New to having a pool, we have a 20x48 above ground, 9000 gallons, its been up and running for a week, I cant seem to get the PH and Alkalinity down! We got lo 'n slo and we used scale inhibitor, started it yesturday. Nothing has changed, also can we swim in it with high PH and Alkalinity levels? Alkalinity is 248 PH 2.4.
Help with PH
- Thread starter Gabbyk
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,745
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum!
How are you testing your pool water chemistry? Check the pH you listed, I assume it is 8.4?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.
How are you testing your pool water chemistry? Check the pH you listed, I assume it is 8.4?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,745
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
OK -- the only parameter we will sort of believe from a test strip or pool store test is the pH.
High pH has little effect on people. It can accelerate the formation of scale.
More important for people is FC level.
You need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100 A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.
So my other question is, would it be ok to swim in it like this? My kids are biting at the bit to get in, but with chemicals I'm always cautious.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,745
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
As far as pH, yes, it is safe. Some with sensitive eyes may get irritated eyes. But I doubt it.
I would add some muriatic acid to lower the pH to 7.6. That would be 24 ounces of acid.
As far as FC - who knows. I would suggest you add 3 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine to the pool each evening with the pump running until you get your test kit. That would be 1 quart (32oz) of 10% liquid chlorine. Every day.
I would add some muriatic acid to lower the pH to 7.6. That would be 24 ounces of acid.
As far as FC - who knows. I would suggest you add 3 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine to the pool each evening with the pump running until you get your test kit. That would be 1 quart (32oz) of 10% liquid chlorine. Every day.