Do I need to raise my Total Alkalinity?

[jrobinski]

I generally keep the saturation index as near 0.0 as practical (using the Taylor wheel in my test kit).
Today's test results:
pH 7.5
CH 330
TA 80*
Borates 40
CYA 55
Temp 82

Since I have borates as well as CYA, I correct the total alkalinity value as directed in the testing guide (at least I hope I'm doing is correctly).
For today's example, Total Alkalinity (corrected) = 80 - (40 * .15) - (55 * .31) = 57
Using this value, my saturation index on the wheel is ~ -0.1 which sounds okay.

But is the value of 57 too low since the ideal range is 80-120?

If I need to be doing something differently, please advise.
Thank you in advance!

 

[mknauss]

There is no need to raise your TA.

I suggest you use PoolMath and the CSI value instead of LSI (the wheel thing from Taylor). CSI more accurately applies to pools.

 

[jrobinski]

Thank you, I will check it out!

 

[SteelBlue]

I have the same question as to whether I should raise my alkalinity.

Tested levels with Taylor FAS/DPD kit are:

TA = 60
FC = 7
pH = 7.6
CYA = 50
Borates = 50 (using LaMotte test strips)

Using the same equation above to correct for CYA and Borates my TA is 37

I do need to add acid every other day to keep the pH 7.4 - 7.6

 

[mknauss]

Wait until your pH reaches 7.8 or 8. Then only adjust down to 7.6. No reason to keep your pH that low.
If your pH is stable, your TA is fine.

Do not mess with the adjusted TA. Just use Poolmath.

 

[SteelBlue]

OK, the pH is 7.6 and it will be easy to keep it there. Poolmath it is.