Ph and alkalinity imbalance

ShrinerManSC

Silver Supporter
Apr 8, 2020
44
Conway,South Carolina
Hello
I have been having issues with my readings all summer. I also have black spots in the bottom of the pool.
here are my readings today:
Ph 8
Cl2 0
Free chlorine 6.6
Ta 110 (not adjusted)
Calcium hardness 400
Cya 50
Salt 300
Water temp 64 f

I have a fiberglass in ground swg pool. I have been using the pool math to add my chemicals. My thoughts are that I need to balance the ph and alkalinity. Do I do one before the other? I feel like I am fighting these.

on the black spots, I have tried to dissolve calcium, fine scotch brite and magic eraser. None worked.

Location near Myrtle beach
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    242.7 KB · Views: 18
You should just lower your pH to 7.6 when it gets to 8 using muriatic acid.

What chemicals are you using in your pool?

What is the pH and TA of your fill water?

Do you have an autofill?

The process for lowering TA is described in...

 
You should just lower your pH to 7.6 when it gets to 8 using muriatic acid.

What chemicals are you using in your pool?

What is the pH and TA of your fill water?

Do you have an autofill?

The process for lowering TA is described in...

Primarily using Sunco chemicals. I am using A&H baking soda. The m acid is transchem. We don’t seem to need to add salt, we have been using diamond solar naturals. I have used seaklear phosphate

no auto fill. I’ll check out tap water ph and alkalinity.

I’ll review the link. Thanks.
 
What water chemistry levels are you targeting?


Why do you need to use baking soda?

What chemicals are the Sunco?
 
What water chemistry levels are you targeting?


Why do you need to use baking soda?

What chemicals are the Sunco?
The baking soda balances the alkalinity. Sodium bicarbonate from the pool store. Sunco is what the pool store label the products.
 
What alkalinity level are you targeting? Baking soda raises alkalinity (and pH). Your alkalinity is rather high right now, higher than TFPers would intentionally raise it to, which is why we are asking.
I may have misunderstood the original question. I thought the question was what chemicals I use. If I need to raise the alkalinity, I use baking soda.
I appreciate the help. Should I get my ph stable and then if necessary adjust the alkalinity?
 
Sunco is a brand and does not say what chemicals you a re using.

You should only nee liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, and dry stabilizer on a regular basis.

You should rarely, if ever, need to use baking soda to raise your TA once you get it down to the 50-70 range.

Have you read ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry & Recommended Levels?
 
Sunco is a brand and does not say what chemicals you a re using.

You should only nee liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, and dry stabilizer on a regular basis.

You should rarely, if ever, need to use baking soda to raise your TA once you get it down to the 50-70 range.

Have you read ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry & Recommended Levels?
Yes, I have read the abc’s and recommended levels.
I have never used liquid chlorine. I primarily have used muriatic acid, stabilizer, calcium and baking soda. I have had to slam the pool a couple of times.
To maintain the ph, it seems that I may have to add the muriatic acid on a regular basis. Is that normal? Thanks for the help and patience as I am trying to learn. We just moved in and the pool was here so we are trying to learn. Just looking for clarification.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Shriner,
We're trying to help you but your not getting it. For now STOP adding anything into the mix so we can get you going. You haven't answered the question how your testing the water. I also recommend you re-read pool school because nowhere does it say you slam to control PH. We need a fresh set of test results in the following format.
FC-
CC-
PH-
TA-
CH-
CYA-
You also need to stop going to the pool store because TFP METHOLOGY is different and a proven science. Your signature is way short missing prudent info such as pool capacity and equipment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShrinerManSC
I have never used liquid chlorine.

What do you use to chlorinate your pool?

I primarily have used muriatic acid, stabilizer, calcium and baking soda.

There should rarely be a need to add baking soda.

I have had to slam the pool a couple of times.

Then we should discuss how you maintain your water chemistry and how you did the SLAM Process. Many of us have not needed to SLAM our pool in years. SLAMMing the pool should not be a regular part of pool maintenance.

To maintain the ph, it seems that I may have to add the muriatic acid on a regular basis. Is that normal?

This may be normal. We need more details about your pool. Please create your signature with details of your pool and equipment.

Do you have a spa spillover running continuously?

Do you have water features running?
 
I’ll get the signature updated. No spas or water feature. The pool is fiberglass, Hayward Aquarite 900 series electronic chlorine generator, 25000 gallons. I’ll test the water tomorrow with the Taylor regents and the battery stirrer.
on the SLAM, I wasn’t saying I did it to lower the Ph. I was just stating things that have been done.
I’ll also read pool school again.
I’ll stay out of the pool store also.
thanks everyone. I really do appreciate the help
 
Test the pH and TA of your fill water.

If you can get your TA down to 50-60 you will slow your pH rise.


 
  • Like
Reactions: ShrinerManSC
Test the pH and TA of your fill water.

If you can get your TA down to 50-60 you will slow your pH rise.


Yep! On my to do list tomorrow and I’ll post.
can you see where I updated my signature?
at this time, is the pump and filter info needed? If so I’ll add tomorrow.
 
Good progress on your signature. It says you have a sand filter. Manufacture and model numbers always help. Pump model and HP is often important to know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ShrinerManSC
Good progress on your signature. It says you have a sand filter. Manufacture and model numbers always help. Pump model and HP is often important to know.
Here is my test information this morning.
fill water:
PH 8
TA 380

Pool water
FC 7.8
CC 0
PH 7.4
TA 90
CH 375
CYA 50

looking forward to suggestions.
FYI I knew I needed to get the PH down so I did add muriatic acid - 3 quarts and it is now at this number. We also had a lot of rain after the previous readings on OP and had to let water out of the pool.
thanks again
 
Good job on the signature update.

With fill water pH of 8 and TA of 380 you will be always battling high pH and TA once you get back into the season when you have evaporation and need to add water to your pool.

Your current numbers all look great.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.