My water has evaporated to the return output and I noticed that my pH levels have elevated from 7.6 to 8.0. I tested my TA and its maintaining 90. With the water being lower than usual, I think the return is aerating the water causing my pH to be higher. I have well water and used the bucket method to filter out iron and my water has been crystal clear. I'm hesitant about adding more water due to the iron. Is the pH level ok? I'm new to this. So far I've only used CYA, Baking Soda, and Liquid Chlorine since opening my pool on June 1st.
Elevated pH
- Thread starter Tkpearson721
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,137
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You definitely want to control the pH. Probably no more than about 7.5 or so. Also note that you have plenty of room for your TA to come down some more which might also help reduce the rate of pH rising. Feel free to let the TA go down to about 60 if needed. If the water gets much lower you may not have a choice but to add some. Maybe you can create a good pre-filter before the well water hits the pool? Another thought .... maybe you can rig-up some 90 degree elbows to your returns so that they point down into the water to avoid aeration?
I will try adjusting my return angle and lowering TA. Is it ok to use pH down to lower TA? I'm not a fan of the muriatic acid. Actually I'm afraid to use it. I purchased pH down instead.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,137
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
PH Down (or dry acid) can work, but we usually discourage using it because it adds sulfates which can cause problems later. Muriatic acid requires careful use and respect, but is the preferred chemical to lower pH. Also keep in mind hardware store have a half-strength muriatic acid which some owners choose because they believe the fumes are not quite as intense.