Can’t keep ph down with SWCG

[unbrokenlink]

Hey all. I run my aquapure around 40-50% and my cya is around 80 right now in the hot south Florida sun. Not sure if I’m doing something wrong but the ph just keeps hovering at 8 constantly. I add acid, day or two later I’m right back up there. Is this normal?

 

[Bperry]

Hey all. I run my aquapure around 40-50% and my cya is around 80 right now in the hot south Florida sun. Not sure if I’m doing something wrong but the ph just keeps hovering at 8 constantly. I add acid, day or two later I’m right back up there. Is this normal?

Depends on what the TA is. Higher it is, the faster pH will rise. Water features like a waterfall also increase pH.

 

[unbrokenlink]

TA around 70. I have one spa area that pours into the pool. It’s negligible if at all really. Small and no drop to speak of

 

[mknauss]

If TA is at that level, leave the pH be. If it rises to above 8, lower it to 7.8

 

[unbrokenlink]

Ok that’s not too high? Scaling issues won’t occur?

 

[mknauss]

Unless your CH is well above 400 ppm, not likely. You show no SWCG in your signature, so no issues there.

 

[unbrokenlink]

440

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Scaling is dependent on more than just pH. If you post a full set of test results, that helps us to better understand the chemistry. SWG’s are mostly pH neutral. Aeration of the water and out-gassing of CO2 is what causes pH.

 

[unbrokenlink]

 

[cwswifty]

Unbroken,

1) You’re running on the ragged edge of a swamp breaking out with your FC at 4 (minimum).

2) Turn on “Track CSI” in PoolMath and it will show up on the Home Screen. When pH rises so does CSI. Adjust with MA when it gets too positive. I adjust mine when it is above 0.00.

3) Lower you TA to slow your pH rise. When my TA is at 60 I have to add MA in 3 or 4 days. When it is at 50 it goes for 8+ days. Don’t go below 50 though.

 

[unbrokenlink]

Unbroken,

1) You’re running on the ragged edge of a swamp breaking out with your FC at 4 (minimum).

2) Turn on “Track CSI” in PoolMath and it will show up on the Home Screen. When pH rises so does CSI. Adjust with MA when it gets too positive. I adjust mine when it is above 0.00.

3) Lower you TA to slow your pH rise. When my TA is at 60 I have to add MA in 3 or 4 days. When it is at 50 it goes for 8+ days. Don’t go below 50 though.

I don’t see csi or ma?

 

[unbrokenlink]

Ok found it. Looks fine

 

[cwswifty]

I don’t see csi or ma?

MA = Muriatic Acid.

 

[unbrokenlink]

I added about 3 cups today to get it done. As it was over 8. I’ll have to add that. I did log

 

[cwswifty]

Here’s some information on how to lower your TA if you want to give that a try.

Lower Total Alkalinity

A lower Total Alkalinity level can help a pool owner stabalize their pH increase. We'll explain how to lower TA with a little help from muriatic acid.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jark87]

@unbrokenlink I’m in a similar situation. I can’t keep my pH below 8 for more than 2-3 days during the summer. I run a chiller, which works off of evaporation, so I add more fill water than most. And my fill water has high pH and high TA, so keeping them low is a challenge. The chiller also aerates the water. I add a pint of MA every 2-3 days which keeps pH in the 7.8-8 range. My TA just tested at 60 this morning, which was a little surprising, but I’ve had the chiller off and haven’t been adding as much fill water. If you can keep yours in the 50-60 range, it will help, but probably not a ton. Winter is much easier, as I only add MA once a month or so. I also use Aquapures and they tend to last the expected lifespan of roughly 5 years. I’m on my 3rd in 17 years, not counting a warranty replacement of one that didn’t make it 12 months. I’ve never had any scaling to speak of.

Bottom line, just don’t let pH get out of control. Manage it the best you can, but don’t sweat it too much.

 

[jark87]

I run my aquapure around 40-50%

My pool is a little larger than yours. I’m running at 65% right now, but I also keep FC close to 10 - tested at 9.5 today. Given your CYA level, you might consider getting your FC up - like in the 7-8 range. It’s good insurance against an algae bloom.