Why is the pH level of my swimming pool important?

Keeping the pH of your swimming pool in the correct range is a vital component of keeping your water safe and sanitary. For ideal swimmer comfort and chlorine effectiveness, the optimal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.4 (this is the natural range of pH for your eyes). If the pH is outside of the range of 7.2 to 7.8, the chlorine cannot sanitize your water properly. This means that it is more difficult to kill any algae growth that may be taking place. Here are a few other potential effects of improper pH levels:

High pH
• Calcium in the water begins to form scale at the edges of the pool, trapping dust and dirt.
• Water becomes cloudy.
• Calcium carbonate clogs the sand in the filter, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the filter.
• Increases the time required to kill certain pathogens.
• You need 80 percent more chlorine to do the same work because the chemical isn't as effective. • Eyes and nose burn. Skin gets dry and itchy.

Low pH
• The water begins to dissolve the surface of the grout, plaster, or other material that makes up the bottom and walls of the pool. The surface becomes rough and allows algae to grow.
• Metal corrodes, including ladders and rails in the pool. Heater elements also tend to take on damage.
• As the metal corrodes, brown or black stains appear around the pool.
• Chlorine activates, but evaporates too quickly to sanitize the water.
• Eyes and nose burn. Skin gets dry and itchy.
• Swimwear and pool toys fade.

Swine Flu (H1N1) - Is Swimming Still Safe?

Can the H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools or spas?

Flu viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. According to the Center for Disease Control, there has NEVER been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Swimming pool water that has been treated at recommended chlorine levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of flu viruses. No research has been completed on the specific susceptibility of 2009 H1N1 flu virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools or spas. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels that are at least1–3 parts per million for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas are adequate to disinfect the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as 2009 H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.

In other words, you can rest assured that it is safe to swim!