How Much Muratic Swimming Pool Acid Is Too Much?by Kerry
I have a 5000 gallon aboveground pool. I filled it up for the first time my swimming pool total alkalinity reading was extremely high {340}. I have been trying to beat it down with muriatic acid, but after 3 treatments, using 1 and 1/2 pints, it is still only at 210. All other readings are within range except swimming pool chlorine, but I have not added any yet, because I am trying to get the pool's total alkalinity under control first. Thanks for your question Kerry You're taking the right approach in getting your pool's total alkalinity (TA) down to reach the proper level of 80ppm - 100ppm using muriatic acid. Your swimming pool chlorine level can wait but not too long, because you run the chance of getting pool algae and your pool turning green. Adjust Your Swimming Pool Chlorine..Chemistry..Salt Water Maintenance..Inground Pool Alkalinity In Swimming Pools...Chemistry..Care..pH..Cloudy Pool Water. For a 5,000 gallon swimming pool, to lower the TA 20 ppm you'll need about 1.5 pints of muriatic acid. To lower it from 210 to 100, which would be 110ppm, you will need to add another gallon, but not all at once. I would suggest getting a Taylor Reagent FAS-DPD K-2005 or 2006 swimming pool water test kit. This kind of test kit the most accurate. Pool Water Testing Kit..Chlorine Level..Chemistry.. I will assume your question states that you did a full fill with tap water. Your local water company is probably doing something with the water to make the total alkalinity that high. Usually they add soda ash to raise both the alkalinity while trying to keep the pH down to a minimum. I know it seems like a lot of muriatic acid to use to get the TA down but if done properly it will get the alkalinity in range without touching the pool pH level too much. You can go to the swimming pool total alkalinity link to learn how to do that. I would also encourage you to go this this forum: Questions And Answers Forum..Swimming Pool Care..Chemistry There lots of good info. there and if you have another question or comment please post it there so others can see what you're doing. I know many people are having the same issue as you so your experience can help them. Let me know how this works for you All the best Robert |
