Adjusting the pH is something that should be done incrementally.  In other words, it is better to make
slight adjustments when the pH gets a little high or low than to wait for the pH to get way off and try to adjust it all back at once.

If the pH is way off, we recommend making an adjustment and then retesting it after 24 hours and adjusting
again. 

To raise the pH level, you add Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate).  Soda Ash will also raise the Total
Alkalinity of the pool water and in most cases, this is a good thing.

To lower the pH level, you add Muriatic Acid.  It is important that if you want to lower the pH
without significantly lowering the Total Alkalinity, you need to dilute the acid before pouring it into the pool.

Chemical Adjustment Charts

It is important to use the Acid or Base Demand Procedure to help determine how much chemical you need to add
to the pool water to achieve the desired results.

To Raise the pH Level

Add the pH test solution to the test sample to determine the pH of the water.  Don’t pour the test
sample out yet.  If the pH is too low and needs to be increased, add base demand reagent to your test sample drop by drop until the color changes a 7.4 – 7.6
reading.

Adding Soda Ash to a Pool

Slurry the soda ash in a bucket and pour the dissolved solution into the pool.  Another possible
solution would be to pour the soda ash around the edge of the pool in the deep end.  Don’t pour it all in one place or it will cloud up the water very badly.

To Lower the pH Level

Add the pH test solution to the test sample to determine the pH of the water.  Don’t pour the test
sample out yet.  If the pH is too high and needs to be decreased, add acid demand reagent to your test sample drop by drop until the color changes a 7.4 – 7.6
reading.

Adding Muriatic Acid to Lower pH Level

Add the Muriatic Acid to 5-10 parts water and pour around the deep end of the pool.  Keep the pool
circulating so that the acid does not drop to the bottom and etch the plaster.  Note that acid is heavier than water.

BEWARE OF THE DANGEROUS NATURE OF THE CHEMICALS YOU ARE HANDLING.  DO NOT MIX ANY
CHEMICALS WITH EACH OTHER.  WATCH OUT FOR FUMES.  SOME CHEMICALS GIVE OFF STRONG FUMES THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY IF INHALED IN SUFFICIENT
QUANTITIES.  MSDS SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.