Swimming pool alkalinity/pH problem?
Question:I have one of those blue easy set pools and started out with alkalinity around 280. I got it down to around 110 but with the alkalinity reduction the pH also dropped to less than 6.8. I have called the chemical company several times (I'm using HTH products) and they keep telling me to add the pH minus to get the alkalinity down and then pH plus to raise the pH. It's counteracting itself and when I get the alkalinity right, the pH goes down and when I get the pH right the alkalinity goes back up. Anyone have any ideas besides a salt-water system. I plan on one of those for next year. Just not in the budget this season.
Answers:
You can balance it quite easily. Concentrate on getting the alkalinity to the point of 110-150. Once there use 20 Mule Team Borax to raise the pH without affecting the alkalinity of the water. A cup or more may be needed to get the pH up to appropriate levels. Borax can be found in your local grocery store in the laundry detergent isle.
Drop me a line at robandliz1992@yahoo.com if you would like to learn more about easy ways to maintain your pool.
This is interesting, however my experience is based on an in-ground gunite system. But just for the record...
Alkalinity is to keep your pH levels stable. Your pH levels will fluctuate far more often than the alkalinity, especially after many people swim at once or after it rains, etc. Once you get the alkalinity where it needs to be, you then adjust the pH. I've had this pool for 3 years next month, and have only adjusted the alkalinity twice.
So what I would suggest (again, this is just based on my experience) is just get the alkalinity where it is supposed to be, THEN worry about where your pH is. I hope this helps you out.
Baking Soda! It's cheap and is less disruptive to the ph. You could go on forever trying to stabilize the ph with chemicals. Bicarbonate soda is less intrusive. I like the fact that my children can swim in it immediately without worry. :) Many companies won't tell you about baking soda of course but it has sure worked for us in our vinyl pool. We started last year with it and our water stays sparkling! A friend who has an inground shared this secret with us. :)
Good luck.
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