Whether you have a pop-up pool like mine or an in-ground oasis, maintaining proper pH balance is essential. The ideal pool pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, as this range keeps the water comfortable for swimmers while effectively sanitizing the water.
But if your pool pH is too high, simply add appropriate amounts of muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. I’ll explain how.
| • Project difficulty: Easy to moderate • Total time: 30 min (plus a minimum 4 hours wait time) • Project cost: $20 to $40 for chemicals and safety gear |
What pH Level is Too High?
Anything above 7.8 is considered too high and needs to be addressed. Swimming in water with a high pH is not recommended as it can cause:
- Scale buildup: A chalky white or gray deposit that can clog filters and damage other pool parts.
- Cloudy water: Murky, grimy-looking water that’s less than inviting.
- Less sanitary: Reduced chlorine effectiveness, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply.
- Uncomfortable for swimmers: Causes stinging eyes and skin irritation.
Quick tip: Hot climates require more frequent pH testing and adjustments. High temperatures speed up evaporation, which concentrates minerals and raises pH levels. I deal with this issue constantly with my pool during scorching Texas summers.
Two Ways to Lower pH
Skip unreliable home remedies, as they are usually ineffective and can damage your pool. Instead, use specialized pool chemicals like muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. When used properly, these chemicals are safe and will effectively lower your pool’s pH level.
Safety first: Always wear protective gear, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves, and closed shoes. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets away during treatment. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions carefully and never exceed recommended amounts.
1. Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid is highly effective for lowering pH, but it’s a dangerous chemical that should be handled cautiously. This strong acid can cause severe burns, respiratory problems, and damage to eyes and skin if mishandled.
- Test: Check your pool’s current pH level using a commercially available test kit
- Calculate: Use 1 quart per 15,000 gallons if the pH is above 7.8
- Add: Pour acid slowly near the return jets with the pump running. NEVER add water to acid; always add acid to water
- Wait: Keep people and pets away from the pool area for at least 4 to 6 hours before retesting
Muriatic Acid Dosage Chart
| pH | 1,000 gal | 5,000 gal | 10,000 gal | 15,000 gal | 20,000 gal |
| 7.6 – 7.8 | 1.25 oz. | 6 oz. | 12 oz. | 18 oz. | 24 oz. |
| 7.8 – 8.0 | 1.5 oz. | 8 oz. | 16 oz. | 24 oz. | 1 qt. |
| 8.0 – 8.4 | 2.5 oz. | 12 oz. | 24 oz. | 1.25 qts. | 1.5 qts. |
| Over 8.4 | 3 oz. | 16 oz. | 1 qt. | 1.5 qts. | 2 qts. |
2. Sodium Bisulfate (Dry Acid)
- Test: Measure the pH of your pool water
- Calculate: Use 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons if pH is above 7.8
- Add: Broadcast powder evenly across the deep end while the pump is running
- Wait: Allow 4 to 6 hours for the chemical to circulate before retesting pH levels. Keeping people and pets out until complete
Sodium Bisulfate (Dry Acid) Dosage Chart
| pH | 1,000 gal | 5,000 gal | 10,000 gal | 15,000 gal | 20,000 gal |
| 7.6 – 7.8 | 2.5 oz. | 12 oz. | 1.5 lbs. | 2.25 lbs. | 3 lbs. |
| 7.8 – 8.0 | 3 oz. | 1 lb. | 2 lbs. | 3 lbs. | 4 lbs. |
| 8.0 – 8.4 | 5 oz. | 1.5 lbs. | 3 lbs. | 4.5 lbs. | 6 lbs. |
| Over 8.4 | 6 oz. | 2 lbs. | 4 lbs. | 6 lbs. | 8 lbs. |
How to Calculate Your Pool Volume
Pool Volume Calculator
To add the correct amount of chemicals, you’ll need to know your pool’s volume in gallons. Here’s how to find it:
- Rectangular pools: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Average Depth (ft) x 7.5 = Volume in gallons
Example: If your pool is 30 feet long, 15 feet wide, and has an average depth of 5 feet: 30 × 15 × 5 × 7.5 = 16,875 gallons
- Round pools: 3.14 x radius squared (ft) x average depth (ft) x 7.5 = volume (in gallons)
Example: If your round pool has a radius of 5 feet and an average depth of 3 feet: 3.14 × 5² × 3 × 7.5 = 1,766.25 gallons
What Causes High pH in Pools?
Multiple factors can affect your pool’s pH balance, including:
- Swimmers: Pool users influence water chemistry when they introduce substances like sweat, oils, sunscreen, and other substances into the water.
- Natural elements: Rainwater, dirt, debris, and wind-blown contaminants can all affect your pool’s pH levels.
- Pool systems: Various pool equipment affects pH differently. Salt chlorination systems gradually increase pH, while chlorine tablets decrease it. Additionally, pool surfaces such as plaster and concrete slowly raise pH as they release minerals into the water.
FAQ About How to Lower pH in a Pool
Vinegar is not recommended. While vinegar can technically lower pool pH, it’s ineffective. For any noticeable effect, you would need 5 to 10 gallons of vinegar for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. This large amount of vinegar would introduce too much organic material into your pool, which could lead to bacterial growth and other issues.
No. Baking soda, also known as soda ash or sodium bicarbonate, is inherently alkaline, boasting a pH of 8. When you introduce baking soda into your pool water, you’ll witness an elevation in pH and alkalinity levels.
Using water features like fountains or pool aerators creates bubbles that help release carbon dioxide from the water. As the carbon dioxide escapes, the water’s pH will decrease while maintaining the same alkalinity level.
Expert Pool pH Management
Now that you have all the knowledge needed to maintain your pool’s perfect pH balance, you’re ready to take action. While this guide provides the essential steps for testing and chemical treatment, we understand that pool maintenance isn’t everyone’s forte. If you find yourself hesitating with pool chemistry, Home Gnome is here to help.
Home Gnome delivers the best pool service experience at the click of a button. Simply book one of our reliable, professional pool services and leave the chemistry calculations and maintenance to us.
Related Reading
Deepen your understanding of pool maintenance with these comprehensive guides that cover essential aspects of pool chemistry and care:
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