Pool pH value is a measurement value that allows us to understand whether the pool water has acidic or basic properties. The pH values of the water in swimming pools should be measured at certain periods and should be kept at the ideal level by using chemical stabilizing materials depending on the result. Because the pH value of the pool is below or above ideal levels causes various health problems. In addition, the pH value of the swimming pool is of great importance in terms of the activity of other pool water chemicals. Substances such as chlorine added in proportion to the pH value of the pool water can only function in the appropriate pH range. The pH is adjusted by ensuring the ideal base and acid balance.
The pool pH regulator is a mechanism used to adjust the pH value of the pool water on average and to ensure that this setting is maintained. For this, pH regulators are used in liquid and powder form, which are mixed with pool water. It is recommended to use a pH measuring apparatus with powder and liquid regulators.
Things to consider when adjusting the pH of the pool:
The standard pH value of swimming pools should be between 7.2 - 7.6. The normal pH value should be obtained by measuring the pool water with pH test kits. When the pH value is exceeded or fixed to a lower extent than the value, the pool water becomes harmful to human health.
The pH value of the pool comes to an average level by providing acid and base balance. With the adjusted balanced pH value, corrosion and damage to materials such as tiles, joints, and coatings in the pool are prevented. In addition, the cleanliness of the pool water is directly related to the pH value. One of the reasons for water greening, contamination, or algae growth is the irregular pH value.
If the pH value of the pool is too high, the functionality of chlorine, another of the pool chemicals, decreases. Pool water cannot be cleaned sufficiently. As a result of this situation, calcification may occur and filters may become clogged. The bright and clear image in the pool water disappears. The high pH value, which is harmful to human health, causes burning around the face. It can also cause itching all over the body. Sodium bisulfate or sodium hydrogen sulfate can be used to lower the pH of the pool.
If the pH value of the pool is too low, the joints on the pool floor and walls begin to dissolve. Corrosion may occur in insulation and mechanical parts. Clothes such as swimsuits and bikinis used in the pool may be deformed. The low pH value, which is harmful to human health, causes burning around the face. It can also cause itching all over the body. Sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide can be used to increase the pH of the pool.
The pH value of the pool can change due to rain and snow water mixed into the pool water, the use of chlorine substances to a lesser or greater extent, the addition of dirty water to the pool, and the use of disinfectants to a lesser or greater extent. It is necessary to frequently check the pH value of swimming pools, which are affected by many known or unknown reasons, and to complete the changing substances as a result of measurements.
There are two main reasons for the low pH value of pools: firstly, the low pH value of the pool water itself, and secondly, the overuse of chlorine agents. It is very important to balance and keep the pH value of swimming pools constant. A low pH value can irritate human skin and cause many negative consequences that damage the pool structure.
Pool pH value can be measured with many materials such as test kits, digital test instruments, stick tests, pill tests, and tablet tests. The measurement method for each material is different. The most commonly used are test kits. First, the test kit is shaken with some water taken from the pool. Then a sample is taken from at least 30 cm depth of the pool water. It is added to the test kit and the result is expected. Necessary chemicals should be added to the pool according to the result range.
A pool pH test kit is an instrument for measuring pH, available as both a liquid test and a pill test. With most test kits, both pH and chlorine can be measured. The test kit includes a chlorine indicator, pH indicator, color scale, and instructions for use. Each test kit has a usage capacity. For example, kits with a maximum of 100 tests, kits with a maximum of 50 tests, etc.
Before using the pH test kit, it is necessary to rinse with pool water. The test should not be measured directly. After shaking the test tube, the water taken from 30 cm depth of the pool water is filled up to the marked place of the tube. Drip 2 drops of the Chlorine Indicator into the test tube. The test tube is shaken and the result is waited. The pH value is determined by matching the resulting color on the color scale. In the test kit measured with a pill, a pill is added into the water taken from the pool. In the same way, the tube is shaken and the result is expected. The pH value is determined by matching the resulting color on the color scale.
Products in liquid and powder forms used to reduce the pH level in pool water are called pH-reducing products. Approximately 1000 grams of pool pH reducer is used to reduce the pH ratio by 0.1 for every 100 m³ of water. It helps to reduce the pH value in the pool water in a controlled manner.
It is mandatory to wear gloves to use the pool pH-lowering powder. The required amount of the product is taken and a 10% solution is prepared and added to the pool water. The process is continued at regular intervals until the pool pH level is brought to the desired rate. The pH value brought to 7.2 - 7.6 levels with the pH reducer ensures that other pool chemicals work efficiently and become active.
The pool pH meter is a device that shows the value of the sample taken from the pool water both numerically and in writing. It gives results quickly. pH measurement is very easy. Many different brands and models of pH meters are practical and useful. The pH meter also shows the chlorine level.
In all types of pools, the pH value should be at least 7.2 pH and at most 7.6 pH. Swimming Pool Types do not differ in terms of pH values. Especially in Olympic pools used for competitions, pH measurement should be done more frequently than in other pools. If the pH values in the pools decrease or increase, the pool water should be supported with pool chemicals.