---
title: "What Is pH? Pool Glossary | Marina Pool Services"
description: "pH is a scale that shows how acidic or basic water is, and it affects chlorine strength and swimmer comfort."
url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/ph
publisher: Marina Pool Services
phone: +1-817-896-1120
quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact
---

Water chemistry

# pH

pH is a scale that shows how acidic or basic water is, and it affects chlorine strength and swimmer comfort.

pH decides how well chlorine works and how the water feels on skin and eyes. When pH climbs too high, chlorine loses strength. When it falls too low, water turns corrosive and can etch surfaces and eat metal parts.

CDC lists a pH range of 7.0 to 7.8 for public pools. Test at least weekly, and more often after storms or heavy use. If pH keeps drifting, check your [total alkalinity](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/total-alkalinity) first, because it controls how stable pH stays. Lower pH with [muriatic acid](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/muriatic-acid) or [sodium bisulfate](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/sodium-bisulfate); raise it with [soda ash](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/soda-ash).

[Marina can helpPool Maintenance Services](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/pool-maintenance-services)

## Related terms

-   [Total alkalinity](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/total-alkalinity)
-   [Muriatic acid](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/muriatic-acid)
-   [Soda ash](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/soda-ash)
-   [Water balance](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/water-balance)

## Sources

1.  [CDC Healthy Swimming: Operating and Managing Public Pools, Hot Tubs and Splash Pads](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/toolkit/operating-public-pools-hot-tubs-and-splash-pads.html)

## Need a hand with your pool?

Call or text and tell us what your pool needs. Estimates are free for qualifying services, and same-day estimates are possible when the schedule allows.

[Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact)

![A pool technician working on an equipment pad](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/_astro/technician-equipment-pad.BW5xZMNY_Zum1K5.webp)