Does this look right ?

[poolMan9]

I started taking care of my pool this year in May. I bought the TF100 salt kit.. My pool is a saltwater that runs for nine hours a day year round located in California it is crystal clear right now. First test show that I was low on CYA(20) added some stabilizer now it (40)... but my alkalinity has always been in the highest 8.2 based on the color .. the yellow side is always at the highest too.
How worried should I be about alkalinity staying that high, which I assume it's always been that high because the pool man only would come once a week and would only drop splashes acid from what I can tell now.
Should acid be added every day to lower the alkalinity or once a week?
What else am I missing in order to keep my pool maintain?
here are my link to all 3 logs and current one is in the post

PoolMath Logs

api.poolmathapp.com

Main
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Plaster
Volume: 18800 gallons
Chemistry: SWG
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 4.5 (48 minutes ago)
CC: 0.0 (48 minutes ago)
pH: 8.2 (48 minutes ago)
TA: 90 (48 minutes ago)
CH: 550 (48 minutes ago)
CYA: 40 (48 minutes ago)
SALT: 3600 (48 minutes ago)
==========================================
------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-20-2024 @ 12:26 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 4.5
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 8.2
Total Alkalinity: 90
Calcium Hardness: 550
CYA: 40
Salt: 3600

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-14-2024 @ 10:20 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-13-2024 @ 02:51 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Ppm of SWG

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-13-2024 @ 02:36 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 3.0
pH: 8.2

 

[JimMarshall]

You need to get that pH in check, especially since 8.2 is the upper limit of the test. 8.2 could be 8.2, or it could be 9. I'd do an acid addition with poolmath and target 7.8. Add it, brush, wait an hour or 2, retest, see where you are. Repeat until the level actually drops.

 

[poolMan9]

You need to get that pH in check, especially since 8.2 is the upper limit of the test. 8.2 could be 8.2, or it could be 9. I'd do an acid addition with poolmath and target 7.8. Add it, brush, wait an hour or 2, retest, see where you are. Repeat until the level actually drops.

thank you .. based on pool math I need to add 32oz of 14.5% Muriatic acid...
so what you are saying i need to check PH everyday till its stable? ounce stable interval will change.
Because I was adding 32oz before, but every week.
I was just afraid of adding too much acid. and have to drain...

 

[proavia]

After you add muriatic acid (with pump running), retest the pH 15-20 minutes later and dose again if needed.

Adding too much acid would not necessitate a drain.
Allowing the CYA to get too high might require a drain or water exchange.

What is the ph, TA and CH of your fill water?

 

[poolMan9]

After you add muriatic acid (with pump running), retest the pH 15-20 minutes later and dose again if needed.

Adding too much acid would not necessitate a drain.
Allowing the CYA to get too high might require a drain or water exchange.

What is the ph, TA and CH of your fill water?

after 15min with pump on normal rpm is the same PH 8.2
fill water from hose outside is TA 120, CH 300

 

[PoolStored]

Making additions of muriatic that lower pH more than .4 cannot be predicted well. Continue to reduce pH in .4 increments until you reach 7.8. Your fill TA of 120 will cause pH rise. Manage your pH with muriatic additions, lowering your pH to 7.8. As you do this TA will come down and pH will stabilize between 7.8 and 8.0.

 

[proavia]

after 15min with pump on normal rpm is the same PH 8.2
fill water from hose outside is TA 120, CH 300

Add enough muriatic acid to lower the pH in 0.4 increments.
Continue to add muriatic acid in 0.4 increments until pH registers in the 7's (7.2-7.8 range).
Lower the pH to the desired level in the 7's - lowering no more than 0.4 with each addition.

