Does Chlorine Raise or Lower PH? Here is the Ultimate Revelation


Does chlorine raise or lower ph? The swimming pool is one of the places where it is most important to guard water from pollution. When water is not purified sufficiently, chemical changes take place in it which might result in decreased sanitizing efficiency and also in formation of algae, bacteria and all kinds of parasites.

In this article, we are going to provide all the information about the ‘does chlorine raise or lower ph’. If you are looking for the answer to this question then I must say you have got the right article you were looking for. Let’s dive in. 

Does the pH of a pool decrease when chlorine is added?

Yes and no. In a completely balanced pool, which is alkaline (pH > 7.2), chlorine added to the pool will cause the pH to temporarily drop slightly as the chlorine reacts with organic matter leftover from your swimmer’s last visit. 

The water will then be rebalanced after the chlorine has killed the bacteria and cleared away any organic matter. 

If a pool is not properly balanced, for example, an acidic or low pH pool (pH < 7.2) or a pool with excessive amounts of organic matter added from an above ground pool, then adding chlorine will definitely decrease pool pH.

This is because chlorine is an acid that is not well-suited to reducing low alkalinity levels in pools. To lower low alkalinity, an alkaline substance like sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate must be added. 

If you have a low pH/low alkalinity pool, it’s best to double-check your water chemistry so you can make proper adjustments to avoid an imbalance.

It is possible that pH levels could decrease when chlorine is added to a pool or spa. Chlorine acts as a sanitiser, killing germs and bacteria, which then causes the pH to lower. If you are looking for the best chlorine for the pool then check it out here. 

However, this can vary by the type of pool or spa you have, and how much chlorine was added, as well as other factors.

What should the pH and chlorine level be in a pool?

Does chlorine raise or lower ph? Pool pH should be between 7.2–and 7.6. The pH balance of water is important because it will determine the effectiveness of chlorine, which should make up the majority of your chemical treatments. 

Also, a lack of proper pH balance can cause scale buildup and corrosion on surfaces, including equipment. If the pH is too low or high, iron or manganese may discolour the water. Pool pH should be between 7.2–and 7.6.

It is needless to say that many pool owners can manage their pool’s water chemistry at home, they may still want to test the water. 

If you are one of those pool owners and if you have a swimming pool like a typical in-ground or above ground pool or spa, then testing water chemistry is necessary to keep your family safe and to protect your investment.

What causes low pH in a pool?

Pool pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. For pool water, the ideal range is between 7.2 and 7.8—but it’s important to note that this is not a hard and fast range. It’s possible to have a healthy pool at any pH level between the two extremes. 

The most important thing is to maintain your pH level throughout the season and make adjustments as needed.

The most common cause of low pH in a pool is using too much acid, which will cause the pH levels to fall dramatically. 

If you have a swimming pool, you know how important it is to maintain good water chemistry: the Water Quality Control standard for an average chlorine level is 0 – 4ppm, and the ideal pH range is 7.2 – 7.8.

You need to have the right pH and chlorine levels in your swimming pool. Too much or too little of either of these can cause problems. That’s why you need an ideal pool water PH meter. Check out some of the best pool water PH meter.

If your pool has low pH and low chlorine levels, there are a couple of reasons why this might happen.

Can chlorine tabs be put in a pool skimmer?

I have a small above ground pool. A couple of months ago, I started using Tropicool tabs to keep the pH in balance. 

I lay the tabs on the ground near the pump and let them dissolve. The tabs seem to raise, rather than lower, the pH of my pool (they seem to have about half the potency claimed). 

Is there any reason I shouldn’t put them in the pool skimmer basket? I’m just concerned about getting them wet since they are just sitting on the pool floor.

On the other hand, is there a simpler way to get my pH close to 7 without having to use any chemicals whatsoever?

Well, we recommend that if you are using the tabs, you are best off to pour the number of tabs needed into the skimming area and then let the skimmer automatically does the pools water according to the skimmer’s settings.