I revisit this same topic every year. I think TFP should figure out a way to rephrase how we should manage TA. Just like traditional pool care, TFP lists a range for TA. Problem with a range is that conscientious followers will try to maintain that range. Problem with trying to maintain a range with TA is that it will often get one into an endless cycle of PH adjustments. Nowadays, after learning this the hard hard way, the only reason I ever adjust TA is to get my PH more stable. One year, it was TA at 40 that kept me from continually adding acid. This year, it's 60, but if my PH ain't movin', I'm not messing with TA. Am I wrong? The pool calculator gives an example that includes raising TA to 80 when opening a pool with TA starting at 60. I think this is a huge mistake for a real world opening. I'm going to leave TA alone until I see what happens to my PH, and then, if I do have to raise TA, I'm going to put in enough soda to raise it about 5, and then watch and adjust Ph again, and then move TA up only 5 again, if necessary, easy does it. Then when I reach the point that my Ph quits dropping, then my balancing act is done. I haven't adjusted PH in 15 months using this method, and I sure don't want to be in a situation where I have to lower TA. Am I wrong for thinking of TA as a PH buffer that is different for different pools?
Any new TFP recommendations on TA
- Thread starter gregsfc
- Start date
Hi Greg. Check out this article: Pool School - Lower Total Alkalinity you'll find it specifically states not to adjust your TA just to reach a target.
In my experience, if you're getting wild swings or are on a pH roller-coaster ride, you need to make smaller adjustments, and test more frequently.
In my experience, if you're getting wild swings or are on a pH roller-coaster ride, you need to make smaller adjustments, and test more frequently.
You are correct, the right TA level is different for each pool. Which is why we list a range. 
The right thing to do, as you have done, is to use acid to lower pH as needed. This will slowly lower TA until pH and TA reach equilibrium. Now, if TA is way above the recommended range then actively lowering TA to get into the range is generally a good idea just to avoid having to acid to lower pH every day or two or three.
The right thing to do, as you have done, is to use acid to lower pH as needed. This will slowly lower TA until pH and TA reach equilibrium. Now, if TA is way above the recommended range then actively lowering TA to get into the range is generally a good idea just to avoid having to acid to lower pH every day or two or three.Thanks and good info.
I still read a post now and then, however, where one has their pool with TA at or near 50; and is getting PH drift; adding acid; adding acid; adding acid; then adding BS to get the TA back above 50; and the cycle continues until they ask on here and get told they can let his/her TA drop below 50. I'm not sure this possible issue is addressed in pool school, but I see it from OP posts every year. In 2015, I had this same issue. The recommended range was more restrictive back then; it was 70-90. As a new pool owner who had read pool school cover to cover three times, I did not know that I could let my TA drop naturally with my continual three-time-per-week acid doses until my PH kept drifting and then not raise TA back up to within the range. I was creating my own problem by trying to be a good student/soldier of TFP. I came to the forum and asked. Experts weren't as ready for that problem back then as they are now; I guess because they've all seen it a few times by now. But back when I had it; no one mentioned that it could be my TA. I think I tested it and reported it at 80. I tried to move it to the middle as I do all ranges unless otherwise specified. Chem Geek finally read and responded to my post, and he asked me for some specific numbers; came back and said with my carbonate alkalinity number (or something like that), I could get my TA down to 25 without a threat of a PH crash. I got my PH to quit drifting by doing my regular doses until the PH quit drifting. Left the TA alone. Problem solved. When I got around to testing, my TA was at 40. PH was solid!
I've seen OPs convince themselves that it was due to the fact that they were now using bleach, and that bleach was having an upward force impact on PH. I thought the same thing when it was happening to me, but it's not true. I've not adjusted PH in fifteen months. Bleach every day.
Thanks again!
P.S. I'll be a TFP Supporter tomorrow when I have my card with me to donate!
I still read a post now and then, however, where one has their pool with TA at or near 50; and is getting PH drift; adding acid; adding acid; adding acid; then adding BS to get the TA back above 50; and the cycle continues until they ask on here and get told they can let his/her TA drop below 50. I'm not sure this possible issue is addressed in pool school, but I see it from OP posts every year. In 2015, I had this same issue. The recommended range was more restrictive back then; it was 70-90. As a new pool owner who had read pool school cover to cover three times, I did not know that I could let my TA drop naturally with my continual three-time-per-week acid doses until my PH kept drifting and then not raise TA back up to within the range. I was creating my own problem by trying to be a good student/soldier of TFP. I came to the forum and asked. Experts weren't as ready for that problem back then as they are now; I guess because they've all seen it a few times by now. But back when I had it; no one mentioned that it could be my TA. I think I tested it and reported it at 80. I tried to move it to the middle as I do all ranges unless otherwise specified. Chem Geek finally read and responded to my post, and he asked me for some specific numbers; came back and said with my carbonate alkalinity number (or something like that), I could get my TA down to 25 without a threat of a PH crash. I got my PH to quit drifting by doing my regular doses until the PH quit drifting. Left the TA alone. Problem solved. When I got around to testing, my TA was at 40. PH was solid!
I've seen OPs convince themselves that it was due to the fact that they were now using bleach, and that bleach was having an upward force impact on PH. I thought the same thing when it was happening to me, but it's not true. I've not adjusted PH in fifteen months. Bleach every day.
Thanks again!
P.S. I'll be a TFP Supporter tomorrow when I have my card with me to donate!