Certified Pool Operator Practice Test

What effect does maintaining appropriate total alkalinity have on the pH of pool water?

1. It stabilizes the pH

2. It increases the pH

3. It has no effect on the pH

4. It decreases the pH

The correct answer is: It stabilizes the pH

Maintaining appropriate total alkalinity helps balance the pool's pH level and keeps it stable. If the total alkalinity is too low, the pH can easily become too acidic, leading to skin and eye irritation and potential damage to the pool's equipment. If the total alkalinity is too high, the pH can become too basic, making the pool water cloudy and also causing skin and eye irritation. Therefore, maintaining appropriate total alkalinity is important for keeping the pH at a stable and comfortable level. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the purpose of maintaining appropriate total alkalinity.