🧪 Tap Water Testing Before New Pool is Filled

[violet-mermaid]

Thank you! Here are todays numbers:

Cl- 5
PH- 7.8
CYA- 40
TA- 140

I added this to pool math and it says to add more than a gallon of muriatic acid- is that correct?

 

[mknauss]

Why are you targeting a pH of 7? Your current pH is fine -- within Range. Leave it.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Lowering TA is process. True, muriatic acid lowers TA, but it works hand-in-hand with pH adjustments. From the article:

1. Add acid to lower your PH to between 7.0 and 7.2 (this also lowers TA)
2. Aerate until PH rises to around 7.6 (the only way to raise PH without also raising TA)
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you reach the desired TA.

You really don't have to force TA down. PH will rise on it's own. Just work on MA additions to control pH and TA should come down as well.

We started out discussing lowering TA. You really don't need to force it down. Just keep pH is range and you're good.

 

[violet-mermaid]

Why are you targeting a pH of 7? Your current pH is fine -- within Range. Leave it.

Oh ok! I thought I was supposed to lower it to 7.0-7.2 then aerate to bring down TA and raise pH.

So do I just leave it as is and keep an eye on pH?

 

[mknauss]

So do I just leave it as is and keep an eye on pH?

Correct. When the pH reaches 8, lower it to 7.4. The TA will handle itself. Just be sure to test TA each time your pH reaches 8, as you need the TA value in Poolmath to determine how much acid is needed to lower the pH.

 

[violet-mermaid]

Correct. When the pH reaches 8, lower it to 7.4. The TA will handle itself. Just be sure to test TA each time your pH reaches 8, as you need the TA value in Poolmath to determine how much acid is needed to lower the pH.

Wonderful, thank you so much!!!

 

[violet-mermaid]

Levels are looking good!!! So is the water This is kind of fun lol

 

[kimkats]

You know what is fun? Helping people like you that get it and does so good with it!

The next fun thing for you will be as you read the boards and you see a post that no one else has answered yet and YOU know the answer so you reply! It is such a rush!

 

[violet-mermaid]

So Ph is high again, and it’s looking like I’m needing to add another gallon of muriatic acid. TA is 100. Is it normal to have to add that much acid this often? Will it ever stabilize?

 

[kimkats]

Do you have something that is moving the water a bit? Does the return roll the water?

 

[violet-mermaid]

I have a fountain on when my pump runs…

 

[kimkats]

That is what is pushing your pH up. So you have to decide if you want the fun, nice sounding fountain that can also help cool your pool OR lower pH? Me? I would want the fountain!

 

[violet-mermaid]

The kids love the fountain and me too lol. I was just worried about constantly dumping acid in the water haha. I’ll try to limit the fountain a bit and see how that goes. Other than the high ph, everything looks good!!! Water is crystal clear, whoop!!!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

So Ph is high again, and it’s looking like I’m needing to add another gallon of muriatic acid. TA is 100. Is it normal to have to add that much acid this often? Will it ever stabilize?

Keep doing what you're doing. Your TA was 140 about 12 days ago and it's down to 100 now. By adding MA to reduce pH, your TA is falling.

 

[kimkats]

Let the fountain rip and just work on the pH as needed. I LOVE a fountain to play in and enjoy!

 

[violet-mermaid]

I’m adding the acid tonight, but noticed the water isn’t as clear as it was Is this from high Ph? Going do some tests now…

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Going do some tests now…

Post a full set of results.

Have you seen an increase in filter pressure?

 

[violet-mermaid]

Will do!

I also have a sneaky feeling that my youngest (with autism) may be peeing in the pool. He's peeing as soon as he gets out of the pool, but he probably doesn't understand when we tell him not to go in the pool. I'm not 100% on this, but what would I do if this is the case? He's 5, nonverbal....

I just took a closer look and it's maybe just a tad cloudy. I'll post results and a water pic ASAP!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Don't worry about a bit of of urine in the pool. Accidents will happen and as long as you maintain FC levels in range, you'll be fine.

Keep an eye on filter pressure. Clean/backwash when filter pressure increases 25% over the clean/baseline pressure.

Cloudiness could be a sign of algae. When in doubt, do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test.

 

[kimkats]

All you need to do is get and keep your FC at the upper levels for your CYA to make sure there is enough to take care of the extra your son is putting in the pool. No biggie!