(Newswire.net — September 11, 2019) — pH is used to measure how basic or acidic water is. The pH levels range from 0-14. If the pH level is 7, it shows that the water is neutral while anything above 7 indicates that the water is basic. A level that is less than 7 is a clear indication that the water is acidic. The proper pH level for pool should accommodate a swimmer.
Proper pH Level for Pool
A pH level of 7.4, which makes water slightly basic, is the best for pools. This is also the pH level in the mucus membrane and human eyes and therefore will not have any negative effects on the swimmer. Maintaining the said pH also makes it easy for chlorine disinfection.
Negative Impacts of High and Low pH Levels on Pool Water
Swimming in basic water will cause skin irritation to the swimmer. It will also make it difficult to disinfect the pool using chlorine and may cause the water to turn brown or black depending on the depth of the pool. Lime precipitation and cloudiness are other negative effects of having a high pH level in pools — especially for indoor pools. Sodium bisulphate is used to lower pH levels in pools. Acidic water causes irritation to the eyes of the swimmer. It is also known to affect the mucous membranes. Low pH is aggressive and causes damage to mechanical parts of the pool as well as the pool liner. To raise fallen pH levels, sodium carbonate is used.
There are two types of chlorine; organic and inorganic chlorine. Organic chlorine (trichloroisocyanuric acid) is used for weekly chlorination while inorganic chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) is used for daily as well as shock chlorination. Sodium hypochlorite, which is in liquid form, is another example of inorganic chlorine.
How Chlorine Disinfection Takes Place
When organic or inorganic chlorine is used, it is the free chlorine particles that kill bacteria and other contaminants. Chlorine is then converted to chloramines or combined chlorine. This substance has a foul smell, causes eye and mucus membrane irritation and does not disinfect. Shock chlorination with calcium hypochlorite lowers the combined chlorine in the pool. As a result, the level of chlorine rises dramatically, affecting pH levels. Factors that affect chlorine consumption in the water include frequency of use, access to sunlight and water temperature.
When organic chlorine is used on a weekly basis, cyanuric acid accumulates, making it hard to disinfect the pools. Cyanuric acid is removed from the pool by adding water from the main supply. Having cyanuric acid in outdoor pools is an advantage. This is because it prevents the sun from breaking down chlorine in the pool, therefore acting as a chlorine stabilizer. Outdoor pools should have cyanuric acid levels of between 30-50 mg/l.
Bottom Line
Pool owners need to regularly check for proper pH level for pool, regardless of the type of swimming pool whether outdoor or indoor. This will prevent eye and skin irritation and lime precipitation. The mechanical parts of the pool as well as the pool liners will also last longer under proper pH levels and if you follow proper cleaning tips. Avoid spending money on repairs by simply maintaining the right pH levels when you refill your pool with water or are simply maintaining it.