High ALK, low pH

[jamieNnick]

Hello,

We are trying to get our pool open for the season and I am having issues with some of my chemistries.

I started with a couple rounds of SLAM (1st w/ bleach, 2nd w/ trichlor) as my water was a bit green and murky. Now that it is clear (current FC 1.0-I am waiting on testing my CYA as I only have enough left for one more test and am waiting on more reagent), I am trying to get my Alk & pH taken care of before working on raising the FC levels.

Initially, my Alk was 180 and pH was 7.6. Since trying to drop my Alk using Alkaminus by Utikem (Sodium bisulfate 93.3%/Sodium sulfate 6.7%), my Alk is down to 140 and the pH is ~6.8 (slightly more yellow than the 7.0 color block on my measuring tube). I tested my hose water to know what I am adding (Alk: 290, pH ~6.6 as it is slightly more yellow than where the pool water tested). I know I can use an aerator/fountain to bring up the pH, but I didn't know if there is something more I should/could be doing??

Thank you!

 

[PoolStored]

You first priority is to get your FC up. At 1, there is no way to sanitize against algae.

Don't use sulfates to adjust pH or TA. Sulfates are no bueno for el poolo.

Use muriatic to lower pH (and TA), and aerate to raise pH.

Here is how you lower TA.

Lower Total Alkalinity

A lower Total Alkalinity level can help a pool owner stabalize their pH increase. We'll explain how to lower TA with a little help from muriatic acid.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jamieNnick]

You first priority is to get your FC up. At 1, there is no way to sanitize against algae.

Don't use sulfates to adjust pH or TA. Sulfates are no bueno for el poolo.

Use muriatic to lower pH (and TA), and aerate to raise pH.

Here is how you lower TA.

Lower Total Alkalinity

A lower Total Alkalinity level can help a pool owner stabalize their pH increase. We'll explain how to lower TA with a little help from muriatic acid.

www.troublefreepool.com

Ugh...I hate muriatic acid, but if that is what works best, I'll use it. Are there different types or pool specific ones I should look for? What we used up last year was left-over from the previous home-owner.

I know that a FC of 1.0 is too low, but I thought once the water was cleared you are supposed to get your Alk & pH balanced and then bring up the FC to desired levels since Alk/pH affect the FC? I was already planning on adding more trichlor tonight after the sun goes down since I'm sure my CYA is low and am still getting the rest worked out. My 2 SLAMS were done overnight the last 2 nights, so I haven't been letting it sit for days without adding chlorine.

 

[PoolStored]

Are there different types or pool specific ones I should look for?

Yeah, but slap pool on it and the price goes up 3x. Hardware store muriatic...

I know that a FC of 1.0 is too low, but I thought once the water was cleared you are supposed to get your Alk & pH balanced and then bring up the FC to desired levels since Alk/pH affect the FC? I was already planning on adding more trichlor tonight after the sun goes down since I'm sure my CYA is low and am still getting the rest worked out. My 2 SLAMS were done overnight the last 2 nights, so I haven't been letting it sit for days without adding chlorine.

Chlorine is KING!!!! FC First...all other follow. TA/pH don't affect FC. Slams aren't done overnight. Print this out, read it twice, keep it with you! Link-->SLAM Process