Where in California are your located?
A more precise location is important as we sometimes offer recommendations based on that location.
Palm Springs has a much different environment than Crescent City and can affect advise provided.
Enter this data in your account details and it will show up on the left under your username.
Exact_City CA

 

[AUSpool]

I started taking care of my pool this year in May. I bought the TF100 salt kit.. My pool is a saltwater that runs for nine hours a day year round located in California it is crystal clear right now. First test show that I was low on CYA(20) added some stabilizer now it (40)... but my alkalinity has always been in the highest 8.2 based on the color .. the yellow side is always at the highest too.
How worried should I be about alkalinity staying that high, which I assume it's always been that high because the pool man only would come once a week and would only drop splashes acid from what I can tell now.
Should acid be added every day to lower the alkalinity or once a week?
What else am I missing in order to keep my pool maintain?
here are my link to all 3 logs and current one is in the post

PoolMath Logs

api.poolmathapp.com

Main
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Plaster
Volume: 18800 gallons
Chemistry: SWG
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 4.5 (48 minutes ago)
CC: 0.0 (48 minutes ago)
pH: 8.2 (48 minutes ago)
TA: 90 (48 minutes ago)
CH: 550 (48 minutes ago)
CYA: 40 (48 minutes ago)
SALT: 3600 (48 minutes ago)
==========================================
------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-20-2024 @ 12:26 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 4.5
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 8.2
Total Alkalinity: 90
Calcium Hardness: 550
CYA: 40
Salt: 3600

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-14-2024 @ 10:20 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-13-2024 @ 02:51 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Ppm of SWG

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-13-2024 @ 02:36 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 3.0
pH: 8.2

Welcome to TFP poolMan.

Good work on that new test kit.

It’s not an issue but it’s good to check, pH is not alkalinity. pH is a measure of how basic or acidic the pool is while total alkalinity, TA, is a measure of all those things that help to resist a change in pH (mostly carbonates, borates and CyA in a pool).

but my alkalinity has always been in the highest 8.2 based on the color .. the yellow side is always at the highest too.

8.2 is the pH. The yellow side is OTO free chlorine, FC. OTO is a good quick measure to see if you have FC (you want it to be solid yellow to almost orange) But use the FAS/DPD FC test with a 10ml sample for best FC results.

The ideal pH range for the old poolmath page or the poolmath app is 7.2 - 7.8. Outside of the range the guesstimates become a little unpredictable. As already mentioned it’s best to calculate pH changes at 0.4 pH points. If you use pool math to calculate a 0.4 change from 8.2 - 7.8 it will give you 16oz at 14.5%MA for a 18,800g pool while a 0.4 point change from 7.8 - 7.4 will give 42oz. You will find that from dosing and testing that the 42 oz dose is closer to the mark. Then dose test, dose test as required, keep records and you’ll get an idea of how much acid you’ll need over a week. Keep an eye on your TA, as that comes down from the acid the pH rise will slow and you will need to use less acid per week.

You will never need to drain a pool from too much acid. Too much CyA or calcium are the two variables that require draining if too high.

Have a read through pool school for more about how TFP differs from pool stores.

What is TFPC?

We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, by using the science-based, Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC) methodology.

www.troublefreepool.com

Pool School

www.troublefreepool.com

You will want to bring that FC up a bit too.

 

[poolMan9]

Welcome to TFP poolMan.

Good work on that new test kit.

It’s not an issue but it’s good to check, pH is not alkalinity. pH is a measure of how basic or acidic the pool is while total alkalinity, TA, is a measure of all those things that help to resist a change in pH (mostly carbonates, borates and CyA in a pool).


8.2 is the pH. The yellow side is OTO free chlorine, FC. OTO is a good quick measure to see if you have FC (you want it to be solid yellow to almost orange) But use the FAS/DPD FC test with a 10ml sample for best FC results.

The ideal pH range for the old poolmath page or the poolmath app is 7.2 - 7.8. Outside of the range the guesstimates become a little unpredictable. As already mentioned it’s best to calculate pH changes at 0.4 pH points. If you use pool math to calculate a 0.4 change from 8.2 - 7.8 it will give you 16oz at 14.5%MA for a 18,800g pool while a 0.4 point change from 7.8 - 7.4 will give 42oz. You will find that from dosing and testing that the 42 oz dose is closer to the mark. Then dose test, dose test as required, keep records and you’ll get an idea of how much acid you’ll need over a week. Keep an eye on your TA, as that comes down from the acid the pH rise will slow and you will need to use less acid per week.

