There’s a lot to consider as a pool owner when it comes to fiberglass pool maintenance. What equipment should you use and how often? What settings on your cleaner/heater are best? When should you call a service provider?
One question you’ll always hear of course is “how do I control the pH levels in my pool?” We’re going to go into detail about water pH and how it applies to fiberglass pool maintenance.

What Exactly Is pH?

A pool’s pH level is a measure of the acid-base balance in the water. It’s measured on a scale from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic). The scale is logarithmic, so the difference between two points on the scale is larger than you think.
pH is a general scientific term used in all kinds of fields such as engineering, biology, and medicine. Related to pool ownership, pH balancing is considered an essential skill for fiberglass pool maintenance. Most experts recommend a pool pH of 7.2 to 7.8.

Why Does It Matter?

If the pH is too low, the water can corrode metal components that irritate the skin. If the pH is too high, it can cloud the water and cause scaling on the surface. Extreme pH levels also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine treatments by factors of 10 and can irritate swimmers’ eyes and skin.
With chlorine, in particular, high acid content causes the chemical to dissipate too quickly to do its job. When the pH is too basic, chlorine has difficulty destroying the pathogens in the pool’s water.

How to Fix High pH

Pools tend to lean towards higher pH values when left untreated since most chlorine treatments are basic, as are many leaves and natural debris that fall into the pool over time.
Of course, the best way to fight a base is with an acid to cancel it out. A muriatic acid is a reliable option, essentially a weaker version of hydrochloric acid. Both are dangerous to the touch, so many pool owners opt for the safer (and slightly less effective) sodium bisulfite treatment.
Wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles. Pour in the chemicals while the pool pump is running and gradually add more until the pH balances out.

How to Fix Low pH

Acidic pool water is a rather rare occurrence and usually only occurs as a result of acid rain and extreme environments. However, if you find yourself with an acid problem, add a base to cancel it out. In this case, you want sodium carbonate.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance | Elite Pools | Thornhill, Oakville, GTA

Of course, there are more factors related to fiberglass pool maintenance than just pH. Other considerations include calcium hardness and dissolved solids in the water. If you need help with pool maintenance, then there’s only one company to call.
There’s a lot to keep track of when owning a swimming pool, but the amount of fun you and your family will have in the summer makes all the effort worth it.
Get in contact with us over at Elite Pools for the best fiberglass pool maintenance, equipment, accessories, and repairs in the nation. We serve homes across Thornhill, Oakville, and the GTA with all kinds of services related to vinyl or fiberglass pool ownership.
• pH is a common consideration when it comes to fiberglass pool maintenance. If the pH is too acidic, it can irritate the eyes and corrode metals and plastics. If the pH is too basic, it can cause clouding and scaling.
• In both cases,
• Need some help? Call up Canada’s leading provider of pool maintenance and installation, Elite Pools.