Problem getting my TA down

[KDKRETZ]

So i started this year off with high TA (150) and high PH(off the charts using the taylor test kit. i added Muiatic acid to lower the ph to 7.0 to lower the TA and aerated to bring the PH back up into normal levels. I have done this process several times as each time that i do it, it only lowers the TA a portion of what i need it to. so after 3 gallons of acid i finally have the TA at 70ppm (what pool school recommends for a swg), however when i aerate to bring the PH back up the alkalinity also goes back up to 100ppm. am i missing something or do i just need to keep adding acid a little at a time until the TA stays put?

FC 5
PH 7.0-7.6
TA see above
CYA 60
CH 60

KDK

 

[linen]

Aerating does not raise TA.

Do you have an autofill that could be masking a pool leak?

 

[KDKRETZ]

no, i dont have an auto fill, but now that you mention it i did backwash and had to fill about 5" of water. not sure where in the process i did that but it could have been the problem. is it beneficial to test my fill water to see what PH and TA of that are.

KDK

 

[jblizzle]

Testing your tap water is certainly beneficial to understanding your pool's trends.

 

[KDKRETZ]

So after testing my fill water for PH and TA this is what i found: TA was a whopping 460ppm and PH was off the chart. I guess that is what my problem was, it just didn't dawn on my until you said something, thanks for the info.

KDK

 

[Richard320]

I wouldn't worry about TA until you're done with the shock process. It's the last thing to mess with, when everything else is good and you're bored.

 

[dmanb2b]

So after testing my fill water for PH and TA this is what i found: TA was a whopping 460ppm and PH was off the chart. I guess that is what my problem was, it just didn't dawn on my until you said something, thanks for the info.

KDK

I go through the same problem. My fill TA is anywhere from 300-400. Lowering the pool water a bit before a good rain storm is a good way to get lower TA fill water for free

 

[schertzy82]

I once tried to lower my TA last year, but found it to be a waste of time because it would always go back up after topping off the water. As long as you keep your pH in check, then I don't think you need to worry about a high TA.

 

[duraleigh]

KDK,

What city and state do you live in with that high TA?

 

[KDKRETZ]

Suffolk, Va

 

[KDKRETZ]

I should have added that my tap water is from well water but that is all i have.

 

[duraleigh]

That's pretty unusual for TA to be that high in that area. I wonder if others around you have that high TA? Nevertheless, it can be managed just fine and you have the right idea as to how.