The sun is out, the BBQ is ready to go and the pool is calling your name. UV Pools wants to help you enjoy your pool to the fullest, and we know that understanding your pool pH levels plays a big part in pool maintenance. It’s important to measure the amount of acid or alkaline in your pool water. If it is too high or too low you will have all types of problems to deal with.
To be able to measure the pH level of your pool you will need a pool tester kit. By taking a water sample of your pool you are able to determine the pH level. A scale of 0-14 is used to measure the pH. The ideal level you want your pH to be at is 7.4. This is the pH of your eyes and having your pool at the same pH usually eliminated eye irritant problems. However in the range of 7.2 to 7.8 is deemed acceptable. If the amount is below 7.2 then it is considered to be too acidic. If the amount is above 7.8 then it is considered to be alkaline. There are many effects that can occur when the pH level isn’t balanced.
Too Much Acid in the Pool Water
If there is too much acid in the water, eye & skin irritation will occurs, tiny grooves with bacteria and algae will start to form in your liner creating wrinkles. The outcome of bacteria and algae is difficulty to maintaining the overall cleanness of your pool. Eventually Acid will also result in metals beginning to corrode, including fittings, ladders, and the connectors to your pump. The sulfate from the acid can also stain your pool. Having too much acid in the water can result in cloudy water, allowing for more algae and then bacteria to form. The good news is adding soda ash (sodium carbonate) to your pool will increase the pH level.
When the pH level is too high, alkaline will start to build up in your swimming pool. Alkaline causes chlorine to become ineffective and will result in very dirty pool water. Alkaline also causes calcium build up, and will result in black stains developing along the waterline of your pool. If you have a sand filter you will notice it will start to not function properly. To decrease the pH level of your pool add sodium bisulphate.
Why is My Pool Ladder Rusting?
When pH levels in chlorine pools are too low or too much/too little salt in salt water pools, it can cause stainless steel pool ladders too rust or pit.
Keeping your pH levels balanced is very important. Low pH (acidic) could damage your hand rails and pool ladders even though they are stainless steel. This is partially due to the fact that they are submersed and are not able to form the protective oxide layer which is formed in the presence of oxygen. Keep your pools pH level in the recommended range of 7.2-7.6.
To prevent rusting: Make sure your pool is grounded properly when it is built. This will prevent galvanic corrosion which could rust you pool handrails and ladders.
Types of Stainless Steel
There are 2 main groups of stainless steel that your pool ladders could be made from. If you have a salt water pool you should have “marine grade” type 316 stainless steel ladders to prevent rusting. They do cost more, however the added corrosion resistance is the only way to go for salt water pools.
Effective pool maintenance and routine monitoring of the pH level is an easy way to prevent damage and keep stress at bay this summer. For a professional consultation about your pools pH levels and how to manage them, contact us today!