High Alkalinity Dilemma
by Mike Dufala
It got the pH right, but the alkalinity is now very high. How can I reduce the alkalinity without reducing the pH as well. And if the pH goes down, how do I raise it without raising the alkalinity? Thanks for the question Mike It would be great to have a complete chemical list. It makes the process go faster. I get this alot from pool owners who are battling a high pH and alkalinity problem. You can raise both the pH and alkalinity (total alkalinity/TA) using sodium bicarb. The TA of our fill water is 30ppm, while the pH is 8.0ppm. This is what I have to deal with at the YMCA pool. If I put 400 oz. of bicarb. in to raise the TA, then the pH should go through the roof, but it doesn't. Same goes when I need to reduce the pH. I use acid, but nothing happens to the TA. It's all in how to make the adjustment. Check out these posts: Chemical Levels Wrong..How To Bring Down Pool Alkalinity.. High PH and High TA The main thing is to pour the acid in the deep end with the pump off. Very gently brush the bottom to break up any hot spots of acid. Allow it to sit for 2 - 3 hours, then turn the pump motor on and allow for 1 complete turnover of the water. This is normally about 8 - 10 hours, then retest. Try to make any adjustments in the evening until the alkalinity is in range. For every 10,000 gallons of water, to reduce a pool's alkalinity 10ppm, it takes 0.8 qts. or about 30 oz. There another way to decrease the TA, but you'll be decreasing the pH at the same time. Broadcast the acid around the perimeter of the pool. Again, this will decrease both the pH and TA. Then you add movement and air to the pool through water features, slides, air compressor etc... This raises the pH through burning off the CO2 (carbon dioxide). Retest and make another adjustment. I like the first way because when I had my pool route in Arizona I didn't have time to turn the water features on and I didn't have an air pump. Besides, if I turned something on I would have to go back and turn it off. More driving and time. Being that I don't have the TA, pH, or the size of your pool, you can go here for the charts you need: Pool Alkalinity Total Alkalinity Swimming Pool pH Levels Pool pH To post a reply, or if you have a similar question, you can see your post on the Q&A page in the "Alkalinity" category. Swimming Pool Questions and Answers Check back to this post for answers. Hope this helps and have a fun and safe swimming season. Robert |
