How can pH affect chlorine efficacy?

pH plays a critical role in the efficacy of chlorine as a disinfectant in swimming pools. When the pH level is too high or too low, it significantly impacts chlorine's disinfection abilities.

At a high pH, chlorine exists primarily in its hypochlorite form, which is less effective at killing pathogens compared to its acidic forms. Therefore, the higher the pH, the less effective chlorine becomes in maintaining water sanitation. Conversely, when the pH is too low, chlorine can become too aggressive and cause irritation to swimmers, while still not achieving optimal disinfection.

Maintaining a balanced pH range, typically between 7.2 and 7.8, allows chlorine to function at its peak efficacy. This balance ensures that the chlorine remains in the most effective form for germicidal activity, providing a safe and hygienic swimming environment. Thus, a high or low pH can indeed reduce chlorine's ability to disinfect effectively, making it crucial for pool operators to monitor and adjust pH levels regularly.