How to Decrease the pH in a Salt Water Fiberglass Swimming Pool
- 1). Use a pool testing kit to determine the pH of your pool. The term "pH" stands for potential hydrogen. When you test your pools pH you are determining how acidic or alkaline the water is. The higher the number, the more alkaline the water. Conversely, the lower the number the more acidic it is. The goal is to have a reading of 7.2 to 7.4 for a fairly neutral pH reading.
- 2). Treat the water. To lower the water's pH, add sodium bicarbonate to the water. This is also known as pH Minus when you purchase it at your local pool supply store. Follow the package instructions for proper application of the pH Minus.
- 3). Leave the pool for a minimum of eight hours. This will allow the sodium bicarbonate to have time to do its job and lower the water's pH.
- 4). Retest the pool water using a pool testing kit. If the acidic level is still higher than 7.2 to 7.4, add a second treatment of pH Minus according to the package directions. If a second application is used, allow the chemical to sit for another eight hours before retesting.