Keeping Your New Pool Surface Pristine: Avoiding High pH

Posted on May 15th, 2025

Imagine stepping into your backyard, greeted by the glistening reflection of sunlight dancing on the calm surface of your freshly filled pool. It's this pristine allure that makes owning a pool feel like having a personal oasis just steps away from your door. However, ensuring that your pool keeps its fresh and inviting appearance doesn't just happen naturally. Behind the scenes, there's a complex balancing act occurring, primarily involving your water's chemistry. 

Understanding pH and Its Role in Pool Water

Maintaining balanced pH levels in pool water is one of the most important aspects of pool care. pH measures how acidic or alkaline the water is on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Pool water should ideally maintain a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to provide optimal swimmer comfort and to support the effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals. When pH drifts outside this range, it impacts water quality and can create problems for pool surfaces and equipment.

The pH level influences several chemical reactions within the pool. For example, a balanced pH allows chlorine to disinfect water efficiently, reducing bacteria and algae growth. If pH rises too high, chlorine’s effectiveness diminishes, leading to cloudy water and potential health risks. Conversely, low pH causes water to become corrosive, damaging pool surfaces and gear. Being familiar with the role pH plays helps you appreciate why consistent monitoring and adjustment are key parts of maintaining a safe and inviting swimming environment.

Besides sanitation, pH balance also affects water clarity and swimmer comfort. Unbalanced pH can lead to skin and eye irritation or discomfort during swimming sessions. Keeping the pH within the recommended range protects the investment you’ve made in your pool, prevents damage, and enhances overall enjoyment. Regular testing and proper chemical treatments form the foundation of a healthy pool ecosystem, ensuring your pool water stays fresh and inviting season after season.

Why High pH Levels Pose a Threat

When pH levels climb above the ideal range, the pool water becomes increasingly alkaline. This shift has several consequences that can degrade the pool’s overall condition and the swimming experience. One of the primary issues with high pH is that it reduces chlorine's ability to sanitize effectively. Chlorine exists mainly in two forms in water: hypochlorous acid (active sanitizer) and hypochlorite ion (less active). As pH increases, the balance shifts towards the less effective form, meaning more chlorine is needed to achieve the same sanitizing power. This imbalance can lead to water that is inadequately disinfected, increasing the risk of algae growth and bacteria.

High pH also encourages the precipitation of calcium carbonate, which can settle on pool surfaces and equipment as scale. This scale buildup not only affects the pool’s visual appeal with unsightly white or gray patches but can clog filters and reduce circulation efficiency. Over time, these deposits may cause permanent damage to plaster finishes and other materials. Swimmers may notice the water becoming cloudy, a result of suspended particles that aren’t filtered out efficiently due to imbalanced chemistry.

In addition to these practical issues, elevated pH levels often cause physical discomfort for swimmers. High pH water can cause skin dryness and irritation, and swimmers may experience red, itchy eyes. Such discomfort can deter regular use of the pool, undermining the recreational value it offers. Managing pH carefully is therefore key to sustaining both water quality and swimmer satisfaction.

Consequences of High pH in New Plaster Pools

Maintaining appropriate pH is especially critical in pools with new plaster surfaces. These fresh surfaces are more vulnerable to chemical imbalances and can suffer damage if water chemistry is not carefully controlled. When high pH develops in a newly plastered pool, several issues commonly arise:

• Scaling: Excess calcium carbonate deposits form on the plaster surface, creating rough, chalky patches that diminish the smooth finish.

• Etching: Prolonged exposure to imbalanced water chemistry can cause the plaster to corrode or pit, weakening its integrity.

• Discoloration: High pH can contribute to staining, causing unsightly blotches that mar the pool’s appearance.

• Equipment Damage: Scale buildup on pumps, filters, and heaters reduces efficiency and leads to increased wear.

• Increased Maintenance Costs: Frequent cleaning, repairs, or resurfacing may be necessary to restore the pool’s look and functionality.

The vulnerability of new plaster underscores the importance of vigilant pH control in the early stages of pool ownership. Proper balance prevents these consequences and protects your investment, ensuring your pool surface remains pristine and durable over time. Professional monitoring and timely chemical adjustments form the best defense against the effects of high pH on new plaster.

Visible Signs: Identifying High pH Issues

Spotting signs of high pH early can save time and money, preventing more serious damage or discomfort. Knowing what to look for helps you maintain a healthier pool environment.

Signs often include:

• White or Gray Scale Deposits: Appearing on pool surfaces, waterlines, and steps, these deposits are common indicators of calcium buildup linked to high pH.

• Cloudy Water: Reduced sanitizer efficiency and suspended particles cause the water to lose clarity, making it less inviting.

• Reduced Chlorine Effectiveness: Increased chemical usage without improved sanitation signals pH imbalance.

• Skin and Eye Irritation: Swimmers may complain of dry skin or red eyes following pool use.

• Surface Staining: Areas of discoloration on plaster or tile indicate chemical imbalance affecting the pool finish.

Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to take corrective action before the issues escalate. Regular visual inspections combined with chemical testing help maintain the balance needed for both aesthetics and swimmer safety. Addressing these signs promptly ensures your pool remains a refreshing and enjoyable retreat.

Prevention and Correction Strategies

Maintaining proper pH levels involves routine monitoring and proactive treatment. A strategic maintenance plan reduces the likelihood of high pH and its damaging effects. Here’s how monitoring and control are important:

• Test pool water pH regularly with reliable kits, aiming for a range between 7.2 and 7.6.

• Use pH reducers like muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate when levels rise above the target range.

• Maintain total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm to stabilize pH fluctuations.

• Adjust chemical levels after events like heavy rainfall or increased pool usage.

• Implement regular cleaning and filter maintenance to support chemical balance.

By adhering to these steps, you protect your pool’s surfaces and equipment while ensuring swimmer comfort. These preventative measures minimize costly repairs and extend the life of your pool components. Developing a disciplined maintenance routine allows you to enjoy your pool with confidence and peace of mind throughout the season.

Related:  Quick and Easy Pool Cleaning Tips for Orlando Homes

Conclusion

Keeping your pool’s pH balanced is foundational to both its longevity and your enjoyment. High pH levels can lead to visible damage, reduced sanitizer effectiveness, and discomfort during swimming. Especially in new plaster pools, vigilance in monitoring and adjusting water chemistry is needed to prevent scaling, staining, and equipment problems. With consistent care, you can maintain crystal-clear water and a safe, comfortable swimming environment.

At Blissful Waters Pool Care, LLC, we combine experience and dedication to help you preserve your pool’s health. Our services cover routine inspections, precise chemical adjustments, and expert repairs to keep your pool equipment functioning optimally. Trust our skilled technicians to identify and resolve pH-related issues promptly, ensuring your pool remains a source of relaxation and enjoyment.

Contact us today at [email protected] or (407) 922-8399 to schedule a consultation. Let us support your commitment to maintaining a beautiful and balanced pool all year round.