pH - how low is too low?

[Brett S]

So my water has stayed pretty well balanced over the summer. My pH would typically be around 7.6 and my alkalinity stayed around 80. However, as the temps have been starting to cool a bit here I brought out my solar cover and my pool has been mostly covered for the past couple of weeks. I tested my pH today and I was surprised to see it at 7.0 (or possibly even a little lower, since my Taylor test only goes down to 7.0). My alkalinity is still at 80.

I’m not sure how bad the low pH is. It seems that everything that would raise the pH will also raise the alkalinity and I’m not sure I really want to raise my alkalinity much. Can I leave it at 7.0 or would I be better off to put in a few pounds of soda ash to raise the pH and the alkalinity?

 

[Jeff J.]

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jeff J.]

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jeff J.]

So my water has stayed pretty well balanced over the summer. My pH would typically be around 7.6 and my alkalinity stayed around 80. However, as the temps have been starting to cool a bit here I brought out my solar cover and my pool has been mostly covered for the past couple of weeks. I tested my pH today and I was surprised to see it at 7.0 (or possibly even a little lower, since my Taylor test only goes down to 7.0). My alkalinity is still at 80.

I’m not sure how bad the low pH is. It seems that everything that would raise the pH will also raise the alkalinity and I’m not sure I really want to raise my alkalinity much. Can I leave it at 7.0 or would I be better off to put in a few pounds of soda ash to raise the pH and the alkalinity?

If you use borax or aeration, it won't affect TA much.