High Pool and Fill Water pH and TA

[PecanOrchardPool]

I think I have finally mastered accurately testing my TA and pH. I compared my testing method to the samples I got with my test kit and figured out how to better read my TA values. That said, my pool TA and pH remain high. I have added Muriatic Acid many times over the 6-month life of my pool. TA remains high. I have read about the process to reduce the TA by reducing pH to between 7.0 and 7.2 and the aerating the pH back up. I understand that but have some additional information that might change this approach (or maybe not).

I tested my fill water and was surprised to see that the pH and TA were very high. Today’s results showed that my fill water has pH of 8.2 and TA of 160. Picture of fill water pH results attached.

Today my pool tested at pH of 8.2 and TA of 110.

I have two bubblers on the large sun ledge of my pool, does that count as sufficient aeration? Does aeration even matter if my fill water has a high pH, basically raising it as it fills?

In a previous thread someone mentioned an acid dosing system, is that the only recourse, or can I manage this with minimal addition of MA to balance the pool?
What is the best method to get my TA and pH down with my fill water chemistry?

 

[Texas Splash]

I have two bubblers on the large sun ledge of my pool, does that count as sufficient aeration? Does aeration even matter if my fill water has a high pH, basically raising it as it fills?

I don't know about your area, but here around San Antonio we've been in a drought for a couple months. Each time we add water the pH and TA shoot up quickly, so that's part of the issue I'm sure. With every water top-off, I add acid. The bubblers can influence the pH, so use them only when needed for ambiance. If your TA is still over 80 or so, aeration probably isn't really needed since the pH will rise quickly enough on its own until the TA settles back down to around 50-60. That's where my pool likes its TA.

 

[Mdragger88]

Along with what Tex explained about just simply managing ph and the ta eventually falling in line.
your plaster is new- less than 2 years old.
You can expect this quickly rising ph to continue and take a while to settle down, just the nature of the beast with a new plaster pool especially when your makeup water is high ph & ta.
To reduce the effects of using your high ta/ph fill water you can do your best to attempt to allow precipitation to fill your pool whenever possible.
I see that you’re using a combination of trichlor? Tabs & 2 swcg’s.
The trichlor is acidic and has an effect on your ph & ta. Without trichlor in the picture you will notice the need for more acid.
I suggest that you also log your trichlor additions in poolmath along with notes you’re already keeping -
Most tabs are 8oz.
This will allow you to see their cumulative impact on all the parameters on the summary page.

PH - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[pjt]

I tested my fill water and was surprised to see that the pH and TA were very high. Today’s results showed that my fill water has pH of 8.2 and TA of 160.

That's nothing. My fill water TA is 330.

You'll need to add MA 1-2 times per week. If you get rainfall, it may be less often. Try to harvest as much rainwater as possible.

 

[PecanOrchardPool]

For all my fellow Texans that need to get cost effective stock of Muriatic Acid, where have you found it? So far I either need to go to Leslie's Pool Supply ($20.99 for 2gal) Ace Hardware ($9.99 for 1gal) or Lowe's ($18.98 for 2gal).

 

[Texas Splash]

I usually just go to Home Depot.

 

[Mdragger88]

Muriatic acid has doubled in price just like liquid chlorine unfortunately.
Not many deals to be had.
I lucked up & got it for $5 a gallon recently at a local discount hardware store (they get overstocked items).
I don’t use much so no need to have a constant reliable source. Sometimes discount stores like Ollies will have pool chems. Muriatic acid doesn’t really degrade like other things so it can be a good buy if you stumble upon it.
You have a very large pool that drinks alot at once - perhaps a pressure washing or commercial cleaning supply would be able to provide a bulk supply of both liquid chlorine & muriatic acid? Worth calling around to find out.

 

[pjt]

For all my fellow Texans that need to get cost effective stock of Muriatic Acid, where have you found it?

I usually get the HDX 31.45% at Home Depot. Ace Hardware frequently offers coupons (e.g. $10 of $20) which I use to buy MA.

 

[reggiehammond]

Atwood's Ranch and Home Goods - $4.49-5.49/gal depending on time of year.
10% LC - $3.99-4.99/gal, as well.

Both stored inside. I use about 5 cases of MA each summer keeping up with evaporation with my well water.

 

[Mdragger88]

Atwood's Ranch and Home Goods - $4.49-5.49/gal depending on time of year.
10% LC - $3.99-4.99/gal, as well.

Both stored inside. I use about 5 cases of MA each summer keeping up with evaporation with my well water.

Ohhh i wish we had an Atwoods!

 

[PecanOrchardPool]

Atwood's Ranch and Home Goods - $4.49-5.49/gal depending on time of year.
10% LC - $3.99-4.99/gal, as well.

Both stored inside. I use about 5 cases of MA each summer keeping up with evaporation with my well water.

I just searched for a store and found one about an hour away which almost everything is from me anyway. Yay! Thanks for the tip. I got a bunch of discounts at Ace by downloading the app and signing up for rewards, but now need to stock up. I am having a hard time keeping up with it. Looks like about a gallon every other day right now, probably should be more at this stage. Added a gallon yesterday morning and already back up to 8.0.

Opinion. I am reading this as 8.0 because it is not 7.8 or 8.2. What do you think?

 

[dereksanders]

I’d call it 8

 

[PoolStored]

With high TA fill water, this thread may help you...

Lowering Total Alkalinity (TA) Quickly with the Acid Aeration Method

Thought I'd make a post that might help others. We've had quite a few members this year with high TA, and I've been typing the same information over and over. I'm going to post this so I can link it to help others. High TA can cause rapid pH rise. High TA is typically caused by high TA fill...

www.troublefreepool.com