How to Check and Adjust pH Levels in a Swimming Pool

Your swimming pool's pH levels are important to understand and control if you want to have a long, fun pool season.

Steps:
1. Purchase a pH test kit from the Laguna Pool Service Online Store, a swimming pool dealership or supply center. Kits usually consist of chemically treated paper strips that react to the acid or alkaline levels in the water.

2. Dip one end of a single strip into the pool. It takes only a second to wet the paper.

3. Note how the strip turns from white to a shade of blue or purple. Compare the color to the chart that comes with the kit. A lighter color indicates alkalinity, and a darker color indicates acidity. If the color of your test strip falls outside the acceptable range as indicated on the chart, proceed with the next steps.

4. Use a pH increaser (also available at pool supply centers) to adjust and maintain correct levels if the water is acidic. (Acidic water causes burning eyes, corrodes metals and eats away at plastic and rubber.)

5. Add a pH decreaser to adjust and maintain correct levels if the water is alkaline. (Alkaline water leaves a dry feeling on the skin, looks cloudy and causes a scale to form on any surfaces that it contacts.)


Tips:
Adjusting and maintaining your pool's pH levels will protect your equipment and make swimmers more comfortable.

While at your pool supply center, it's a good idea to pick up a sanitizer test kit, which kills thousands of kinds of bacteria that can form in your pool, as well as your pH test kit. You'll need both kits all season long.

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