Your pool water looks cloudy. Your skin feels itchy after swimming. High pH is likely the problem, and it affects most pools during summer months here in Long Beach.
When pool pH climbs above 7.8, chlorine loses much of its sanitizing power. Your water can’t fight algae and bacteria properly. Scale builds up on your tile and equipment.
This guide shows you exactly how to lower pH in pool water safely. You’ll get clear measurements and two proven chemical methods. We’ve been balancing pool chemistry throughout Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Los Alamitos for 10 years. We know what works in our coastal climate.
You’ll learn why pH rises in the first place. We’ll cover how to test accurately and which chemical to choose. Then you get step-by-step instructions for both muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate. Finally, we’ll show you how to keep pH stable so you don’t fight this battle every week.
Table of Contents
How Do You Lower pH in a Pool Fast?
To lower pH in a pool fast, follow these steps:
- Test your current pH and total alkalinity levels
- Calculate how much acid you need based on pool size and current readings
- Add muriatic acid (fastest option) or sodium bisulfate to the deep end with pump running
- Wait 4-6 hours, then retest both pH and alkalinity
- Repeat the process if pH is still above 7.6
For a 20,000-gallon pool with pH at 8.0 and normal alkalinity, you’ll typically need 1-2 quarts of muriatic acid. The exact amount depends on your total alkalinity level. Always add acid to water. Never pour water into acid.
Important: Maintain a pH level around 7.4 for optimal swimming conditions. Dosing calculations are estimates. Your pool may need more or less depending on alkalinity, temperature, and surface type. Start with 75% of calculated dose.
Need help balancing your pool chemistry? See our residential chemical balancing services in Long Beach.
Why Pool pH Goes Up (Understanding High pH)
Evaporation is your first enemy in our Long Beach climate. When water evaporates, minerals stay behind and concentrate. This increases total dissolved solids and pushes pH higher during hot months.
High total alkalinity acts like a pH buffer. If your alkalinity sits above 120 ppm, it keeps pushing pH upward no matter what you do. You have to address both numbers together.
Shocking with calcium hypochlorite adds alkaline compounds to your water. Each time you shock, you’re fighting an upward pH trend. Same thing happens with certain pool surfaces.
Pool plaster releases calcium into the water as it cures. New plaster can raise pH for months. Hard water from our local sources adds to the problem of maintaining the correct pH level. Properties in Belmont Shore and Naples deal with this constantly.
We see seasonal patterns in coastal areas. Salt air and higher temperatures in Seal Beach and Alamitos Bay speed up evaporation. That means pH climbs faster from May through September.
What Happens When Pool pH Is Too High
Chlorine effectiveness drops significantly when pH rises above 7.8. The active sanitizing form of chlorine (hypochlorous acid) decreases as pH increases. Your sanitizer can’t kill bacteria and algae properly. You’re wasting money on chemicals that don’t work well.
Cloudy water develops because minerals precipitate out of solution. Calcium and other compounds form tiny particles floating in your pool. No amount of vacuuming fixes this until you correct pH.
Scale forms on your pool surfaces, tile line, and equipment. You’ll see white crusty deposits on everything. Heater elements fail faster. Pump seals wear out sooner. Filter efficiency drops.
Your skin and eyes feel irritated above pH 7.8. Swimmers complain about burning eyes and itchy skin. Kids don’t want to use the pool. That defeats the whole purpose of owning one.
Equipment damage accelerates with high pH water. Heaters work harder and fail sooner. Metal components corrode faster. You’re looking at expensive repairs that proper pH balance prevents.
Muriatic Acid vs. Sodium Bisulfate: Which pH Reducer Works Best
You have two main options for lowering pH. Each one works differently and fits different situations.
Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) works faster and costs less. You can buy a gallon for about $8 at any pool supply store. It lowers pH quickly, usually within 4-6 hours. But you need to handle it carefully with proper safety gear. It produces dangerous fumes that can irritate your lungs and eyes.
Sodium bisulfate (dry acid) is safer to store and pour. It comes in granular form, so no fumes or splashing liquid. You’ll pay about $12-15 for a 5-pound container that equals roughly one gallon of muriatic acid in pH-lowering power. The tradeoff is it takes longer to work, around 6-8 hours, especially when trying to lower high pH levels.
Here’s the comparison:
| Factor | Muriatic Acid | Sodium Bisulfate |
| Speed | 4-6 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Cost can vary depending on the chemicals needed for proper pool maintenance. | $8/gallon | $12-15 for 5 lbs |
| Safety | Dangerous fumes, requires gear | Safer to handle |
| Storage | Liquid, needs ventilation | Dry powder, easier storage |
| Effect on Alkalinity | Lowers more aggressively | Gentler on alkalinity |
| Best For | Fast correction, high alkalinity | Small adjustments, easier handling |
Muriatic acid lowers total alkalinity more than sodium bisulfate. That’s helpful if both your pH and alkalinity are high. We use muriatic acid on most commercial properties in Long Beach where both numbers need correction.
