Consistently rising pH

[radiation]

Over the last month the pH in my pool has been consistently rising to the point where I need to add Dry Acid on a weekly basis. My numbers are below:

• FC/CC: 3.5/0
  TA: 100
  CH: 200
  pH: 8.2

I live in the Northeast where we have had some rain but I don't think it's been more than in past seasons and I don't remember having this issue before. Any ideas why this happening and any ways to prevent it?

 

[JasonLion]

Rising PH is almost always due to higher than ideal TA levels. If you bring your TA level down to around 70, PH increases should stop, or at least slow down dramatically.

 

[257WbyMag]

It is not that unusual to have to lower pH once a week. You can try lowering your TA as this should help buffer the pH rise to a certain degree. here is the process...

pool-school/lowering%20total%20alkalinity

Switiching to muriatic acid would probably help your case as well.

 

[dmanb2b]

Lower PH to 7.4 with Muratic acid which will also lower TA. TA at 100 is a bit high if you are using Bleach or a saltwater generator for chlorination and may be causing your PH to rise.

 

[radiation]

Thanks all. I thought 100 TA was good, guess not. So it sounds like I want to lower ph to around 7.0-7.2 and then aerate to raise ph. One more question though when I enter all this into the pool calculator it tells me to add 100oz of dry acid but at the bottom it says 100oz will only lower ph by something like .67. Which is correct?

 

[257WbyMag]

If your pH is 8.2 and you want to lower it to 7.4 with dry acid, then I calculate using the Pool Calculator that you will need 69 oz. of dry acid to get it there.

 

[dmanb2b]

We prefer MA over dry acid, especially when lowering TA as it add sulfates over time.

 

[257WbyMag]

We prefer MA over dry acid, especially when lowering TA as it add sulfates over time.

On top of the fact that it is cheaper and easier to dose as well.

 

[radiation]

Does anybody have any suggestions on where to get Muratic Acid online? My local leslie's store does not carry it and their website says it's sold in the store only. I see a lot of pool company websites that sell pH reducers that they claim are "better than Muratic Acid" but can't find any that sell actual Muratic Acid. Any suggestions? I have been using Dry Acid instead but given the thread above wanted to switch and try out the MA....thanks!

 

[maxepr1]

Radiation, HD and Lowes sell MA.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Most of the big box stores have it but it may not be in the pool section it may be in the paint section or the cleaning section.