Salt Water Pool Chemistry
by Jeremy
There are signs of black algae growth, so I have been trying to monitor the pH and Alkalinity levels, but I am struggling to make any changes with anything I do. On the initial test, pH was > 8.0. I would say it was significantly greater, but my test kit only goes to 8.0 so to give an accurate reading. At the same time, the Total Alkalinity was a little on the low side as well about 70PPM. I have added about 6-7 pounds of pH minus to the pool over a 36 hour period, and finally got the pH below 8.0. The problem is that the TA is now about 60 PPM. So this leads to my overall question: How do you raise TA while lowering pH? Anything used to raise TA will raise pH, and anything to lower TA will lower pH. How on earth do I get the chemicals balanced out in order to get on a regular maintenance schedule. HELP PLEASE! Thanks for the question Jeremy There's a way to see if you have black algae. Put a chlorine tablet in a sock and place it on the black spot. If it fades, it's algae. You can go here to learn about that: Black Algae Help With Black Like Tar In My Pool Is There Ever An End To The Black Algae Saga???? The alkalinity and pH can be raised and lowered, but depends on how to put the chemical in. Is Having Low pH And High Alkalinity Possible? pH Levels Swimming Pool pH Levels Pool pH Alkalinity Pool Alkalinity Total Alkalinity To sum it up, you raise and lower the pH with the pump on and water circulating. Turn on any water features such as slides and water falls. The pump needs to be off when the alkalinity and raised and lowered. Make the adjustment in one spot, allow to set for 3 - 4 hours, then turn the pump back on for a full turnover of the water. This is normally about 8 - 10 hours. Retest and make another adjustment if needed. Gently sweep the sides and bottom to break up any hot spots. Acid is heavier than water and will sink to the bottom. There are a couple of things you need to raise pH and/or alkalinity. First, don't waste your money on pH or alkalinity up stuff from the pool store. Use baking soda. It's the same thing and will raise both the pH and alkalinity (again, depending on how to put it in the pool). To raise just the pH you can use 20 Mule Team Borax. Get this in the laundry isle of your grocery store. The links above have more than enough info. to get your pool straightened out. Hope this helps and have a great Summer. Robert |
