High phosphates

[PoolStored]

So for now, let's troubleshoot. That's good MA and it doesn't go bad.

When I used pool math, my target for pH was low 7s per the previous recommendation to help with the TA. But it only came down to 7.9?

When did you add the MA and when did you test pH relative to the addition? I'll get to the rinse and repeat after we figure this out.

 

[sullihouse]

I added the MA abt 24 hrs ago, a little more. I tested this morning around 7:30 am

 

[PoolStored]

Ok, so the acid is fine. Your high TA is causing the rapid pH rise. When you lower pH, you also lower TA. pH will rise on its own, without affecting TA.

When your pH get to 8, lower your pH to 7.2. pH will rise on its own. When it gets to 8.0 lower it again. Keep doing this until your TA gets to about 80, then only lower your pH to 7.8 and pH should be fairly stable.

The pH rise will be rapid as you have seen, until the TA has come down a bit, then the pH rise will slow.

 

[sullihouse]

Ok, got it! Does the pH rise that quickly (in 24 hours?)

 

[PoolStored]

It can with high TA. What is the TA of your fill water?

 

[sullihouse]

No clue! I guess I should test that but never thought about it. I can’t really change what comes from my hose

 

[Newdude]

I can’t really change what comes from my hose

No but you can forsee what it's going to do to you and not be caught off guard.

 

[PoolStored]

It will tell us if we need potentially alternate strategies for your pool and inform you on what to expect.

 

[sullihouse]

Ok. Good insight! I will test that tomorrow morning!

 

[sullihouse]

Fill water from the hose TA is 310ppm

 

[Newdude]

Fill water from the hose TA is 310ppm

Ok so luckily you probably won't be filling that often. Us northerners need a particularly dry spell to be low as the rain will usually match evaporation for long stretches.

But when you do fill, the high TA may pull yours up some. When you fill, test the TA at your next test time to ensure it didn't swing too much.

 

[sullihouse]

Ok will do. And if it does go up by a lot (like how much) what do I need to do?
I retested pool TA this morning also and it’s at 180 so at least it is slowly starting to come down

 

[Newdude]

And if it does go up by a lot (like how much) what do I need to do?

Add MA to lower the PH and aerate to raise it back for more lowering as directed above. Each cycle will lower the TA some. Once it's 60 or 70, it will stay there without frequent fills, and if it does rise, it'll only be 10 or 20 and then start lowering itself with your normal Ph management.

 

[sullihouse]

Ok thanks!

 

[SecoSteve]

Ok thanks!

These guys have given you some great advice and I bet you feel more comfortable caring for your pool now! It gets way easier once you get the hang of it, and with your vinyl liner, once your Alkalinity comes down, your Ph will stop rising as much.

How much are these guys charging you for this great advice? I bet it's way less than you have spent at the pool store! Oh, wait, it's FREE advice here. They are not getting paid for CONSTANTLY answering questions and helping people. You should think about donating to this site to keep it going. You'll get a cool badge under your name and let everyone know that you in fact do support TFP!! You'll also get a discount code to use for getting reagents for next season.

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[sullihouse]

I think I’ve got a good handle on things so far thanks to all your help!
Now I need to add some water and my fill water from the hose has a TA 310 ppm. Is there anything extra I should do at this point?

 

[Newdude]

Is there anything extra I should do at this point?

Nope. The TA might go up a little then fall back as you manage the Ph like you were doing.