# Raising pH in Pools Using Bleach
The pH balance of a swimming pool is essential to protecting the pool structure itself and making swimming comfortable and enjoyable. When a pool's pH is too low, there is too much acid in the water. This may lead to plaster or grout erosion, along with metal corrosion to various pump and pool components. Swimmers may experience burning of the eyes and nose and dry and itchy skin. Bleach is highly alkaline. Adding it will raise the pH, though do so cautiously.
Things You'll Need
- Pool testing kit
- Chlorine bleach
Instructions
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1
Check the pool pH and free available chlorine levels with a pool testing kit to confirm you are dealing with low pH. Ideal pH ranges for the pool should be between 7.4 and 7.6, with free chlorine levels of 2 to 4 ppm.
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2
Determine how much bleach you need to add. One gallon of chlorine bleach increases available chlorine levels by approximately 2 ppm. Assume you need to raise the available chlorine by 6 ppm, you would add 3 gallons.
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3
Pour the bleach directly into the skimmer carefully, avoiding splashing or contact with trichlor tabs in the skimmer.
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4
Retest the water to confirm that you have added enough bleach and that the pH balance is within desired levels.
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1
Swimming Pools & Spas
- Precautions for Warm-Water Pools
- DIY: Above Ground Pools Using Blocks
- Do-it-Yourself Cement Pools
- Soft-Sided Vs. Hard-Sided Above-Ground Pools
- Installation of Fiberglass Pools
- Pavers vs. Wood Around Pools
- How to Kill Black Algae With Bleach in Drained Swimming Pools
- Inground Pool Alternatives
- Algae Growth in Swimming Pools
- Is pH Important in Swimming Pools?
- Types of Fiberglass Pools
- The Difference in Pools
