TA Suggestions

[Hobinator]

Hello My Pool Peops,
New to using this forum so bare with me.
I am a bit confused about where my alkalinity should be. Seems like everywhere you go everyone has a different opinion of what range it should fall in between. Mine is currently stuck at 110 which I guess is on the high side but is it? It really has lingered around 100-110 for as long as I've had the pool (6 years). Pool Math App suggests it be between 50-90. But the TF-100 test kit suggests between 100-120. Both of which are supported by TFP. What do you go by here or is it a matter of preference? Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks.

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
TA of 50-90 ppm is based on keeping your CSI in a mid-range. Now, if CSI is not your issue, and with vinyl it rarely is, TA has little effect other than as a buffer for your pH. If your pH is stable, then there is little to worry about.

I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[Hobinator]

So if my CSI is high which I believe it Is, where do you suggest bringing my TA levels down to? My CSI levels were very high last year due to hard water and using cal-hypo. I have resorted to using more liquid chlorine and bleach to limit the amount of calcium I add to the pool. I have not tested it yet this year to be honest.

 

[mknauss]

Need data. If you use the Poolmath app, share the data.

 

[Hobinator]

I will also note that my PH levels do often need to be lowered a bit roughly every two to three weeks. Currently trying to figure out the easiest way to share that pool math info.

 

[Hobinator]

 

[Richard320]

I will also note that my PH levels do often need to be lowered a bit roughly every two to three weeks. Currently trying to figure out the easiest way to share that pool math info.

Once every two weeks! How lucky. I have to add acid every time I add water, which is about every 4 or 5 days.

We need CH & water temp to get CSI

 

[mknauss]

To share your Poolmath data, go to the Gear icon, upper right. Scroll down to Sharing.

 

[Hobinator]

Temp was 75 degrees

 

[Hobinator]

CH seemed to get under control since the last time I tested.

 

[mknauss]

Go into Pool setup and toggle on CSI tracking. It will calculate it for you.

 

[Hobinator]

It says the CSI would be 0.36

 

[mknauss]

No big deal. You do not want it to get much higher or you might see some scale.

 

[Hobinator]

So your saying I do not need to lower the alkalinity right now but it would help that situation?

 

[Richard320]

It says the CSI would be 0.36

Working backwards, does this mean your water is 67F? Brrrrr.

If it's warmer than that, CSI is going to be worse. Fortunately, just lowering the pH will bring everything back in line.

 

[Hobinator]

Got it. Temp was 75 degrees though.

 

[Richard320]

Got it. Temp was 75 degrees though.

I just have another window open with the old poolmath and it says CSI at 75 is .43. So something ain't lining up, difference in software or data entry mistake. I don't know. I haven't installed the poolmath app yet.

 

[Hobinator]

Well either way your right. Lowering my ph a little bit made a huge difference when I played with the numbers. Thanks so much for everyone's help!

 

[mknauss]

I get 0.36 with the app ----

I think the difference in app and webpage is how the salinity is handled on non-SWCG pools. Minor difference.

 

[Hobinator]

Thanks again guys!