Should I add baking soda?

[Dadthepoolboy]

I've been testing my pool water for a few months now. We just had some rain and for the first time my TA is out of range at 140. According to Pool Math, I should add 70 oz by weight or 56 oz by volume to lower TA to 120. Should I add baking soda? I thought I read not to lower TA just to reach to a target. My testings are as follows:

pH 7.8
FC 8
CC 0
CH 375
TA 140
CYA 50

Thanks

 

[JamesW]

Baking soda raises TA.

 

[Dadthepoolboy]

Yes it does. I mixed up the numbers in the now and target fields. It looks like if I want to lower the TA I should add acid. I have noticed some calcium scaling. I will reevaluate in the morning. Thanks

 

[tomfrh]

Add acid to being down TA.

TA is primarily carbonate in the water.

The acid converts carbonate to CO2.

This also lowers pH, but pH will rise again as the CO2 goes into the atmosphere.

 

[splashpad]

Yes it does. I mixed up the numbers in the now and target fields. It looks like if I want to lower the TA I should add acid. I have noticed some calcium scaling. I will reevaluate in the morning. Thanks

Add acid to bring PH down to 7.2, aerate to bring the PH back up and lower TA (rinse and repeat as needed, until your PH is "slow" to rise)

 

[Dadthepoolboy]

Will do. Thanks for the advice.

 

[pooldv]

More here, Pool School - Lower Total Alkalinity

 

[Dadthepoolboy]

Thanks pooldv