Alkalinity question

[Davepoling]

My First Post
FC - 4
CC - 0
pH- 7.6
TA - 60? or 120? Added 2 cups baking soda every month.
CH - 600 Was 300 April
CYA-90 Was 45 April
Pool water is very clear. Using pool cover this year. PH very stable 1-2 weeks. Chlorine usage seems normal 2-3 tabs/week

We have 2 Pool Stores in town. I am getting different alkalinity readings from each store this year. I'm getting a 3rd reading from my kit around 80-90. Can high CH or CYA cause funny TA readings? Plan to replace water this winter. How can I confirm the correct TA level?

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

First, realize that we do not trust pool store testing. Once you stop having them test it ... then you will not be confused by their numbers

So which numbers are from YOUR test kit ... which BTW is not one of the Recommended Test Kits because it is missing the critical FAS-DPD Chlorine Test which you can add separately.

 

[pwrstrk]

I hope your going to switch over to liquid chlorine, bleach or use a SWG. The pucks are not good for long term use. They keep adding CYA. Is the CYA level you posted the store testing or from your kit ?
If your CYA level really is 90 which is too high, your min FC level is 7 and you should be targeting 10-11. Without the FAS/ DPD test you can't test FC levels that high. ?

 

[Davepoling]

Thanks guys, My test today for TA was around 80-90. My CYA and CH were not as high as the store readings. My readings were CH-450 and CYA was 70.
I do use liquid chlorine during the winter. Calf.
Normally I have to replace 1/3 pool water in the fall each year to keep CYA and CH under control. Any way to reduce the CH cycle. Incoming water 80-90 CH.
What test kit would you recomended.

 

[pwrstrk]

I use the TF-100. Best value. ?

 

[Davepoling]

Any way to reduce CH from cycling up with 80Ch incoming. Liquid chlorine on takes care of the CYA increase

 

[Smykowski]

Rainwater, depending on your climate, of course.

 

[timerguy]

If you mean will it stop increasing if you use liquid chlorine? Yes! But it won't reduce existing Cya either.

 

[Davepoling]

Using liquid chlorine during the winter plus rain water plus replacing about 1/3 the water lowers CH & CYA for the next year. Then it starts building CYA & CH all over again. WOULD THIS BE NORMAL?

 

[pwrstrk]

If your using stabilized chlorine, that will increase your CYA. If you just use liquid chlorine, bleach that will not raise your CYA level. Stick with the liquid chlorine no side effects.
A read over of these articles will help.
ABC'S Of Pool Water Chemistry
How To Chlorinate Your Pool. ?

 

[Davepoling]

Thanks guys I appreciate the help. Will look for new Taylor kit
Any way to automate liquid chlorine addition?

 

[pwrstrk]

You can use the liquidator for chlorine automation. There are some DIY chlorine injection automation on the forum. SWG also. Do a search. ?

 

[timerguy]

Yes, with a stenner pump or salt water generator. I chose the swg so I don't have to haul chlorine bottles.

 

[Davepoling]

Do I need to close the post or reply to thread?

 

[Smykowski]

Do I need to close the post or reply to thread?

Not sure I understand the question....

 

[timerguy]

I guess I answered his question fully enough?

 

[Davepoling]

Thanks for the help guys.
The last question was.
Is there any thing I need to do with this Posting or Thread? This is my 1st time using the wed site.

There was question that did not get answered at the beginning. Can high CH (600) and high CYA (100) cause funny TA readings?

 

[jblizzle]

No, the CH and CYA will not affect the TA.
Nothing needs to be done with the thread .... it will live on in infamy

 

[singingpond]

...My readings were CH-450 and CYA was 70.
I do use liquid chlorine during the winter. Calf.
Normally I have to replace 1/3 pool water in the fall each year to keep CYA and CH under control. Any way to reduce the CH cycle. Incoming water 80-90 CH.

Any way to reduce CH from cycling up with 80Ch incoming...

I'm not sure this really got answered, other than the suggestion to welcome rainwater when it comes.

How to you think the calcium goes up as much as it does, given the relatively low levels in the fill water? Is it just evaporation? You did say you use a pool cover, so that must cut down on evaporation somewhat. Your water chemistry numbers don't look as though the water should be attacking the plaster (another possible calcium source). Are you using cal hypo for chlorination, at least some of the time? That would add calcium, and, if so, going to liquid chlorine would help your calcium problem also. I think it was assumed in an earlier post that you are using trichlor pucks (which add CYA along with chlorine), because you did mention tabs in your first post. Could you clarify what form(s) of chlorine you've used in the pool?

 

[duraleigh]

Singingpond brings up a VERY good observation. Posts and responses like these are where we all benefit.