You will never need to drain a pool from too much acid. Too much CyA or calcium are the two variables that require draining if too high.

Have a read through pool school for more about how TFP differs from pool stores.

What is TFPC?

We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, by using the science-based, Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC) methodology.

www.troublefreepool.com

Pool School

www.troublefreepool.com

You will want to bring that FC up a bit too.
View attachment 587612

ok i was able to lower the Ph to a shade between 7.8 to 7.5. its closer to 7.8. I Started in the morning and waited more than 1 hr to test. Then added the same amount of acid and tested again with the final results. Im going to test again later to day.. its 96f outside right know..
here is my log.
using my logs can I figure out how much acid i need to use to maintain PH?
------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-22-2024 @ 12:40 PM
------------------------------------------
pH: 7.8

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-22-2024 @ 11:27 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 42 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-22-2024 @ 10:13 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 42 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-20-2024 @ 07:55 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-20-2024 @ 07:00 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-20-2024 @ 12:26 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 4.5
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 8.2
Total Alkalinity: 90
Calcium Hardness: 550
CYA: 40
Salt: 3600

 

[AUSpool]

using my logs can I figure out how much acid i need to use to maintain PH?

Not really, there’s not enough data to predict a weekly dose to maintain pH and the amount needed will change with time and the seasons. It would be best to test and adjust. Even if you narrow in on a weekly dose you will need to test both pH and TA. The acid will reduce the TA which will slow the pH rise and reduce the amount of acid needed. Bit of luck and your pH start to stabilize at 7.8-8.0. Don’t let your TA go below 50-60ppm.

You’ve used 148oz of 14%HCl in two days to bring your pH down from ~8.2 to 7.8. PoolMath predicts 42oz for a 4 point change, I expect you were higher, maybe even 8.4. Being conservative is better. I would guess it’s taken about 80oz to bring it down and about 60oz over the two days to hold it there. So roughly 200oz a week to maintain it at the moment. I would not start with a weekly 200oz dose of acid, no more then 0.4 pH points or around 40oz at any addition.

 

[poolMan9]

Not really, there’s not enough data to predict a weekly dose to maintain pH and the amount needed will change with time and the seasons. It would be best to test and adjust. Even if you narrow in on a weekly dose you will need to test both pH and TA. The acid will reduce the TA which will slow the pH rise and reduce the amount of acid needed. Bit of luck and your pH start to stabilize at 7.8-8.0. Don’t let your TA go below 50-60ppm.

You’ve used 148oz of 14%HCl in two days to bring your pH down from ~8.2 to 7.8. PoolMath predicts 42oz for a 4 point change, I expect you were higher, maybe even 8.4. Being conservative is better. I would guess it’s taken about 80oz to bring it down and about 60oz over the two days to hold it there. So roughly 200oz a week to maintain it at the moment. I would not start with a weekly 200oz dose of acid, no more then 0.4 pH points or around 40oz at any addition.

thank you guys for all help!!!
just tested again looks like im back to 8.2 .....
so added 42 oz of acid. its the HDX homedpot brand if it matters..
i guess i will try to test everyday in order to stabilize... Hopefully once stabilized I don't have to add so much acid..
last sunday was the first day we used the pool . it was at 86f.
I will do the full test later today.

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-25-2024 @ 11:45 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 4.2 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-25-2024 @ 11:44 AM
------------------------------------------
pH: 8.2

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-23-2024 @ 09:16 AM
------------------------------------------
pH: 7.8

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-22-2024 @ 12:40 PM
------------------------------------------
pH: 7.8

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-22-2024 @ 11:27 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 42 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-22-2024 @ 10:13 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 42 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-20-2024 @ 07:55 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-20-2024 @ 07:00 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 32 FluidOunces of MuriaticAcid14

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-20-2024 @ 12:26 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 4.5
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 8.2
Total Alkalinity: 90
Calcium Hardness: 550
CYA: 40
Salt: 3600

 

[JimMarshall]

As your TA comes down with the acid additions, pH rise will stabilize/slow down. Also if you'd like to slow it down don't run your spa spillway all the time.