What is the legal pH range for pool water?

The legal pH range for pool water is essential for ensuring both safety and comfort for swimmers, as well as maintaining the effectiveness of chlorine and other disinfectants. The correct range of 7.2 to 7.8 is optimal because it helps to minimize irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin, promotes effective sanitation, and prevents corrosion of pool equipment.

In this range, the chlorine in the water is more effective at killing bacteria and other pathogens, while also ensuring a balance that doesn't cause excessive scaling or etching of pool surfaces and equipment. Keeping the pH within this range can help pool operators avoid costs associated with chemical imbalances and equipment repairs.

Other ranges, while they may seem acceptable within certain contexts, either prioritize comfort or safety at the expense of effective disinfection or damage prevention. Thus, maintaining the pH within 7.2 to 7.8 strikes the right balance for optimal pool management.