pH measures how basic or acidic a substance is, on a scale from 0-14. If a liquid is under the measurement of 7, it is acidic; over, and it is basic. At seven, a substance is considered neutral. The average pH of a healthy swimming pool is 7.2-7.8, slightly basic, but perfect, as our eye’s pH is about 7.35. As we know from a heavily chlorinated pool, too much acid (corrosion) can cause problems, as well as can too much base (scaling).
The art of maintaining a swimming pool lies in the balance of the balance between the H+ ions and the OH- ones. Daily testing with a testing kit (http://www.indigo.com/test-strips/ph-test-strips.html ) is helpful to determine the pH of the pool. A discovery of too much variation from the 7.2-7.8 scale requires some action on your part, either an addition of a base to counteract the acid, or an addition of an acid to neutralize too much base. The results of your careful care are a working and fit pool, ready for longevity, as well as happy swimmers and pool owners.
For more information, visit http://www.havuz.org/pool_pool/pool_maintenance/water_testing/ph.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_17435_check-adjust-ph.html
http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/quality/wph.htm
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