Cannot get my alkalinity down!

[tei321]

Finally got my CYA value under control (50) but alkalinity is stuck at 130 for weeks and I can't seem to get it any lower. Pool Math app tells me to increase my pH which is 7.3 but at the same time when I look at the alkalinity recommendation, it says to reduce pH in order to lower my alkalinity.

Don't know WTH to do. I'm just getting tired of pouring nearly a gallon of liquid chlorine into my pool every other day, it's getting expensive. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

 

[tei321]

My pool is an above ground and I use a cartridge filter. Thought that this information would be included from my profile responses

 

[Bperry]

Finally got my CYA value under control (50) but alkalinity is stuck at 130 for weeks and I can't seem to get it any lower. Pool Math app tells me to increase my pH which is 7.3 but at the same time when I look at the alkalinity recommendation, it says to reduce pH in order to lower my alkalinity.

Don't know WTH to do. I'm just getting tired of pouring nearly a gallon of liquid chlorine into my pool every other day, it's getting expensive. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

Pool Math is just a calculator. It’s not telling you to increase your pH. It just has a number there that you can enter in any pH value and it will calculate what you need to do to get it there. Follow the recommended levels for what stuff should be. The pH of 7.3 is fine and your TA is not hurting anything where it’s at either. The only downside to the TA is that the pH will rise faster because the TA is high

But none of that has anything to do with how much chlorine you’re using. Maybe you meant muriatic acid? If you keep managing the pH so it stays in the 7’s your TA will come down on its own overtime.

You are way low on chlorine so you better get that up fast and not worry about the TA or the PH until its normal.

 

[pjt]

How are you testing?

alkalinity is stuck at 130 for weeks

Nothing to worry about. It will come down gradually as you manage pH with MA.

Pool Math app tells me to increase my pH which is 7.3

Any pH in the 7s is fine. No action needed. pH will rise by itself with a TA of 130.

I'm just getting tired of pouring nearly a gallon of liquid chlorine into my pool every other day, it's getting expensive. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

Get a SWCG. It's by far the cheapest, easiest, and most convenient way to chlorinate. You need FC now. Pour in a gallon LC ASAP.

 

[wireform]

I'd recommend a OCLT tonight to be sure nothing is brewing algae-wise. Get your FC to a good 6 and give it 20 minutes to mix then check what you have before retiring for the evening. I'd also do the CC portion of the test to see if anything registers. Read the link below for guidance.
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

 

[tei321]

you

With a tfp test kit that I bought earlier this year

 

[pjt]

With a tfp test kit that I bought earlier this year

Great. Add the test kit model to your signature.