High TA and Ph levels

[zesti515]

Hello,

Just tested my pool with the TF-100 test kit and my My readings are as followed.....

FC 3.5
CC .05
TA 165
CYA 30
PH 8.2 (or higher)

My question is is it safe to swim with my TA being 165 and my Ph being 8.2? I have read how to lower the TA and that will in turn lower the ph? Still kind of confused how to do that...this is all new to me...I use the BBB method.
The weather has been warm the past few days...today it is 90 out. We have not used our pool in awhile because of a cold summer. We are located about 30 min from Chicago.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Add enough acid to lower it to about 7.2 and wait a few minutes and go swimming.

 

[zesti515]

Ok thank you! Can I just get muriatic acid from anywhere or is there a specific brand that works better?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Any brand will do, just look at the percentage and use that i the Pool calc so it'll tell you how much you need.

 

[GreatCanadian]

You can get your pH down pretty easily. Use muriatic acid. It will also lower your TA a bit. When ph rises again add more acid. It is safe to swim with your high TA. About 11 ounces of 20 baume muriatic acid should bring your ph to about 7.5. Are you familiar with the pool calculator? You also state your ph might be higher than 8.2. I would add 14 ounces to target a pH of 7.2 in that case. That's still within good range. Based on a 3,000 gallon volume.

 

[zesti515]

Thank you! Yes I'm familiar with pool calculator
My girls wanted to go swimming and wasn't sure if it was ok to let them swim in the pool for a little before I ran my errands to get some muriatic acid. Never had to lower my TA or Ph levels so wasnt exactly sure how to do it either. Thanks for your help!! :-D

Alexandra

 

[Bama Rambler]

With the pH reading 8.2 you really don't know if it's higher than that because that's as high as the test goes. I would wait until you get it down a little to let them swim.

 

[zesti515]

I was thinking that probably would be a good idea....running to walmart now
Thanks!

 

[GreatCanadian]

Yes, get the pH down as stated. No worry about the high TA for letting them swim though.

 

[zesti515]

Ok so walmart doesn't sell muriatic acid they told me! Any other suggestions where to buy it from?? They had something called ph minus by HTH but were out of it

 

[Ame]

Try Home depot or lowes

 

[bmoreswim]

Lowe's, Home Depot or a farm store should carry it. At Lowe's don't buy the "Safer" brand/variety, it's a lower percentage and therefore more expensive for the equivalent amount of actual MA.