What should be done if pool water becomes excessively acidic?

Adding a base, such as sodium bicarbonate, is the appropriate action to take when pool water becomes excessively acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. When the pH level drops below 7, the water is considered acidic, which can cause corrosion of pool equipment, irritation to swimmers’ skin and eyes, and can also impair the effectiveness of chlorine in sanitation.

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used to raise the pH level of the water, returning it to a more neutral state. When added, it not only helps to increase pH but also adjusts total alkalinity, which can further stabilize pH levels over time.

Simple adjustments with sodium bicarbonate are generally more manageable and safer than the drastic measure of draining and refilling the pool, which is often impractical and expensive. Increasing chlorine levels is not an effective or appropriate response to acidity, as it does not address the underlying issue of pH balance. Lastly, adding more acid would only exacerbate the problem, making the water even more acidic. Therefore, the use of a base like sodium bicarbonate is both the necessary and most effective approach in managing excessively acidic pool water.