What can affect a pool’s pH level?
First of all, the sanitizer you’re using can affect pH. Some can increase pH, like calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite. Trichlor tablets, sticks and pucks have a tendency to reduce pH. Also, rainwater can definitely affect pH. Most rainwater today is acidic, so that will reduce pH. Q: Why do some pool owners find it difficult to maintain their pool’s pH? A: Most people think pH—which is the measure of the acidity or basicity of the water—is measured on an arithmetic scale. But it’s actually measured on a logarithmic scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. What that means is a pH of 8 is 10 times more basic than a pH of 7. A pH of 9 is 10 times more basic than a pH of 8. So a pH of 9 is 100 times more basic than a pH of 7. Some people think their pH may be a little off. Here’s the shocker: Your pH is never a little off. If a person thinks their pH is just a point off at 8.5, multiply that by a factor of 10! The pH scale is kind of like the Richter scale for earthquakes. An earth
