Regional differences in recommended TA levels?

[foxbody]

Hey all. I got my water tested at local pool store to compare/contrast to my home tests. The results were similar to mine but their recommended level for total alkalinity is much different than what's recommended here and I'm just wondering why. Are the recommended levels here good for all parts of the country? I live in the north east.

Specifically, my TA is 73 and they recommend 80-120ppm. They recommend a "life line blue #4" with the advice "Levels below 120ppm will cause itchy skin, and metal filter parts to erode". I asked the owner which chemical they recommend the most out of the 3 and he said this chemical because I need to get my alkalinity up.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Leebo]

To be blunt, the dude couldn’t be more wrong. Here’s a very short animation describing the TA levels and why TFP suggests the levels we do.

 

[Donldson]

"Levels below 120ppm will cause itchy skin, and metal filter parts to erode".

Complete and 100% utter bull. This is why we consistently tell people to not let the pool stores test their water for any reason, you are putting yourself in a position to be fed lines like this. There is zero reason to compare your results, absolutely none.

Here's an interesting question: why do they recommend levels between 80-120, but claim levels below 120 will cause problems? Their entire range is below 120! He can't even keep his recommendations straight, just as long as he makes the sale.

 

[mknauss]

Taking a look at your Poolmath logs, it appears the last real test you entered was 9 days ago? Be very careful entering pool store tests into Poolmath. Their data is typcially inaccurate and can create a false pattern in your testing logs,

 

[foxbody]

To be blunt, the dude couldn’t be more wrong. Here’s a very short animation describing the TA levels and why TFP suggests the levels we do.

This was great. Just what I needed. Thanks!

 

[foxbody]

Complete and 100% utter bull. This is why we consistently tell people to not let the pool stores test their water for any reason, you are putting yourself in a position to be fed lines like this. There is zero reason to compare your results, absolutely none.

Here's an interesting question: why do they recommend levels between 80-120, but claim levels below 120 will cause problems? Their entire range is below 120! He can't even keep his recommendations straight, just as long as he makes the sale.

That's what I was thinking! Most pool owners that go to this place take their test results, go straight to the counter and buy the recommended chemicals. I like to question everything.

 

[foxbody]

Taking a look at your Poolmath logs, it appears the last real test you entered was 9 days ago? Be very careful entering pool store tests into Poolmath. Their data is typcially inaccurate and can create a false pattern in your testing logs,

Yes sir, that sounds about right. We have had a very bad week (two) of heavy rains, then the old pool motor crapped out and algae bloomed. Trying to get back on track with a SLAM now. Just testing FC at this point then after SLAM I'll do a full retest. Does this sound reasonable?
And thank you for your interest and dedication!

 

[mknauss]

Does this sound reasonable?

Sure. No reason to not enter all your test data and additions. Just delete any data from a pool store.

 

[GreatScott]

Taking a look at your Poolmath logs, it appears the last real test you entered was 9 days ago? Be very careful entering pool store tests into Poolmath. Their data is typcially inaccurate and can create a false pattern in your testing logs,

Wait you can see our poolmath logs? Are you the owner of this? How do you know which one is him by email? I ended up buying it last weekend and entering all my logs since the pool drain. Did not know it was monitored.

 

[mknauss]

Wait you can see our poolmath logs?

If you Share your Poolmath Logs then all members of TFP can see the logs. It is preferred if one does that so it is easier to give chemistry advice.

See mine by clicking on my Membername and selecting Poolmath Logs.

 

[GreatScott]

oh wow that is actually pretty cool thanks..doing now
I think I did it right, from inside the app sharing permissions. I can't see my own on here but I see yours