The ph-value shows the acid/alkali rate in water on a value table from 0 to 14. Water is considered neutral at a ph-value of 7. The more the value falls below 7, the more acid becomes water. On the opposite, water becomes more basic if the ph-value increases.
A lightly basic or acid ph-value in pool water does not harm people.
Although a lightly acid or basic pool water does not harm the people's health, the ph-value control must not be underestimated or disregarded. A bad ph-value can lead to expensive consequential damages on a medium- and long- term basis, for example necessary changes of pumps, filters, sealings or tubes. Moreover, the water might turn "green" due to algea and this is not the result of too less chlorine.This problem rather occurs if the ph-value rises over 8.
What happens if the ph-value of water lies beyond the range from 7,2 to 7,8?
If the ph-value falls below 7, water becomes aggressive. This causes corrosion on metal parts, for example on sealings, tubes or filtration systems. Besides this, chlorine is used up faster.
If the ph-value rises over 8, the bactericidal effect of chlorine is strongly reduced so that the water might turn green. Calcification in tubes and pumps reduce the efficiency of the whole hydrological cycle system. At the same time, skin- and eye irritations might occur. These problems are not caused by too much chlorine but by a too high ph-value.
Due to the above-mentioned facts it is necessary to control the ph-value in water regularly and to adjust it with the help of suitable measurement equipment. Automatic metering is not possible without measuring the ph-value and other parameters precisely and continuously.
