If you’re experiencing pH bounce in your swimming pool, you’ve likely noticed fluctuating pH levels that make maintaining water balance difficult. Fixing pH bounce is crucial not only for the comfort of swimmers but also to protect your pool equipment and surfaces.
At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we help Miami-Dade and South Florida pool owners achieve crystal-clear, balanced water by using industry-proven methods and high-quality pool chemicals. In this article, we’ll explore what causes pH bounce, how to properly address it, and the specific water chemistry challenges in South Florida that make this issue more common.
pH bounce refers to unstable or rapidly fluctuating pH levels in your pool water. This typically results from low total alkalinity, which acts as a buffer that stabilizes the pH.
Without proper alkalinity, even small additions of pool chemicals or environmental changes (like rain or debris) can cause your pH to swing dramatically. Such instability can lead to eye irritation, damaged pool surfaces, and ineffective sanitizers.
Several factors can lead to pH bounce, but the most prevalent is low total alkalinity. Here are the common causes:
Alkalinity helps resist changes in pH. When the levels drop below 80 ppm, your pool becomes susceptible to radical pH changes with minor disturbances.
Using overly acidic or alkaline treatments without considering full water chemistry can disrupt total alkalinity and lead to pH instability.
In areas like South Florida, frequent rainstorms dilute the pool water, impacting chemical concentration and shifting the water balance.
Inferior pool chemicals may not maintain their intended effects, resulting in pH fluctuations and poor swimming pool treatment results.
Fixing pH bounce involves a systematic approach to restore water balance and stabilize your pool’s pH. Here’s how our technicians at M&M Pool & Spa Services address this issue:
Begin by testing the total alkalinity and pH levels using a reliable pool test kit. Total alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm, while pH should stay between 7.4 and 7.6.
If alkalinity is low, we recommend adding sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise it. Alkalinity must be corrected before you can effectively control pH.
Once alkalinity is in range, gradually adjust the pH using pH increasers (sodium carbonate) or pH reducers (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate), depending on the direction of the imbalance.
Wait 24 hours and re-test your pool water. Continue monitoring over several days to ensure the pH remains stable. If pH bounce persists, additional factors might need addressing, including high levels of cyanuric acid or calcium hardness.
Learn More: Adjusting Pool’s pH and Alkalinity: Keep Your Water Balanced
The quality of your pool chemicals plays a vital role in fixing pH bounce effectively. At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we use only premium-grade supplies that ensure long-lasting balance and fewer fluctuations. Avoid over-the-counter or discount chemicals, which often fail to deliver consistent results.
In Miami-Dade County and throughout South Florida, pool owners face unique challenges due to the region’s high rainfall, intense sunlight, and warm weather. These environmental conditions rapidly affect chemical composition and water balance, making fixing pH bounce a recurring issue for many residents.
At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we understand the chemistry-specific needs of South Florida pools. We offer comprehensive swimming pool treatment plans tailored to our local climate, including weekly water balance checks, pH and alkalinity corrections, and preventative maintenance to reduce bounce.
Whether you’re managing a residential pool in Kendall, a luxury spa in Coral Gables, or a community facility in Homestead, our experienced technicians ensure your water stays balanced, sparkle-ready, and safe year-round.
Fixing pH bounce is an essential step in achieving optimal swimming pool health and safety. With the right approach to water balance, the use of high-quality pool chemicals, and expert swimming pool treatment services, you can maintain stable pH levels and enjoy a clear, inviting pool year-round.
If you’re in Miami-Dade or the surrounding areas, M&M Pool & Spa Services is your trusted partner for all things pool maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference that professional expertise makes.