Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Drinking water
• Method 2 of 4: Gardens
• Method 3 of 4: Swimming pools
• Method 4 of 4: Aquariums

If you've tested water and it has a high pH, ​​that means it's too basic (or too alkaline). Water with a high pH can cause serious problems whether you drink it or use it in your pool, aquarium or garden. In your aquarium, for example, a high pH value can make your fish very sick. In your pool, a high pH level can irritate your skin and eyes. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the pH of the water yourself!

To step

Method 1 of 4: Drinking water

1. Add lemon juice to a glass of water to lower the pH. If you cannot purify water at its source and don't mind that it has a light citrus flavor, put 2-3 drops of lemon juice in a 240ml glass of water. The lemon will naturally lower the water's pH by making it slightly more acidic.
   • You can also add a lemon wedge to your water if you want a stronger lemon flavor.
   • Using pure citric acid will have the same effect.
2. Install a water filter on your faucet to lower the pH at the source. A water filter removes minerals from your water that can raise the pH, including sodium, fluoride and potassium. Depending on the model you choose, the filter can usually simply be screwed onto your faucet. When you turn on the tap, the filter will lower the pH of the water.
   • You can find water filters at any hardware store.
   • Most household water filters can purify about 40 liters of water every hour.
3. Lower the pH of large amounts of water with food-safe acids. Food-safe preparations of phosphoric, sulfuric and lactic acids are often used when a recipe, such as a fermentation process, requires a lower pH. The concentration of these acids in your water will depend on which one you choose and the pH level you want to achieve, so read the packaging carefully.
   • These products are often sold where you can also get products for food supply, fermentation and beer making.

   Did you know? While it may seem strange to add acids to your water, once neutralized these leave harmless compounds. Make sure to read the label and use it correctly!

   
   
4. Install an acid injection system to correct an ongoing problem. An acid injection system balances your water by measuring the pH level where it comes from the source. It then injects harmless acids into the water stream so that it is in balance when it comes out of the tap. Installation for this type of system is best done by a professional, so talk to a local water specialist in your area if you're interested.
   • The cost of the system and installation can easily reach over $ 1,500, but if you have a problem with high pH in your water then it is an effective measure.

Method 2 of 4: Gardens

1. Research the pH of the water required by the specific plants you are growing. Before attempting to lower the pH of the garden water, make sure that plants prefer an acidic environment. Some plants, such as azaleas and sweet potatoes, prefer higher acidity. Other plants, such as wisteria and beets, prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline environment.
   • Most plants thrive in a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
2. Put some lemon juice in your watering can for a natural solution. If you put 1/8 tsp lemon juice in four liters of water, you can lower the pH by about 1.5. The lemon juice can be freshly squeezed or bottled, but make sure it is 100% pure.
   • You can also use citric acid, but you may have to dissolve it in a little water first.
   • If you plan to retest the water, stir in the lemon juice and wait about five minutes to make sure it has spread evenly in the water.
3. Add natural vinegar to the water for an inexpensive solution. Add one tablespoon of natural vinegar to four liters of water. The natural acidity of the vinegar will help neutralize the alkalinity in the water, lowering a pH from 7.5-7.7 to about 5.8-6.0.
   • Vinegar has a pH of 2-3 and lemon juice a pH of two, so the effect on the water is similar.

Method 3 of 4: Swimming pools

1. Add hydrochloric acid for a quick adjustment in your pool. Hydrochloric acid is often used in swimming pools to lower the pH. Depending on the preparation you choose, add the acid directly to the pool or dilute it in a bucket of water and then pour it into the pool. When pouring the hydrochloric acid into the pool, keep the reservoir close to the surface of the water so it doesn't splash on you. Also pour the acid directly over a "return jet" so that it can circulate through the water more quickly (with any "return jet" fan pointing downwards).
   • You can usually buy hydrochloric acid at pool supply stores.
   • Read the label carefully to determine how much hydrochloric acid to add to your pool.
   • Add a little less than you think you need, wait four hours and retest. Add more if necessary.

   Warning: Hydrochloric acid and sodium bisulfate are both caustic chemicals. Read and follow the label instructions carefully. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves. After adding the hydrochloric acid, wait at least four hours before allowing anyone into the pool.