Sodium bisulfate works better for small adjustments. If your alkalinity is already in range (80-120 ppm), dry acid won’t drop it too low. Homeowners in Rossmoor and Lakewood often prefer it because handling feels safer.
Our commercial clients in downtown Long Beach and the hotel district use muriatic acid for speed. When you’re maintaining pools running 24/7, fast correction matters. Residential clients often choose sodium bisulfate for peace of mind.
See our pool chemistry service pricing if you’d rather have us handle the chemicals.
How to Lower pH in Pool with Muriatic Acid (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Calculate Your Dose for the swimming pool.
As a starting point, you need approximately 1 quart of muriatic acid per 10,000 gallons to lower pH by 0.2 points when alkalinity is normal (80-120 ppm). A 20,000-gallon pool at pH 8.0 might need 1-2 quarts to reach 7.4-7.5.
Important: High alkalinity requires more acid to balance the pH without raising it too high. These calculations are estimates. Use a pool calculator app or chemical dosing calculator for precise amounts. Always start with 75% of the calculated amount on your first treatment.
Step 2: Put on Safety Gear
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles. Long sleeves protect your skin. Work outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Muriatic acid produces dangerous fumes that can burn your lungs and eyes. Work upwind from the acid. Keep a water hose nearby in case of splashes. Never work with muriatic acid in enclosed spaces.
Step 3: Add Acid to Water
Turn on your pool pump so water circulates. Walk to the deep end of your pool. Pour acid slowly into the water while walking along the edge. Hold the container low to the water surface to minimize splashing and fumes. Never add water to acid – always acid to water.
Step 4: Wait Before Retesting
Leave the pool alone for 4-6 hours minimum. Don’t let anyone swim during this time. The pH continues to drop after you add acid. Water needs time to mix thoroughly through all the circulation.
Step 5: Test Both pH and Alkalinity
Test your pH and total alkalinity after 6 hours. If pH is still above 7.6, repeat the process with another dose. Check alkalinity too because muriatic acid lowers both numbers. Most pools in our area need two treatments when pH starts above 8.0.
We’ve learned to dose conservatively on the first treatment. It’s easier to add more acid than to raise pH back up if you overshoot. Properties in Westminster and Cypress with older plaster need extra care.
Storage Safety: Store muriatic acid in its original container. Keep it away from other pool chemicals, especially chlorine products. Store in a cool, ventilated area away from living spaces. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
First Aid: If acid contacts skin, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes. For eye contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting – rinse mouth and seek emergency medical help.
How to Lower pH in Pool with Sodium Bisulfate
Step 1: Calculate Your Dose
You need approximately 1 pound of sodium bisulfate per 10,000 gallons to lower pH by 0.2 points when alkalinity is normal. A 20,000-gallon pool at pH 8.0 might need 1-2 pounds to reach 7.4-7.5.
Important: These are estimates. High alkalinity requires more product. Use a pool calculator to determine the precise amount of baking soda to add. Start conservative with your first dose at 75% of the calculated amount.
Step 2: Dissolve the Powder
Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with pool water. Slowly add sodium bisulfate to the water while stirring with a plastic stick. Let it dissolve completely before moving to the next step. Never add water to dry acid – always add powder to water.
Step 3: Broadcast Around the Pool
Turn on your circulation pump. Walk around the pool perimeter slowly. Pour the dissolved acid evenly around the edges. Focus on the deep end if your pool has one. This helps distribute the chemical better.
Step 4: Wait for Full Effect
Sodium bisulfate works slower than muriatic acid. Wait 6-8 hours minimum before testing again. Keep swimmers out during this period to ensure safety while adjusting pH levels. The chemical needs time to mix throughout the water and react completely.
Step 5: Retest Both pH and Alkalinity
Test pH and total alkalinity after 8 hours. If you’re still above 7.6, repeat the process. Sodium bisulfate is gentler, so you’re less likely to overshoot your target. Check alkalinity too since it will drop along with pH.
This method is gentler on your total alkalinity. If your alkalinity already sits in the ideal range (80-120 ppm), sodium bisulfate won’t drop it as much as muriatic acid. That’s why homeowners in Seal Beach and Los Alamitos choose this method.
- Storage Safety: Store sodium bisulfate in a cool, dry place in its original container. Keep away from moisture and other pool chemicals. Store away from living areas and out of reach of children and pets.
