High alk- low ph

[mdlinkous]

My alk is high at 120 but my pH is low at 6.4.

according to the calculator I add muriatic acid to lower alk.

do I then aerate to raise pH or add borax?

 

[zea3]

Hi, welcome to TFP! Don't worry about the TA, it is within normal range. Just aerate to raise the pH to 7.2-7.5 range.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello and welcome to TFP! Yes, muriatic acid lowers TA, but you don't want to do that right now if your pH is indeed that low. Yes, aeration & Borax will raise pH. Can you confirm how you are testing? Which test kit are you using? Once we confirm the testing method, I would focus first on increasing the pH back to the mid-7s. If you really need to lower the TA later, take the pH up to about 7.8 before using acid to lower TA. But only lower TA "if" pH is climbing too fast, not just to change it to hit a specific number. If the pH is happy (steady), we don't typically change the TA. Your elevated TA should work to your benefit right now to help increase pH.

Also, if you have chlorine tabs/pucks in the water, they are acidic and could be driving down that pH as well. Finally, don't forget to update your signature with all of your pool details and equipment. Water with a real low pH is acidic, so we may have other concerns to being to your attention. Hope that helps.

 

[mdlinkous]

Thanks--- right now I am using strips, but I have a professional kit ordered that should be delivered today. I've always have a "fair" idea on chemistry, but I have been educating myself and my goal is to master pool chemistry. I wanna learn! I will update my signature too, soon! Thanks again