If you have measured the water and its pH is high, it means that it is very basic or very alkaline. Water with a high pH can have serious repercussions, whether you want to drink it or use it in the pool, an aquarium or a garden. For example, in the case of an aquarium or fish tank, a high pH can make fish sick. In a swimming pool or swimming pool, it can irritate your skin and eyes. Fortunately, it is possible to lower the pH of the water on your own!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Lower the pH of Drinking Water
Step 1. Add lemon juice to a glass of water to treat a single serving
If you don't want to treat the water from the source and are not bothered by the citrus flavor, add two to three drops of lemon juice to an 8 fl oz (250 ml) glass of water. Lemon will naturally lower the pH of the water by making it more acidic.
- You can also put a lemon wedge in the water for a stronger flavor.
- Using pure citric acid has the same effect.
Step 2. Install a water filter on the tap to lower the pH at the source
A water filter removes minerals from the water that raise the pH, including sodium, fluoride, and potassium. Depending on the model you choose, the filter can usually be screwed onto the faucet. When you turn on the tap, the filter will lower the pH of the water.
- You can buy water filters at any hardware store or large supermarket.
- Filters can typically purify 40 liters (10 US gallons) of water per hour.
Step 3. Lower the pH of large amounts of water with food acids
Food grade preparations of phosphoric, sulfuric, and lactic acids are often used when a recipe (such as the fermentation process) calls for a low pH. The proportion of these acids in the water will depend on which one you choose and the pH you want to achieve, so read the container carefully.
These products are often found where food, fermentation and brewing supplies are sold
Did you know?
As strange as it may seem to add acids to water, they leave behind harmless compounds when neutralized. Just make sure you read the label and use them correctly.
Step 4. Install an acid injection system to solve a constant problem
An acid injection system balances the water by measuring the pH level as it leaves the source. Then, it injects food acids into the water flow to balance the water when it comes out of the tap. It is generally best to have a professional handle the installation of this type of system, so speak with a local water specialist in your area if you are interested.
The system and installation can be expensive, but if you have a problem with high pH, it can be an effective solution
Method 2 of 4: Lower the pH of Water in Gardens
Step 1. Do a search for the pH needed by the plants you grow
Before lowering the pH of the water, make sure your plant prefers an acidic environment. Some plants, like azaleas and sweet potatoes, prefer more acidity. However, other plants, such as wisteria and beets, prefer a neutral or barely alkaline environment.
Plants generally thrive at a pH between 5.5 and 7
Step 2. Add lemon juice to the shower as a natural solution
Adding 0.6 ml of lemon juice to 1 US gallon of water can lower the pH by 1.5 points. Lemon juice can be bottled or freshly squeezed, but make sure it's 100% pure.
- You can use citric acid instead, but you will have to dissolve it with a little water first.
- If you want to test the water again, stir the lemon juice and wait five minutes to make sure it disperses evenly in the water.
Step 3. Add vinegar to the water for an inexpensive solution
Measure out 15 ml of plain white vinegar and pour it into 1 US gallon (4 liters) of water. The natural acidity of the vinegar will help neutralize the alkalinity in the water, bringing the pH from 7, 5 or 7, 7 to 5, 8 or 6.
Vinegar has a pH of 2 or 3; and lemon juice, 2, so its effect on water is similar
Method 3 of 4: Lower the pH of Water for Swimming Pools
Step 1. Add muriatic acid as a quick fix to pool water
Muriatic acid (or hydrochloric acid) is commonly used in swimming pools to lower the pH. Depending on the preparation you choose, you will have to add the acid directly to the pool or dilute it in a bucket of water and then pour it into the pool. When pouring in the muriatic acid, hold the container close to the surface of the water so you don't get splashed. Also, pour the acid directly into a return water spout to circulate faster, and make sure its vent points down, if you have one.
- You can buy muriatic acid where pool supplies are sold.
- Read the label carefully to find out how much muriatic acid to add to the pool.
- Add a little less than you think you might need. Wait four hours and test the water again. Add more, if necessary.
Warning:
muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate are corrosive chemicals. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Work in a ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves. After adding the muriatic acid, wait at least four hours before allowing someone to use the pool.
