Which of the following pH levels indicates water that is considered neutral?

A pH level of 7.0 is considered neutral, which means that the water is neither acidic nor basic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate basicity. Water with a pH of 7 is typical for pure water at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and is essential for maintaining balanced water chemistry in a commercial pool. Maintaining a neutral pH is crucial because it ensures comfort for swimmers and prevents corrosion of metal components and scaling on pool surfaces and equipment.

In contrast, pH levels lower than 7 (like 6.5 and 5.5) indicate acidic conditions, which can lead to irritation of skin and eyes, as well as damage to pool infrastructure. A pH level of 8.0 is basic, which can cause issues such as scale formation and make it difficult for sanitizers to work effectively. Thus, the only pH level here that accurately reflects neutrality is 7.0.