What is the ideal pH range for swimming pool water?

The ideal pH range for swimming pool water is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and equipment longevity. In maintaining a pH between 7.2 to 7.8, you provide an environment that balances the effectiveness of disinfectants, particularly chlorine, while also minimizing irritation to swimmers' skin and eyes. This range is important because:

• A pH level below 7.2 can lead to increased chlorine effectiveness, which might sound beneficial, but it can also cause skin and eye irritation. Additionally, water in this range can corrode pool equipment and surfaces, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.

• Conversely, if the pH level rises above 7.8, the water can become too alkaline. This can result in decreased disinfection efficiency and may cause scale buildup in the pool and equipment, creating further problems.

Maintaining the pH within the range of 7.2 to 7.8 creates a neutral or slightly basic environment that is suitable for most pool operations, helping to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for swimmers while also protecting the infrastructure of the pool itself.