Step 2. Use sodium bisulfate for a gentler brew
Sodium bisulfate is often marketed in granulated form, and depending on the manufacturer's instructions, it can be added directly to the water or dissolved first in a bucket and then poured into the pool. Sodium bisulfate helps stabilize the pool's pH after lowering it, so it may be a better option for long-term maintenance.
- While it is a dangerous chemical, sodium bisulfate is not as abrasive to muriatic acid. However, it does not always act as fast, and it often lowers the total alkalinity of the pool more than desired.
- Use the container and the pH readings to determine how much sodium bisulfate to add to the pool.
- Sodium bisulfate can also be purchased where pool supplies are sold.
Step 3. Install a CO system2 in the pool for long-term balance.
Some CO systems2 are fully automated, which means that the system will monitor the pH level in the pool and add CO2 to lower the pH as much as necessary. Others are controlled manually, so you will have to check the level every day and adapt the CO flow2 when necessary. To determine the correct system for you, speak with a local pool specialist.
The value of these systems can vary widely, depending on the features you are looking for, but they can save you money if you spend a lot on chemicals to balance the pH
Step 4. Measure the pH at least twice a week with a test kit.
Chemicals used in a pool will lose their balance if left unchecked, so it is important that you test the pH two to three times a week, even after balancing it. You can use litmus test strips if you want, but a DPD test kit provides more accurate results. These kits measure the pH and total alkalinity of the water, as well as chlorine levels, making it easy to balance it all at once.
- Oiliness from skin, sunscreen, lotions and dirt can upset the pH balance in the pool. If your pool is used every day, you will have to measure the pH every day.
- You can buy these test kits wherever pool supplies are sold.
Method 4 of 4: Lower the pH in Aquariums
Step 1. Install a CO bubbler2 to lower the pH in an aquarium temporarily.
Add a CO bubbler2 The tank can slowly lower the pH and act fast, making it a good choice if the pH has risen suddenly. However, the CO2 is usually expensive, and the pH will return to normal as soon as there is no more CO2, so it is not a good long-term solution.
- You can buy CO2 for a tank at a specialty tank supply store.
Warning:
Changing the pH of an aquarium or fish tank can quickly affect your fish. To avoid this, remove the fish from the aquarium before lowering the pH.
Step 2. Try a reverse osmosis filter for a large aquarium
This is an extremely effective filter that removes up to 99% of contaminants from the water while leaving the ions that help fish stay healthy. Since contaminants are what increase the pH of the water, the filter will naturally lower the pH level as it cleans the water.
The price of filters varies from country to country, and they tend to take up a lot of space, making it a better solution for larger tanks or aquariums
Step 3. Place driftwood in the aquarium as a natural filter and decoration
In addition to looking great in an aquarium, a driftwood will naturally filter the water. Even a little driftwood will lower the pH of the aquarium and help stabilize it. In addition, the wood will be a new place for the fish to explore.
- Wood can often discolor water. To avoid this problem, soak the wood in a bucket of water for a few days before placing it in the aquarium.
- Don't use driftwood for reptile tanks. They may have been immersed in chemicals that can seep into the water and harm the fish.
- Even a small wood can filter the water in your tank, so choose one that will naturally fit in with your aquarium décor.
Step 4. Add peat moss to the filter as a natural stimulant
Since peat moss can clump together and be removed when cleaning the tank, it is best to place it in a mesh bag inside the filter. The moss will naturally assist the filter, helping to lower the pH of the tank. Use the size of the filter to find out how much moss you will need.
- Peat moss can also discolor your tank water. To avoid this problem, soak it in a bucket of water for a few days before placing it in the tank.
- The amount of moss you use will depend on the size of the tank and the pH level you want to achieve. Try different amounts to see what works best in your tank.
- You can buy peat moss online or at aquarium supply stores.
Step 5. Place two or three almond leaves in the tank as a simple and decorative solution
The leaves of the malabar almond (or Indian almond) contain certain chemicals that help filter contaminants from the water. In addition to reducing the pH of the water to reach a more stable level, these substances can prevent and even cure some diseases in fish, so it will help you keep them healthy.
The tannins present in almond leaves can change the color of the water a bit, but it is not as noticeable a change as that caused by wood or moss
Step 6. Remove the broken coral from the tank, if any
If you have problems with the pH level of the water in the tank, it may be due to the substrate. While it looks great in a tank, broken coral can increase the pH level of the water, so it should only be used if your fish prefer a more alkaline environment.