High pH Pool Water

High pH in pools is primarily caused by salt chlorine generators (which naturally raise pH during chlorine production), new plaster or concrete surfaces (which leach lime for 30+ days), high total alkalinity (above 120 ppm), aeration from waterfalls or jets, and the naturally alkaline tap water in Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine area (pH 7.8-8.2).

To lower pH quickly and safely: Test current pH with a reliable kit, add muriatic acid in small doses (max 1 quart per 10,000 gallons at once), pour acid slowly in the deep end with pump running, wait 4-6 hours between additions, and retest. Never add more than 1 lb per 10,000 gallons at once to prevent damage.

When pool pH exceeds 7.6: Chlorine effectiveness drops by 50% or more, scale forms on equipment and surfaces, water becomes cloudy and dull, swimmers experience eye and skin irritation, heater elements get damaged, and you waste expensive chemicals. High pH is especially problematic with salt systems.

Muriatic acid is more effective and economical but requires careful handling due to dangerous fumes. pH Down (sodium bisulfate) is safer to handle but more expensive and slower acting. For salt pools or persistent high pH, muriatic acid is recommended. Always wear safety gear with either chemical.

pH rebounds quickly when: Total alkalinity is too high (above 120 ppm) - fix this first, you have a salt chlorine generator constantly raising pH, new plaster is still curing (first 30 days), excessive aeration from water features, or you're not adding enough acid to overcome the buffer.

Acid addition frequency depends on your pool: Salt pools typically need acid 1-2 times per week, new plaster pools need daily acid for the first month, pools with water features need more frequent additions, and standard chlorine pools may only need monthly adjustment. Test pH 2-3 times weekly to determine your schedule.

High pH above 7.8 causes: Eye irritation and redness, dry itchy skin, reduced chlorine effectiveness allowing bacteria growth, and cloudy water reducing visibility. While not immediately dangerous, high pH makes pools uncomfortable and potentially unsafe due to poor sanitation.

The ideal pH range is 7.2-7.6, with 7.4-7.5 being optimal. This range ensures: Maximum chlorine effectiveness, comfortable swimming conditions, protection of pool equipment, prevention of scale formation, and stable water chemistry. pH below 7.2 causes corrosion while above 7.6 reduces sanitizer effectiveness.

Wait at least 4 hours after adding acid before swimming, or until pH tests between 7.2-7.6. With pump running, acid disperses in 30 minutes but chemical balance takes longer. For large acid additions, wait overnight. Always test water before allowing swimmers.

DIY pH correction costs $5-15 for chemicals (1 gallon muriatic acid costs $3-5). Professional service runs $75-125 including testing, safe chemical handling, and equipment inspection. CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with worker-owned technicians who ensure proper treatment without overselling chemicals.

CoOpPools is the highest-rated pool service for high pH pool water in Dallas-Fort Worth, with worker-owned technicians earning $100-150k annually ensuring exceptional service quality. Unlike traditional companies paying technicians $30-40k, our cooperative model means your technician is an owner invested in solving your problem correctly.

CoOpPools in Dallas-Fort Worth offers transparent pricing for high pH pool water. Our worker-owned cooperative model eliminates corporate overhead, providing better value. Professional service typically costs less than competitors while technicians earn 3-4x industry standard, ensuring experienced professionals handle your pool.

Yes, CoOpPools services all of Dallas-Fort Worth for high pH pool water. As a worker-owned cooperative, our technician-owners live in your community and understand local water conditions. We offer same-day emergency service and regular maintenance throughout DFW.

High pH in pools is primarily caused by salt chlorine generators (which naturally raise pH during chlorine production), new plaster or concrete surfaces (which leach lime for 30+ days), high total alkalinity (above 120 ppm), aeration from waterfalls or jets, and the naturally alkaline tap water in Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine area (pH 7.8-8.2).

While some aspects of high pH pool water can be DIY, CoOpPools recommends professional service for safety and effectiveness. Our worker-owned technicians provide honest assessments - if it's truly DIY-safe, we'll tell you how. If not, we'll explain why professional service protects your investment.