very low ta and ph, which to go after first?

[vinouspleasure]

Hi,

first test of the season, alk=10, ph is so low it's not part of ph spectrum. pool calculator is calling for 31 lbs(!) of baking soda and about 5lbs of borax.

I'm thinking the alk is dangerously low for my pool tiles/ladder and provides a buffer for the borax, so I'm thinking of adding baking soda first.

yes?

tia,

 

[Richard320]

Yes. It will also have a small effect on pH. Except I see 19 lbs should get you to 60. Check the Effects of Adding Chemicals at the bottom of the pool calculator. Borax will also affect TA. And since you're off the scale right now, you may need more Borax than it says, so leave some room. It's easy to raise TA - it can be done in 30 minutes since baking soda dissolves fast and brushing it around makes it even faster.

 

[woodyp]

Yep, I'd be dumping in baking soda to get you to 60 - 80 range and see waht your Ph does then adjust that promptly.

 

[jblizzle]

Raise the TA first into range and then deal with the pH. Like Richard mentioned, I would start with about 20 lbs of baking soda.

 

[vinouspleasure]

thanks, yes, for some reason the pool calculator defaulted to a goal of 100 for alk, threw 18 lbs in tonight, will test tomorrow morning and start with borax.

 

[duraleigh]

That is stunningly low. Do you have any idea how it got there? Do you have any reason to doubt the test?