What's the best way to handle this situation? The pH is way low but TA is already high. This is on an 11k gallon above-ground pool.
pH 6.2 with TA of 130
- Thread starter Bigric
- Start date
Big,
I suspect that you are using chlorine tablets... Is that true???
Thanks,
Jim R.
I suspect that you are using chlorine tablets... Is that true???
Thanks,
Jim R.
Welcome to TFP.
pH is raised the same way that you increase Total Alkalinity. If you find your pH is below 7.0, the best way to raise pH is through aeration. Aerations will increase pH without affecting TA. Borax is the next best solution, as it will raise pH, and have a small impact on TA. Soda Ash/Washing Soda is the next best solution. It will raise pH, and increase TA about 2 times the amount that Borax impacts TA. If you find you need to increase pH, and you don't have a way to use Aeration, use Pool Math to help you figure out how much Borax or Soda Ash/Washing soda to add. Baking soda is NOT a good choice to raise your pH. If your pH is below 7.0, then here is the general guidance.If TA is 50 or above, bring your pH up to 7.4 or so using 20 mule team Borax.
Please read Managing pH and Total Alkalinity - Further Reading
pH is raised the same way that you increase Total Alkalinity. If you find your pH is below 7.0, the best way to raise pH is through aeration. Aerations will increase pH without affecting TA. Borax is the next best solution, as it will raise pH, and have a small impact on TA. Soda Ash/Washing Soda is the next best solution. It will raise pH, and increase TA about 2 times the amount that Borax impacts TA. If you find you need to increase pH, and you don't have a way to use Aeration, use Pool Math to help you figure out how much Borax or Soda Ash/Washing soda to add. Baking soda is NOT a good choice to raise your pH. If your pH is below 7.0, then here is the general guidance.If TA is 50 or above, bring your pH up to 7.4 or so using 20 mule team Borax.
Please read Managing pH and Total Alkalinity - Further Reading
pH 6.2 with TA of 130
Very unlikely unless the CYA is sky high.
What are all of your numbers from a good test kit?
What is the history of this pool?
Pool Care Basics
PoolMath
Test Kits Compared
No, I use bleach unless I need to add stabilizer, in which case I use dichlor.
I use the TF-Pro kit for most tests.
CYA 0
FC 4.5
CC 0
TA 130
pH 6.2 (hydrion paper)
Phosphates (AquaCheck kit)
The pool has been up for three years. I replaced all of the water 14 months ago because of algae problems after that winter. The pH and TA were similar all last season.
The pool was uncovered and mostly unmaintained from last November to this March. I used PR-10000 last week to knock the phosphates down.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,499
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Why is the CYA 0?
The pH is not going to stay at 6.2 with a TA of 130.
Can you fill out your signature?
Can you show the pool and system?
Do you have ozone, ionizers, CO2 or acid feeders?
Do you have pH or chlorine feeders?
If yes, are they automated?
The pH is not going to stay at 6.2 with a TA of 130.
Can you fill out your signature?
Can you show the pool and system?
Do you have ozone, ionizers, CO2 or acid feeders?
Do you have pH or chlorine feeders?
If yes, are they automated?
I usually don't use this since I did the DPD test every time, but obviously I should.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 6,166
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Always use the pH drop test.
That Hydrion paper isn't any better than a test strip.
That Hydrion paper isn't any better than a test strip.
Not sure why CYA is zero. The pool is effectively in full sun and I rarely add dichlor. No chemical automation. The chlorine tab floater has been on the ground for two seasons. I've updated my sig, but here it is:
11k gallon vinyl pool, Hayward 1.0 HP pump and 100 lb sand filter. Manifold with vacuum port and fountain.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 7,508
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60
That pH is above 8, not 6.8.
Use pool math to calculate how much muriatic acid to reduce pH by .4. Add that, retest after 30 minutes with pump running. Rinse and repeat until your pH is 7-6-6.8.
Use pool math to calculate how much muriatic acid to reduce pH by .4. Add that, retest after 30 minutes with pump running. Rinse and repeat until your pH is 7-6-6.8.
I would increase the CYA and that will lower the pH some.
If the CH (Calcium Hardness) is not high, you are in good shape.
www.troublefreepool.com
www.troublefreepool.com
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels
If the CH (Calcium Hardness) is not high, you are in good shape.
What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?
Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.
www.troublefreepool.com
The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship
Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.
www.troublefreepool.com
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels
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