I'm still using the "dropper" style kit that my pool builder gave me, it tests for chlorine, PH, and Total Alkalinity. My chlorine and TA are almost always spot on but I have to add acid each time, most of the time if I test weekly I have a ph around 7.8 so I add acid to get it back down to around 7.5-7.6. I have a roughly 15,000 gallon pool with a waterfall over limestone boulders and a hot tub spillway that falls about 5 feet to the pool level. I have a lot of rock on my pool so SWG is not an option.
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Forgot to mention I live out in the country and am on well water (untreated) so I think the natural minerals in the water have something to do with the basic nature of my fill water.
I see you're new here so, Welcome!
So, in order to practice the methods we teach, the cornerstone of our philosophy is accurate water testing that you do yourself. We believe that there are only two test kits on the market that can test water properly and they are the Taylor K-2006 or the TF-100. Both can be found on Amazon or, the TF-100 can also be directly purchased from TFTestkits.net. The test kit you describe sounds like a standard issue PoolMaster 5-Way kit or one of the HTH 6-Way test kits. They are completely inadequate for the task of properly managing your pool water.
My guess is this - your Total Alkalinity is probably near what the pool industry says is correct, 80-100ppm. Am I close? If so, then your alkalinity is way too high and your excessive acid demand is a chemistry problem, not an equipment problem. In my pool (and many folks from Texas on the forum do the same), I need to keep my alkalinity near 50ppm and definitely always below 70ppm, in order to keep my acid demand at a reasonable level. With my TA below 70ppm (and the fact that I have 50ppm borates in my pool water), I only have to add acid once every 14 days or so and I only add about 12-16oz each time. That keeps my pH between 7.6-7.8 and, for the most part, my pH will just hang at 7.7
Here's what you can do -
1. Read through Pool School and about our philosophy - TFPC Method.
2. If you agree that we can teach you how to be completely self-reliant and have the greatest looking pool, you should purchase one of the test kits we recommend
3. Test your water and post up test results and the experts and mods here will be more than happy to help you.
Before you go sinking lots of money into automated pool equipment that might be totally unnecessary, I would suggest you really consider making the most important investment in your pool, a high quality test kit. Once you can test and understand your water chemistry better, your pool will become a lot easier and cheaper to manage.
Good luck,
Matt