to gain a foothold and start growing.
Cloudy water
Alkaline water is more likely to become cloudy. This lack of clarity allows green algae to grow undetected until the problem becomes severe. Clear water helps maintain proper chlorine levels to control algae growth.
Nutrient availability
Higher pH makes some nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus more available for algae consumption. This can accelerate algae growth. Proper pH keeps these nutrients locked up and unavailable.
How to test pool pH
To monitor and maintain proper pH levels, regular testing is essential. Here are some tips for checking pool pH:
– Use an electronic tester or pH test strips for accuracy. Pool test kits that use drops and a color chart are prone to error.
– Test pH at least weekly, along with chlorine level.
– Collect water samples 18 inches below the surface and away from return jets.
– Follow test instructions carefully for an accurate reading.
– Test in the morning before adding any chemicals.
– Ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.8 for most pools.
– Adjust pH level based on your test results.
Factors that increase pH
Certain factors can cause pH to creep upward over time. Be aware of these so you can take preventive action:
– High alkalinity – This causes pH to be less stable. Keep alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.
– Low acidity – Natural acids in pool water get used up over time. This causes pH to rise.
– High calcium hardness – Dissolved minerals increase pH. Keep calcium below 400 ppm.
– Cyanuric acid – This stabilizes chlorine but also pushes pH up. Monitor closely if using it.
– Heat and sunlight – Evaporation removes acidic water, leaving higher pH.
– Heavy bather load – Human sweat and oils increase pH.
Lowering high pool pH
If test results show the pH is too high, here are some ways to lower it:
Add muriatic acid
Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) is the quickest way to lower pool pH. Add small amounts incrementally, allowing time to circulate and retest between additions. Acid should be handled with caution by trained pool operators.
Use a pH reducer
Sodium bisulfate is an acidic chemical made for pool pH reduction. It is slower acting but safer to handle than muriatic acid. Follow product labels for proper dosing. Overuse can lead to low pH.
Perform partial drain and refill
Diluting the pool water with fresh water will reduce pH and total alkalinity. This method is slower but avoids adding more chemicals. Drain up to 30% and refill if pH is very high.
Use an acid feeder
These automated feeders connect to the pool circulation to deliver small regular doses of acid. They provide constant pH management without handling chemicals.
Increase chlorine level
Temporarily raising the chlorine level to shock dose the pool can lower pH slightly. Follow shock product instructions to avoid going too high on chlorine.
Preventing high pH
Once pH is lowered to the proper range, keeping it there requires vigilance and prompt action. Here are some tips to prevent high pH issues:
– Test pH twice a week or more. Catch rises early before they get too severe.
– Maintain proper alkalinity to stabilize pH. Drain and refill periodically to lower alkalinity if needed.
– Use an automatic pH controller to monitor and adjust pH 24/7.
– Shock the pool weekly to burn off contaminants that raise pH.
– Check calcium hardness and use a sequestering agent if levels are high.
– Replace old test kits annually for accuracy.
– Use a zinc or boron pool algaecide to prevent algae if pH rises.
– Replace aging acid feeder equipment before problems occur.
– Reduce cyanuric acid level if you use it in the pool.
– Brush pool often to prevent scale and biofilm buildup.
Maintaining proper pH level
Careful monitoring and control of pH is crucial for clear pool water. Here are some steps forideal pH management:
– Test pH twice a week or more.
– Adjust pH down if it climbs above 7.6 using acid or pH reducer.
– Adjust pH up by adding soda ash if it drops below 7.2.
– Add chemicals gradually and retest until ideal range of 7.2-7.8 is achieved.
– Run the filtration system 2-4 hours after adding chemicals to circulate and distribute.
– Shock the pool weekly and scrub surfaces to prevent algae growth.
– Check other water balance measurements like alkalinity, hardness and TDS.
– Use a digital tester for accuracy. Replace test kits yearly.
– Record all test measurements and chemical additions to inform adjustments.
The effect of high pH on pool components
In addition to causing green water, high pH can damage pool equipment, surfaces and metals:
Etching and staining
Plaster pool surfaces can be etched and stained by alkaline water. Fiberglass and vinyl liners can also become dulled.
Metal corrosion
The metals in pumps, rails, ladders, light fixtures and other pool components are subject to accelerated corrosion and deterioration from high pH.
Scaling
High pH causes rough mineral scale to form on pool surfaces, equipment and plumbing. This provides an environment for algae and bacteria to thrive.
Filter damage
Over time, high pH can degrade and embrittle filter components like gaskets and hoses. The filter itself can become clogged and blocked.
Cloudy water
In addition to enabling algae growth, high pH causes water to be cloudy and appear dull. This lack of sparkle reduces the aesthetic value of the pool.
Degraded seals
The rubber seals in pumps, filters and other equipment can become hardened and cracked when exposed to sustained high pH levels.
Balancing pH for pool start up
When initially filling a pool or opening it for the season, pH balance is immediately important before regular use. Follow these tips for start-up:
– Fill the pool completely and circulate water for 8-12 hours before testing.
– Balance pH between 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm as the top priorities.
– Test for calcium hardness and add sequestering agent if over 400 ppm.
– Shock the pool water thoroughly with chlorine prior to use.
– Vacuum and clean all surfaces thoroughly with proper pH.
– Operate the filter and circulation system continuously for the first 48 hours.
– Allow the water to circulate 8-12 hours before and after adding any chemicals.
– Use an accurate digital tester, not color-based test strips or kits.
– Add chemicals gradually and retest after each addition.
– Record all start-up test measurements and chemical additions.
– Install cyanuric acid stabilizer if using chlorine in outdoor pools.
– Check for harmony between pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can low pH also cause green pool water?
Yes, low pH below 7.2 can damage pool surfaces and equipment. This damage creates places for algae to take hold. Low pH also makes chlorine less effective for algae control.
Will fixing the pH level clear up green pool water?
Maybe, but more is usually needed. Once pH is corrected, superchlorination and brushing/vacuuming are generally required to fully remove visible algae growth.
Can high pH damage my pool equipment?
Absolutely. Prolonged exposure to pH over 8.0 can corrode metals, degrade plastics and seals, clog filters, and etch plaster surfaces. This leads to equipment failure.
Is it better to use acid or pH reducer to lower high pH?
pH reducer is slower but the safer method for most residential pool owners, since acid requires extreme care and protective gear to handle. Either method can work if used properly.
How often should I check my pool’s pH level?
Test pH at least 2-3 times per week. Daily testing is ideal to catch pH drifts quickly. Critical pools like public or commercial pools often test pH hourly.
What is the ideal pH range for concrete vs. vinyl pools?
The target is essentially the same for all pool types- between 7.2 and 7.8. Concrete can handle slightly higher pH better but still does best between 7.4-7.6.
Can I adjust pH using baking soda or washing soda?
Yes, baking soda will raise pH while washing soda lowers it. However, these are less reliable methods than using acid and base chemicals formulated for pool pH control.
Conclusion
A green, slimy pool is no fun to swim in and is difficult to restore. Allowing pH to rise unchecked is one potential cause of such green pool water nightmares. pH affects sanitizer efficiency, water chemistry, and provides optimal conditions for algae growth when outside the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8. By understanding how high pH enables algae proliferation and using the recommendations in this article to maintain proper balance, pool owners can avoid the agony of green water events and keep their pools sparkling clean all summer long. Consistent pH testing and monitoring is vital, along with keeping filtration running optimally. Use the proper chemicals and methods described here to lower high pH promptly when discovered. With diligence and quick action, pool owners can prevent problematic green water and algae takeovers this swim season.
