Ideal pool ph range
What is pH?
pH measures how acidic or basic your pool water is on a 0-14 scale, with 7 as neutral. Pool water is kept slightly above neutral to stay close to the pH of the human eye and skin.
Why it matters
pH outside the acceptable range irritates skin and eyes, and it changes how well other chemicals work: low pH corrodes metal equipment and pool surfaces, while high pH clouds the water and makes chlorine far less effective at sanitizing.
How to raise pH
Add a pH increaser (typically sodium carbonate, sold as soda ash) in small doses, retesting between additions since it acts quickly.
How to lower pH
Add a pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid) in small doses, and aerate the water afterward if total alkalinity is also on the high side.
How often to test
At least weekly; most pool professionals recommend testing more often during heavy swimming use or after rain.
Get the exact dose to bring pH into range for your pool's volume — free, instant, no sign-up.
Related parameters
Track this with Skimmer — log water tests and keep every reading in one place.
See pricing →