Lower TA for SWG startup

[mchandler]

Hi, I've read through the TFP articles on SWG startup and water balancing for SWG. But before I start up my SWG I'd been balancing my water the past year just using liquid bleach. Using my Taylor TF100 kit, I'm getting TA readings of around 180. (Yes, I often have to add acid thru the week to keep the PH in check) The TFP water balance for SWG's says it's important for TA to be 60-80ppm BEFORE adding salt and starting the SWG. I understand I'd need to go thru the process of aeration and acid, but at this high of a reading, am I looking at running my spa jets for days on end? (which I won't because I'm on a time-of-use plan for my electricity) Or is there some other way to handle lowering my TA from 180 to 60-70ppm in a more reasonable, timely manner?

thanks!
Mike

 

[Texas Splash]

Higher doses of acid applications is the best way to lower your TA. If your pH shoots-up quickly, you may be able to use that in your favor. Example - when the pH is 7.8-8.0, lower pH to about 7.0. You need that big swing. Test the pH later that day or next morning, or whatever interval/time it takes for the pH to rise to about 7.8-8.0 and knock it down again. If you are limited to pump run times, it might delay the process a bit, but it will work. While 60-70 may be ideal for a salt pool, it won't hurt anything if the TA is only down to 100 or so. Just stick with the acid routine so that your pH doesn't go un-checked and you develop scale on the cell.

 

[mchandler]

Thanks for the reply

Higher doses of acid applications is the best way to lower your TA. If your pH shoots-up quickly, you may be able to use that in your favor. Example - when the pH is 7.8-8.0, lower pH to about 7.0. You need that big swing. Test the pH later that day or next morning, or whatever interval/time it takes for the pH to rise to about 7.8-8.0 and knock it down again. If you are limited to pump run times, it might delay the process a bit, but it will work. While 60-70 may be ideal for a salt pool, it won't hurt anything if the TA is only down to 100 or so. Just stick with the acid routine so that your pH doesn't go un-checked and you develop scale on the cell.

Thanks for the reply- I'll get on the process today.