According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC) the balance between chlorine and pH (your disinfection team) provides the perfect balance for protection against recreational water illnesses. The CDC says these two chemical parameters are intimately linked: Adjusting one affects the other, so a balance is what is needed to maximize effectiveness of both. For example, at a pH greater than 8, the germ-killing power of chlorine becomes very low, increasing the odds that waterborne pathogens will not be killed. Additionally, the water is too basic (opposite of acidic) for swimmer comfort.
Lowering the pH helps raise the free chlorine concentration, which helps destroy waterborne pathogens, but lowering the pH of pool water below 7.2 makes the water too acidic for swimmer comfort. It can also lead to skin and eye irritation and even pipe corrosion.
So the ideal pH range for both swimmer comfort and disinfection effectiveness is between 7.2 and 7.8. As the CDC notes, “The best way to kill germs is by routinely measuring and adjusting both chlorine and pH levels.”
If you have any questions regarding pool safety, chemical treatments or advice for opening and closing your pool seasonally, just call Backyard Paradise Pools in Saucier, MS. We can also handle the complete installation and maintenance of your pool. Call to speak with one of our expert representatives today at 228-687-8133