pH Creeping Up

[ashtonfitzgerald]

Our pool has been open for just over two weeks now. It's was a fresh fill this year. I've been watching the pH slowly creep up from 7.2 to now 7.8. Only additions have been CYA about a week ago and regular ol' bleach. TA is at 80.

I realize the CL is very alkaline, and can push pH up. I'll be adding some MA today to bring it down a touch.

I'm hoping to find some stability rather than fighting my water and chasing an "ideal" target all summer long. Had to take this approach with our aquariums as stability and consistency is safer and more effective than "perfect" water parameters.

What are the concerns with keeping pH slightly higher (7.8) if that's where my water wants to be.

 

[spinPHD]

Plug in all your numbers in Pool math, and see how they effect your CSI level. Depending on your CH, CYA, TA, water temp, salt and borates a high PH can cause your CSI to get to high and cause scaling.

 

[waskydiver]

If your TA gets lower (as it should by keeping your pH down), your pool should find a new equilibrium at a lower pH, where your chlorine is more effective. Also, pH in the 7.2 and 7.4 range is closer to that of our eyes.

But... really... as long as you are in the CSI safe zone, as spinPHD says, I'm not sure it's worth battling the issue just for the sake of hitting better numbers.

 

[ashtonfitzgerald]

This was the direction I'm leaning. I intended to dose some MA today, but opted not to. I'll keep an eye on things and see where the natural equilibrium is.