Low alkalinity and Low PH

[jandersen13]

Hi everyone,

I noticed some algae in the pool today in shadowy areas. I brushed it off and then tested my water. I will be honest I have neglected it a bit as have been busy with work but the water was still crystal clear. I did let the chlorine level drop to basically nothing this week but have hopefully gotten that fixed tonight.

My question now is after testing my alkalinity with my TF test kit it never turned green after adding the two drops of 007 and five drops of 008. It stayed a dark pink / red. I'm assuming this means I have no alkalinity?? Is that possible?

Next I checked my PH levels and they were a very yellow color on the test kit so very low.

My question is what should I do first here? Is the chlorine going to help the numbers adjust and then test again tomorrow to see what they show? If not, do I adjust alkalinity or PH first?

 

[MarianParoo]

You need to add some baking soda (arm and hammer) ASAP. Add like 10 1# boxes and see where you are.

 

[bdavis466]

To have 0 alkalinity your pH must be less than 4. Are you chlorinating with trichlor pucks?

 

[jandersen13]

Yes, I am using trichlor pucks. So does this change what I should do first? Alkalinity or ph?

 

[bdavis466]

Both need to be raised. Soda ash (washing soda) with raise both the pH and TA.

 

[MarianParoo]

You can also use Arm and Hammer washing soda as it will raise both TA and pH. Do one or the other soon.

 

[jandersen13]

Any suggestions for how much to put in? I have a 18,000 gallon pool. Should I do it all at once or slowly and test? Will arm and hammer washing soda raise TA and pH enough together or will I need something separate for TA?

Also to clarify, I need Arm and Hammer WASHING SODA not BAKING SODA right?

 

[MarianParoo]

It looks like about 10# of washing soda, but I would go for about 7-8 and see where you are. I would do it asap. Check this out: Pool School - PoolMath

 

[jandersen13]

Thanks everyone!! I just picked up 12 lbs of washing soda from the store. I'll add 7-8 pounds in tomorrow morning when the pump turns back on.

Should I test and see different results tomorrow evening?

 

[MarianParoo]

You can test within a half hour of the add to see where you are. Can you add it tonight? It disperses quickly.

- - - Updated - - -

If you do add, turn your pump on for the evening. I would...

 

[jandersen13]

I was not able to add it last night but I did add it this morning. I added 7 lbs of the washing soda and had to head to work. Came home and TA was showing about 30 and pH was still low on the scale. I added another 3 lbs 7oz box then and checked about 2 hours later. TA was 60 and pH was coming up and probably 6.8 - 7 range. I added another 3lbs 7 oz box and will check again tomorrow morning. Seems like I'm on the right path now right? Thanks for all of the help!

 

[MarianParoo]

Good deal!