Is it normal for the pH to keep creeping back up once lowered?
Also, must I absolutely use a shock weekly? How do I know if I need to shock?
Also, must I absolutely use a shock weekly? How do I know if I need to shock?
Normal for pH to keep rising?
- Thread starter Goldcyn
- Start date
You should never need to shock IMO unless you have an algae problem in which case you should do the SLAM method. We can surely help you get your water balanced but we will need a full set of test results. Do you have a good test kit like a TF100 or the Taylor 2006? If not that is your first step.
- Jan 4, 2016
- 5,392
- Pool Size
- 44000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
Good advice above ^^
Yes, it's common for pH to creep up. Post a full set of test results in this format, and maybe we can help reduce the rise.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Yes, it's common for pH to creep up. Post a full set of test results in this format, and maybe we can help reduce the rise.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
I'm new to this and just have friends saying, oh you throw shock in once a week that's all you need. So far, pool school has taught me different. I will run a complete set of tests in a little bit. I just lowered pH and once it was 7.2 added my bleach for the night. Every night around this time FC is at 1-2, I add bleach per pool math to bring it to 5. So I am going to do the overnight test to see if its dropping during the night or if that's going to be my normal daily usage. Will share test results soon. This will be my second time using the TF100 test kit. However, I do test the pH and Chlorine daily using the little tester that came with it (with the red and yellow drops).
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Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after chlorination to test? I am unclear on that.
- - - Updated - - -
Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after chlorination to test? I am unclear on that.
- Jan 4, 2016
- 5,392
- Pool Size
- 44000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
When doing an OCLT, be sure to use the FAS-DPD test (powder then drops) because of the higher accuracy. You should let the water mix with the pump for 30 minutes before testing for your your starting point. Normal day-to-day, you just test and then add chlorine and wait until the next evening and see what you dropped down to.
Can't comment on FC usage or levels until we know your CYA. Always stay above minimum per this chart: [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]
Try lowering your pH to 7.6 and then waiting for it rise above 7.8 before correcting pH again. You'll find that pH rises very fast from 7.2, and there's probably no reason to have it that low.
Can't comment on FC usage or levels until we know your CYA. Always stay above minimum per this chart: [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]
Try lowering your pH to 7.6 and then waiting for it rise above 7.8 before correcting pH again. You'll find that pH rises very fast from 7.2, and there's probably no reason to have it that low.
Thank you. Test results.
FC -5
CC - 0.5
pH-7.2
TA -180
CYA - 30
CH - 275
Questions. On the alkalinity test when the color changes to red, should it appear to be a deep red or like a dark pink? if more of a pink then my TA is about 2-3 drops lower. I kept going until it darkened resembling more of what I consider red. Mind you, I have a photographers eye for colors.
I'm so glad its the weekend so I can do the OCLT test and then monitor how much chlorine is used up during the day as well. So far, I've done all my tests in the evening after work, once a day.
Thanks in advance for your responses. Happy weekend!
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Ps. The only reading for pH is using thru k-1000 test? I'd say mine is between 7.2 and 7.5
Oh dear, I almost just took a swig of pool water accidentally.
FC -5
CC - 0.5
pH-7.2
TA -180
CYA - 30
CH - 275
Questions. On the alkalinity test when the color changes to red, should it appear to be a deep red or like a dark pink? if more of a pink then my TA is about 2-3 drops lower. I kept going until it darkened resembling more of what I consider red. Mind you, I have a photographers eye for colors.
I'm so glad its the weekend so I can do the OCLT test and then monitor how much chlorine is used up during the day as well. So far, I've done all my tests in the evening after work, once a day.
Thanks in advance for your responses. Happy weekend!
- - - Updated - - -
Ps. The only reading for pH is using thru k-1000 test? I'd say mine is between 7.2 and 7.5
Oh dear, I almost just took a swig of pool water accidentally.
- Jan 4, 2016
- 5,392
- Pool Size
- 44000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
Haha, yep. The pool water doesn't taste as nice as the stuff from the tap!
Your TA is fairly high and that contributes to a faster than average pH rise. The TA will gradually come down unless your fill water has a lot of TA and/or you're having to top up frequently. For the endpoint, I call it full "Barbie" pink which I learned from another member here. Technically, you keep going until the color doesn't change any more, and then subtract the last drop from your total.
The K-1000 for pH is fine (I'm guessing you're finishing that off).
Your TA is fairly high and that contributes to a faster than average pH rise. The TA will gradually come down unless your fill water has a lot of TA and/or you're having to top up frequently. For the endpoint, I call it full "Barbie" pink which I learned from another member here. Technically, you keep going until the color doesn't change any more, and then subtract the last drop from your total.
The K-1000 for pH is fine (I'm guessing you're finishing that off).
Just a precaution since your CYA is 30, try to keep the FC above your minimum of 2. You can do that by aiming for the upper end of your FC range nightly. Sometimes in the summer I might even go a little above that to give me some wiggle room.
I was thinking I should do that. Do I chlorinate enough to adjust for the 1.0 overnight drop?
Also, I guess my pool has an acid addiction. I hate that stuff. I put on a mask and still manage occasional whiff. It scares me!
Oh one more thing, my return doesn't fit into any of the fittings and is mounted (see picture). Untitled | CyndiSB | Flickr Could this be considered aeration and causing pH to rise? I can't find fittings to fix it. Picture is from start when water
turned brown.
Also, I guess my pool has an acid addiction. I hate that stuff. I put on a mask and still manage occasional whiff. It scares me!
Oh one more thing, my return doesn't fit into any of the fittings and is mounted (see picture). Untitled | CyndiSB | Flickr Could this be considered aeration and causing pH to rise? I can't find fittings to fix it. Picture is from start when water
turned brown.
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