The pH levels in pools may be off if there is too little or too much chlorine contained in them. These levels have an effect on how safe it is to swim in a pool. It can cause harm to people who go in the pool as well as promote bacteria and algae buildup, depending on the levels at a given time.
Different Issues You See With Improper pH Levels
If there’s a chemical imbalance in your pool, you could be at a health or safety risk. Keep in mind the following hazards when it comes to having an imbalance:
- Growth of bacteria: When there’s not enough chlorine in a pool, it’s likely to become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause you harm, such as Legionella and E. coli. After exposure to the harmful bacteria, you could see effects such as skin and eye irritation as well as urinary tract infection, respiratory issues, and swimmer’s ear. Children and people who have compromised immune systems are at a greater risk when exposed to such pathogens.
- Chemical burns: If a pool has a greater amount of chlorine than it’s supposed to, it can have a corrosive effect on someone’s eyes and skin. This means they can experience anything from irritation to full chemical burns after going in water with too much chlorine. A pH level that’s below 7.0 indicates that the water is more acidic and that it can cause irritation and burns.
- Hazardous conditions from algae blooms: Algae growth on the floor of your pool can make it slippery and cause more slipping accidents. This is even the case if it’s a small amount of algae buildup. Heavier amounts of algae blooms can make it difficult to see and increase the risk of drowning.
- Clogged filters and pumps: If this growth ends up clogging your filters, they stop working properly so your water won’t circulate well, and the chlorine likely won’t distribute throughout the whole pool. A pool pump with a clog can overheat and fail so that important systems no longer work.
Pool Chemical Balance and Cleaning Maintenance Is Key
It’s important to rely on the professionals in regard to more complex pool chemicals and other maintenance concerns. They’ll have specialized chemicals and equipment to do the task to high standards.
Pool maintenance such as testing of pH levels and correction to balance chemicals is crucial to keep pools clean and safe for anyone swimming in them. If you’re in the Vineland, NJ area and in need of pH level testing and other pool services, contact us at Landi Pool Service. We’ll be happy to assist you in keeping your pool in great condition.