What Is The Difference Between Swimming Pool pH And TA

 

Perhaps you’ve heard of pool pH and TA before but are unsure of their distinctions. To ensure your pool is balanced and healthy, we’ve broken down all you need to know about the two measures in this article.

 

pH Level

The term pH, which stands for “potential hydrogen,” describes how basic or acidic the water in your pool is. The pH scale has a range of 0 to 14, with 7 representing neutrality. Everything below 7 is thought to be acidic, and anything above 7 is thought to be basic (or alkaline).

It’s crucial to keep your pool’s pH level balanced since water that is overly acidic or basic can corrode pool equipment and cause swimmers’ skin and eyes to itch. Calcium deposits may also develop on surfaces like tiles or concrete if the pH is too low.

A pool’s pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Using testing strips, which are widely available at pool supply stores, you may check the pH levels in your pool and then make any necessary adjustments with muriatic acid or sodium bicarbonate.

 

TA Level

Total alkalinity, abbreviated as TA, refers to the proportion of alkaline elements in your pool’s water. The TA level aids in stabilising pH levels by preventing abrupt changes that could endanger swimmers and damages pool walls and equipment.

A pool’s total alkalinity levels should be maintained between 60 and 120 ppm (parts per million). Testing strips can be used to check TA levels, and substances like sodium carbonate or muriatic acid can be added or subtracted as necessary.

 

For both the safety of swimmers and the longevity of your pool, it’s crucial to keep the pH and TA levels in harmony. Use testing strips frequently to monitor levels and make adjustments using the proper chemicals to maintain conditions within the desired range.