   
   
2. For a milder solution, choose sodium bisulfate. Sodium bisulfate often comes in granular form and depending on the manufacturer's instructions, you can add them directly to the water, or dissolve them in a bucket and then pour them into the pool. Sodium bisulfate helps stabilize the pH in your pool after it has been lowered, so it may be a better option for long-term maintenance.
   • While still a dangerous chemical, sodium bisulfate is not as harsh as hydrochloric acid. However, it may not work as quickly and often lower your pool's Total Alkalinity (TA) more than you want.
   • Follow the directions on the package and your pH levels to determine how much sodium bisulfate to add to your pool.
   • Sodium bisulfate is also available at pool supply stores.
3. Install a CO₂ system in your pool for a long-lasting pH balance. Some CO₂ systems are fully automated, which means that the system monitors the pH levels in your pool and CO₂ to lower the pH as needed. Other systems are manually operated, so you need to check the levels daily and the CO₂flow as needed. To determine which one is right for you, it is best to consult with a swimming pool specialist in your area.
   • These systems range from $ 300 to over $ 10,000 depending on the features you want, but it can save you money if you otherwise spend a lot of money on chemicals to balance the pH of a pool.
4. Test the pH with a test kit at least twice a week. The chemicals used in your pool will become unbalanced if left unattended, so it is important to test the pH in your pool about 2-3 times a week, even after balancing the pH. You can use litmus test strips if you prefer, but a DPD test kit will give you more accurate results. These kits measure the pH and Total Alkalinity (TA) of the water, along with the chlorine content of the pool, making it easier to balance your pool all at once.
   • Oil from the skin, sunscreen, lotion and dirt can all alter the pH balance in your pool. If your pool is used every day, you will probably need to check it daily.
   • You can find these test kits wherever swimming pool supplies are sold.

Method 4 of 4: Aquariums

1. Install a CO₂source to temporarily lower the pH in an aquarium. Adding a CO₂source to your tank can gently lower the pH and works quickly, so it is a good option if your tank's pH level suddenly spikes. Unfortunately, CO₂ duration and the pH will rise again as soon as the CO₂ is no longer added, so it is not a good long-term solution.
   • You can use CO₂ for an aquarium at a store that specializes in aquarium supplies.

   Warning: Adjusting the pH of your tank too quickly can shock your fish in their system. To avoid this, remove the fish from the tank before attempting to lower the pH.

   
   
2. Try a reverse osmosis filter for a large aquarium. A reverse osmosis filter is a highly efficient filter that removes up to 99% of contaminants from the water, while leaving behind the ions that keep the fish healthy. Since the contaminants are what raise the pH of the water, the filter will naturally lower the pH by cleaning the water.
   • These filters can cost over $ 50 and take up a lot of space, so they are best for larger aquariums.
3. Place driftwood in your tank for natural filtration and decoration. In addition to looking great in an aquarium, driftwood naturally filters the water in your tank. Even a small piece of natural driftwood will lower the pH level in your tank and help stabilize it. Plus, the wood will give your fish something new to explore.
   • Driftwood can sometimes discolor the water in your tank. To avoid this, soak the wood in a bucket of water for several days before adding it to your tank.
   • Do not use driftwood intended for reptile pools in an aquarium. It can be soaked in chemicals that can leach into the water and harm the health of your fish.
   • Even a small piece of driftwood will help filter the water in the aquarium, so choose one that looks like it will naturally fit into the aquarium decor.
4. Add peat moss to your filter for another natural boost. Since peat moss can clump together and get rid of when you clean your tank, it is better to put it in a mesh bag and then place the bag in your filter. The peat moss will naturally help your filter lower the pH level in the tank. Use the size of your filter to help you determine how much of the moss to use.
   • Peat moss can also discolor the water in your tank. To avoid this, soak it in a bucket of water for a few days before placing it in the aquarium.
   • The amount of peat moss you should use will depend on the size of your tank and the pH level you are trying to achieve. Experiment with different amounts to find what works for your tank.
   • You can buy peat moss online or from a pet store.
5. Add 2-3 catappa leaves to your tank for a nice, easy fix. The leaves of the catappa tree (the Indian almond tree) contain certain chemicals that help filter contaminants from your water. Not only will this help lower the water's pH to a more stable level, but these chemicals can prevent or even cure some fish diseases, meaning the leaves can make your fish healthier!
   • The tannin in the catappa leaves can slightly change the color of the water, but not as clearly as with sphagnum moss or driftwood.
6. Remove coral pieces from your tank if you have placed this in it. If you are having trouble with a high pH level in your tank it could be due to coral. While it looks great in an aquarium, coral pieces can significantly increase the pH of the water, so you should only use it if you have fish that prefer a more alkaline environment.