History: I’m new to pool ownership so please forgive me.
Kids were itching and got rashes from pool. I tested the water and the Alkalinity and PH didn’t even register. I had the water tested and the store stated I needed 25 lbs of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The water was clear prior to adjusting. As soon as I put in the first cup full of the baking soda, the water turned a brownish/orange. I’ve since added 55 lbs and the alkalinity is within a normal range. I’ve also started borax as the ph is still a tad low. My chlorine level is a bit high; 5. Water is still discolored but oddly enough only looking at it in the pool. When I pull out the water for testing it’s clear.

HELP? Any thoughts or ideas?
My pool is 44,000 gallons.
Kids were itching and got rashes from pool. I tested the water and the Alkalinity and PH didn’t even register. I had the water tested and the store stated I needed 25 lbs of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The water was clear prior to adjusting. As soon as I put in the first cup full of the baking soda, the water turned a brownish/orange. I’ve since added 55 lbs and the alkalinity is within a normal range. I’ve also started borax as the ph is still a tad low. My chlorine level is a bit high; 5. Water is still discolored but oddly enough only looking at it in the pool. When I pull out the water for testing it’s clear.


HELP? Any thoughts or ideas?
My pool is 44,000 gallons.