- First Aid: If powder contacts skin, brush off and wash with water. For eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes. If swallowed, rinse the mouth and drink water; seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
How to Keep Pool pH from Rising Again
Test your pH and alkalinity every week. These two measurements connect directly. When alkalinity is wrong, pH bounces around no matter what you do. You can’t control one without watching the other.
Keep total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm. This range stabilizes pH naturally. Water resists pH swings when alkalinity sits in this window. You’ll add less acid overall and pH stays in the ideal 7.4-7.6 range more consistently.
Use stabilized chlorine like dichlor or trichlor. These products have acidic pH (trichlor around pH 3, dichlor around pH 6.5). They don’t push pH upward like calcium hypochlorite shock. We switched most of our Long Beach clients to stabilized chlorine years ago.
Reduce aeration from waterfalls and jets. Moving water loses dissolved CO2 to the air. That raises pH naturally. Turn off water features when you’re not using them to help with pool maintenance. Properties in Naples with elaborate water features see this effect clearly.
Consider automatic chemical feeders for consistent dosing. These systems add small amounts of acid continuously. pH stays stable instead of spiking up and down. Commercial properties in Lakewood and Paramount use these to reduce maintenance calls.
Test more often during summer months. Heat and evaporation work faster from May through September, affecting your water test results. Weekly testing might need to become twice weekly when temperatures climb. Our coastal areas see steady evaporation even with morning fog.
Balance pH first before adjusting other chemicals. When pH sits in the ideal 7.4-7.6 range, your chlorine works better. That means you use less sanitizer overall. Your equipment lasts longer too.
Schedule Consider commercial pool chemical balancing for effective maintenance of your swimming pool. if you manage multiple properties or run a business with a pool.
FAQ
How does alkalinity affect the swimming pool pH level?
Alkalinity in your pool acts as a buffer that stabilizes the pH of pool water. If the pool’s alkalinity is too low, the pH can swing easily, causing ph issues and making it hard to keep a balanced ph. Conversely, high alkalinity can prevent you from making needed pH adjustments. Test the ph and alkalinity together to manage water chemistry and keep the ph level of a pool within the ideal ph range.
What is the easiest way to lower the pH level in your pool water?
The most common and easy solution to lower pool pH is adding muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (acid) directly to your pool; these are used to lower the ph quickly. Follow manufacturer instructions, add in small doses, circulate the water, and retest the ph test after several hours. For regular pool care, use ph decreasers (sodium bisulfate) or add muriatic acid as required to maintain a balanced ph and effective chlorine.
Can adding chemicals like baking soda help the ph and alkalinity?
Add baking soda to raise alkalinity rather than lower pH; baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used to add alkalinity in your pool without significantly affecting the ph of your pool. If you need to raise the ph, soda ash is typically used; if you need to raise alkalinity, add baking soda. Always check the ph and alkalinity in your pool before adding chemicals.
When should I choose muriatic acid versus sodium bisulfate to lower the pool’s pH?
Both muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate will lower your pool’s ph level, but muriatic acid is stronger and acts faster while sodium bisulfate is a dry acid that is safer to handle. Consider pool usage, water parameters, and safety: use muriatic acid for quick large adjustments and sodium bisulfate for smaller, controlled treatments. Always wear protection and follow instructions when adding an acid to your pool.
Why is my pH still high after treating — pH is still not dropping?
If ph is still high after treatment, check alkalinity and perform a ph test: high alkalinity can buffer the water and prevent ph from falling. Other causes include inaccurate dosing, poor circulation, or testing errors. Lower your pool’s alkalinity if necessary before adding more acid, retest the ph and adjust in small increments until the pool balanced state is reached.
How do ph and chlorine interact and why does pH matter for chlorine effectiveness?
The effectiveness of the chlorine is strongly affected by water ph: at high pH, chlorine is less active and won’t sanitize effectively, while very low ph can increase chlorine’s corrosiveness. Keep the ph level in your pool within the recommended ph range to maintain proper water chemistry and safe swimming pool conditions. Regularly test the ph and chlorine levels to ensure both are balanced.
What steps should I follow to lower alkalinity and ph safely in a ground pool?
To lower the alkalinity in your pool, use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate added gradually while the pump is running. Lower the alkalinity first in small doses, then wait and test the pH of pool water. If needed, continue treating until the pool’s alkalinity and ph are within target ranges. Avoid large single additions, and always follow product instructions and safety precautions for pool care.
How often should I test the pH and adjust the ph level in a pool?
Regular testing is essential: check the ph at least 2–3 times per week during heavy pool usage or once a week during low usage. Use a reliable ph test kit to monitor the concentration of hydrogen (ph scale 0 to 14) and water parameters. Adjusting the ph promptly when the level is too high or low helps keep your pool balanced, protects pool walls and equipment, and maintains comfortable and safe water.
