Low TA?

[cdadams1223]

Good afternoon! I go home for lunch every day and while there I test FC and pH levels. I haven't checked TA in a while and noted it was 50 which is the lowest I've seen it. I know this will likely be a simple answer but I guess all I need to do is add baking soda? My FC was 7 and my pH was 8.0 to 8.2. I added some muriatic acid to balance out the pH but didn't add anything else.

Thanks!

 

[Bperry]

Good afternoon! I go home for lunch every day and while there I test FC and pH levels. I haven't checked TA in a while and noted it was 50 which is the lowest I've seen it. I know this will likely be a simple answer but I guess all I need to do is add baking soda? My FC was 7 and my pH was 8.0 to 8.2. I added some muriatic acid to balance out the pH but didn't add anything else.

Thanks!

50 is ok, but don’t let it get lower.

 

[cdadams1223]

50 is ok, but don’t let it get lower.

Thank you! Wouldn't hurt if I brought it back to 70 though right?

 

[IceShadow]

Thank you! Wouldn't hurt if I brought it back to 70 though right?

It’ll make your pH rise faster.

 

[Bperry]

Thank you! Wouldn't hurt if I brought it back to 70 though right?

The higher it is, the faster the pH will rise.

 

[JJ_Tex]

There is no shame in letting your pH sit at 7.8-8.0. That is where I try to keep mine and I hardly have to add acid.

Also do you have water features or other things that aerate the water? If so, those raise pH without raising TA and can lead to lower TA in the long run. Limit running those and your pH should be more stable.

 

[cdadams1223]

It’ll make your pH rise faster.

I was a little worried that it was sitting at 50 when Pool Math states 60-80 is ideal. Maybe I'll take it up to 60 and not 70.

 

[cdadams1223]

There is no shame in letting your pH sit at 7.8-8.0. That is where I try to keep mine and I hardly have to add acid.

Also do you have water features or other things that aerate the water? If so, those raise pH without raising TA and can lead to lower TA in the long run. Limit running those and your pH should be more stable.

I have some deck "jets" that sort of shoot an arc of water into the pool and those are only on when kids are using the pool.

Thanks for the advice all!

 

[pjt]

I was a little worried that it was sitting at 50 when Pool Math states 60-80 is ideal.

TA of 50 is fine. I wouldn't add any baking soda. pH will stabilize in the high 7s, maybe 8, and you're set.

Pentair Test Kit

You need a proper test kit. I'd suggest the TF-Pro Salt or the K-2006C. Let's get an accurate TA test before considering anything else.

 

[cdadams1223]

TA of 50 is fine. I wouldn't add any baking soda. pH will stabilize in the high 7s, maybe 8, and you're set.


You need a proper test kit. I'd suggest the TF-Pro Salt or the K-2006C. Let's get an accurate TA test before considering anything else.

Oops! I forgot to update my signature. I've been using the TF-Pro Salt for weeks now LOL!

 

[pjt]

I was a little worried that it was sitting at 50

Are you adding drops until there's no further color change? When I do the test, it typically takes ~2 more drops after the initial color change.

 

[cdadams1223]

Are you adding drops until there's no further color change? When I do the test, it typically takes ~2 more drops after the initial color change.

Yes I am. Per the testing, it says to add until you see the color change. Drop another drop and if that color remains the same subtract that drop.