Adding lots of acid

[jdpoolke]

Hi there,

I live in the San Fernando Valley where it's hot and sunny all summer. I also have a SWG. I've been having to add about a gallon of muriatic acid a week to keep the ph down this summer, is that normal?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum Jon.

Depends. Do you have a full set of test results?

I suggest you read Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Trouble Free Pool School book.

You may also want to get the Pool Math app.

 

[Esloser]

How new is your pool? I was doing this for the 1st year. It seems to have settled down now though and am adding maybe a gallon a month.

 

[ajw22]

- SWG contributes to PH rise.
- New plaster contributes to PH rise.
- Water features and spillovers contribute to PH rise
- High TA contributes to PH rise

How many of these do you have?

As Marty said, we need to see your test results.

 

[jdpoolke]

I have a SWG and my TA is 120. The pool was resurfaced with pebble tec about 3 years ago, I have no water features and minimal spillover. My CA is a little low (around 30) and my calcium hardness is a little high (around 500). My salt level is around 3000.

Thank you,
Jon

 

[mknauss]

Are those test results from your own kit?

We are looking for
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA

 

[JamesW]

As you add acid, the TA will drop; are you raising it back with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)?

 

[jdpoolke]

Yes, my TA was low so I raised it with sodium bicarbonate

 

[JamesW]

That's the reason why you need to keep adding acid. The bicarb raises the pH over time.

Try keeping the pH at 7.8 and the TA at 60.

 

[skimmerswimmer]

My pool’s sweet spot for TA is 60-80...keeps my PH around 7.4-7.6. Might add MA once or twice per month.