PH Slowly Increasing

[Drsafety]

FC = 4
CC = 0
PH 7.8 - 8.2

Why does the PH keep rising? What do I do to lower the PH? The PH has been slowly rising for the past few weeks since opening. My pool is crystal clear. Thoughts?


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[duraleigh]

Why does the PH keep rising?

For a variety of reasons, it is the nature of almost all pools. You can learn how to lower it correctly by reading "The ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry" up in Pool School

 

[JasonLion]

There are a number of common reasons for the PH to rise. The most common is some combination of high TA and aeration. When the TA is too high, any aeration (fountain, waterfall, SWG, etc) will cause the PH to go up.

 

[Drsafety]

Thanks! Will a PH of 8.2 hurt a vinyl liner or equipment? I just measured my TA (100).


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[JasonLion]

The largest problem with PH at 8.2 is that it is as high as the PH test reads. If the PH were say 9.0, it would still read as 8.2. So 8.2 isn't safe because it might actually mean the PH is much higher.

 

[Richard320]

It would help if you could post all the test results.

If your TA is high, that will drive pH up rapidly. And if the fill water is high in TA, every top-off makes it worse. And the SWG accelerates it.

 

[Drsafety]

So I should use the pool calculator to determine how much muriatic acid I should use. Any method to pour it in? Does the acid go bad? I'm asking because I have a jug from 1999 (washed brick).


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[Drsafety]

Richard320, my TA was 100. I will test my fill water now. Thanks!


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[Drsafety]

Our tap water that I use to fill the pool had a TA of 140-150 with a PH of 7.2


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[Richard320]

Just dribble the acid in front of one of the returns while the pump is on. http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/139-recommended-pool-chemicals tells how to add each chemical.

Your old jug of acid should be fine. The acid doesn't go bad, but the jugs can get brittle with age. Wear old clothes.

 

[Drsafety]

Thanks! How soon after I add can we swim?


20 x 44.5 single roman end, ~33,000 gallons, 10 feet deep, garrett vinyl liner, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter, Hayward 2 HP Pump, Cirrcupool RJ60 SWG, Hayward 140k BTU Heater, Polaris 380 with Booster Pump

 

[Richard320]

Thanks! How soon after I add can we swim?

Put the jug away, go change into your swim suit, and jump in. Swimmers will finish dispersing the acid.