Pool pH Level: The Complete Guide to Testing, Adjusting & Maintaining Perfect pH
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These are products we recommend for managing pool pH.
Taylor K-2006 Complete Test Kit (~$90). This kit uses liquid reagents for accurate pH readings. Test strips can’t match this precision. If you maintain your own pool, this kit pays for itself.
LaMotte ColorQ Pro 11 Digital Tester (~$225). This digital photometer eliminates color-matching guesswork. It reads pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and more with lab-quality accuracy.
AquaChek 7-Way Test Strips (~$17). Good for quick daily checks between thorough tests. These strips read pH, chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, and cyanuric acid in seconds.
Clorox Pool&Spa pH Down 5lb (~$13). Sodium bisulfate granules that lower pH safely. Much easier to handle than muriatic acid for routine adjustments.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda 15lb (~$15). Raises total alkalinity and provides a gentle pH increase when both are low. This is the same chemical as branded “alkalinity increaser” products at a fraction of the cost.
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Calculate Exact Doses with Pool Chemical Calculator
Stop guessing with your pool chemistry. The Pool Chemical Calculator app tells you exactly how much of each chemical to add based on your pool size and current test results.
Works for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and more. Compatible with all pool types including salt water and above ground pools. Free to download.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should pool pH level be?
The ideal pool pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6, with 7.4 being the perfect target. This range maximizes chlorine effectiveness, protects your equipment from corrosion or scale, and matches the natural pH of human eyes for comfortable swimming.
How often should I test pool pH?
Test your pool pH at least 2-3 times per week during swimming season and once per week in the off-season. You should also test after heavy rain, large pool parties, or anytime you add chemicals. Consistent testing prevents small drifts from becoming big problems.
What happens if pool pH is too high?
When pool pH is above 7.8, chlorine loses most of its sanitizing power. At pH 8.0, nearly 80% of your chlorine is inactive. You’ll also see cloudy water, calcium scale buildup on surfaces and equipment, and skin/eye irritation for swimmers. Add muriatic acid or pH Down to bring it back into range.
Can I swim if pool pH is 8.0?
While a pH of 8.0 won’t cause immediate harm, it’s not ideal. Swimmers may experience eye irritation, and more importantly, your chlorine is barely working at that pH, meaning the water may not be properly sanitized. Bring pH below 7.6 before swimming for the safest and most comfortable experience.
Why does my pool pH keep going up?
The most common causes of rising pH are: using liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) which has a pH around 13, calcium hypochlorite shock treatments, CO₂ outgassing from water features like fountains or spillovers, and fresh plaster or concrete surfaces. If pH constantly rises, consider switching to a chlorine type that’s pH-neutral or slightly acidic, like trichlor tablets.
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Social Media Posts
X/Twitter (@Pool_Calculator)
Your pool pH is the #1 thing that determines whether your chlorine actually works ????
At pH 8.0, nearly 80% of your chlorine is just sitting there doing nothing.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting it right ⬇️
Pool pH Level: The Complete Guide to Testing, Adjusting & Maintaining Perfect pH
Facebook (Pool Calculators)
Did you know that at pH 8.0, nearly 80% of your chlorine is completely inactive? ????
Your pool pH level is the single most important number in your water chemistry. When it drifts too high, chlorine stops working. When it drops too low, your equipment corrodes.
We put together a complete guide on testing, raising, and lowering pool pH, including a handy reference chart you can save.
What’s your pool pH sitting at right now? Drop it in the comments ????
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