Adjusting of the ph value

The correct pH value in the pool

The pH value - the p stands for the abbreviation pondus or potentia, the H for hydrogenii - of the pool water is one of the most important factors in water quality and care. It provides information about the concentration of hydrogen ions in the pool water, which roughly means that the pH value indicates whether the water is acidic, neutral or alkaline. The optimum value for your pool water should always be between 7.0 and 7.4. 7.0 is the value at which the water is neutral, i.e. neither alkaline nor acidic. Alkaline - which in the broadest sense means basic - has a pH value above 7.0. Acidic water is defined as having a pH value below 7.0. This is the basic rule: bases increase and acids decrease the pH value.

However, the terms "hard" or "soft water" are more commonly used. Hard (alkaline) water usually has a pH value above 7.0, soft (acidic) water a pH value below 7.0. The pH value of tap water varies and can range from 6.5 to 9.0. The pH value is important because too high or too low a value significantly increases the risk of damage to people and pools. If the pH is too high or too low, the effect of water care products - such as disinfectants or algae killers - is weakened. Regular measurement of the pH value of your pool water from 1 to 2 times a week is therefore essential.

What happens if the pH value in the pool is too low?

In general, a too low pH value - below 7.0 on the scale - means that the pool water is too acidic. We speak of soft water at values below 7.0. The consequences of a too low value can be: The effect of flocculant is inhibited by a value that is too low. The smell of chlorine is intensified. The pool water becomes increasingly corrosive and decomposes metallic parts of the pool. However, a pH value that is too low tends to occur less frequently.

What happens if the pH value in the pool is too high?

A too high pH value is more frequent and more likely. It is sometimes mistakenly believed that alkaline values do not have a serious effect on the bathing water. This is probably due to the fact that acids have fallen into disrepute in the diet.

Bath water that is too alkaline, i.e. has a value above 7.0 or 7.4, destroys the natural balance of acids and bases on the mucous membranes and the skin surface and can lead to increased irritation. A value of more than 7.4 gradually makes the water cloudy, as more lime deposits are formed. The effect of flocculants and disinfectants is strongly inhibited by a value that is too high. The harder the water - which corresponds to pH-values from 7.0 - the more calcareous it is and the more lime deposits develop in the pool.

What influences the pH value?

The water temperature, environmental influences and bathing frequency have a significant effect on the pH value. Regular checks once or twice a week are therefore necessary for health and safety reasons.

Using test strips and measuring devices, you can check the pH value for the ideal value of 7.0 to 7.4. If the value you have measured is too low or too high, pH value lifters or pH value reducers help you to reach the ideal value. The aqua correct products from Steinbach are produced in Austria, tested according to strict quality standards and are ideally suited for optimal water treatment. pH value lowering or raising agents, but also disinfectants and flocculants change the value to a greater or lesser extent. After the addition of chemical agents, the pH value should therefore be measured at intervals of several hours in order to obtain a meaningful result.

Hard water, which naturally contains more lime, increases the pH value. With hard water, it is advisable to use a hardness stabiliser in addition to a pH reducer. This reduces lime deposits and prevents water clouding. As with all chemical additives, please observe the warnings.