Hi folks,
I think I'm getting ready to live that TFP life, but wanted to post here just in case anyone had a good tip before I add boric acid.
As background: first time pool owner this summer in Las Vegas, 16k gal plaster, with a hot tub that spills 2' into pool. When we inherited it, everything was off, but thanks to this forum and our handy Taylor test kit we got it mostly under control. First was CYA/FC. Looking good there, CYA is mid 40s and we use KEMTEK 10% liquid chlorine from Lowes as our sanitizer.
Lately I've been keeping an eye on pH. Seems to creep up quite quickly. TA was 160, it sounds like that will push pH up quickly. I'm sure the waterfall aerating the pool is contributing as well. Over the last week I've been adding 14.5% KEMTEK muriatic acid to lower pH and TA, then using hot tub bubblers and waterfall to raise pH. TA is now down to 90s.
My plan: Continue until TA is down to 60ish, then add the boric acid (55 gal drum from dudadiesel is on the way). But I've read several times to get the TA down to where I want it before adding, and it'll be a few days before we get there. So I wanted to throw this post out there in case anyone had some good advice before moving forward.
I'm excited to add boric acid because of the skin feel (we're in the hot tub every night, hoping it helps my skin feel less dry). Also the waterfall will continue to aerate, hoping the borates will be a good buffer and I only have to add small amounts of acid to keep pH in the range we want.
Any input/advice is welcome! Thanks.
Edit: Seems I need to clarify... open to advice from people who have gone through this before, have a tip/trick to consider through the process, stuff along those lines.
I think I'm getting ready to live that TFP life, but wanted to post here just in case anyone had a good tip before I add boric acid.
As background: first time pool owner this summer in Las Vegas, 16k gal plaster, with a hot tub that spills 2' into pool. When we inherited it, everything was off, but thanks to this forum and our handy Taylor test kit we got it mostly under control. First was CYA/FC. Looking good there, CYA is mid 40s and we use KEMTEK 10% liquid chlorine from Lowes as our sanitizer.
Lately I've been keeping an eye on pH. Seems to creep up quite quickly. TA was 160, it sounds like that will push pH up quickly. I'm sure the waterfall aerating the pool is contributing as well. Over the last week I've been adding 14.5% KEMTEK muriatic acid to lower pH and TA, then using hot tub bubblers and waterfall to raise pH. TA is now down to 90s.
My plan: Continue until TA is down to 60ish, then add the boric acid (55 gal drum from dudadiesel is on the way). But I've read several times to get the TA down to where I want it before adding, and it'll be a few days before we get there. So I wanted to throw this post out there in case anyone had some good advice before moving forward.
I'm excited to add boric acid because of the skin feel (we're in the hot tub every night, hoping it helps my skin feel less dry). Also the waterfall will continue to aerate, hoping the borates will be a good buffer and I only have to add small amounts of acid to keep pH in the range we want.
Any input/advice is welcome! Thanks.
Edit: Seems I need to clarify... open to advice from people who have gone through this before, have a tip/trick to consider through the process, stuff along those lines.
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