What is the result of high pH levels in pool water?

High pH levels in pool water primarily lead to skin and eye irritation. When the pH exceeds the ideal range (7.2 to 7.8), it can cause discomfort for swimmers, leading to red and irritated eyes as well as skin rashes. At this elevated pH, the chlorine used for disinfection becomes less effective, which can contribute to unsanitary water conditions, but the primary immediate concern is the impact on swimmers' comfort.

The correct answer reflects a specific consequence of high pH levels, but it overlooks that elevated pH also hampers chlorine’s disinfection ability, leading to potential safety issues in the pool environment. Additionally, high pH can cause scaling and other issues but does not inherently lead to corrosion of pool surfaces in the same way that low pH can.

Understanding the importance of maintaining balanced pH levels is crucial for ensuring not only the sanitization of the pool but also the comfort and safety of its users.