TA Test - TF-100 vs. Pool Store

[tfandango]

New pool owner here and I'm testing both using my TF-100 test kit and a once-monthly drop by the pool store for testing. I am usually spot on so I will likely discontinue the pool store testing. But I have one question on the Total Alkalinity test.

TF-100=75
Pool Store=59/72

The pool store print out seems to consider 59 as the actual TA result and they suggest a target of 125-150. According to pool math my target is 60-80 so I'm perfect. However I am confused by the pool store use of the "59/72" in which the 72 would be close to my result. I asked and they said it has something to do with my CYA (which is 50) but they base their suggestions off the 59.

Does anyone understand this? I know I should not care what the pool store test says but I'm a details guy and just want to understand. Thank you!

PS: Pool store suggesting increasing TA, and I do constantly battle rising Ph such that I add acid every few days. Should I increase TA or leave it?

 

[Texas Splash]

The pool store is trying to calculate a % of CYA against their TA results. We at TFP use the PoolMath APP. The APP and our recommendations already account for that info. Best advice - avoid the pool store. They will only confuse you. You have one of the best test kits available, trust it. Also remember the pool store uses very generic antiquated recommended levels that are not customized for all of your pool details.

 

[magiteck]

Their TA recommendation likely assumes everyone is using trichlor pucks, which are very acidic and tend to tank pH. The high TA would help buffer that.

Since you’re smart and use liquid chlorine, you definitely don’t want your TA that high.

Ditch the pool store, trust your results and the TFP process .

 

[tfandango]

Their TA recommendation likely assumes everyone is using trichlor pucks, which are very acidic and tend to tank pH. The high TA would help buffer that.

You give me a little too much credit! I have used the pucks they gave me initially to get my CYA levels to the target, and now I'm switching to liquid to maintain. However while using the pucks, the pH has constantly been rising hence my adding acid. So it seems using the pucks has not decreased my pH which gives me some concern regarding pH management.

 

[magiteck]

You give me a little too much credit! I have used the pucks they gave me initially to get my CYA levels to the target, and now I'm switching to liquid to maintain. However while using the pucks, the pH has constantly been rising hence my adding acid. So it seems using the pucks has not decreased my pH which gives me some concern regarding pH management.

Is your pool new, or are you just new to it? The reason I ask is that new plaster causes pH rise as it cures. It can be pretty aggressive at first, but will slow down in time. Keeping your TA on the low side will help to limit the pH rise.

The other item that contributes to pH rise is aeration. Do you have any fountains/water features/spillovers/etc. that agitate the surface of the water?

 

[tfandango]

Is your pool new, or are you just new to it? The reason I ask is that new plaster causes pH rise as it cures. It can be pretty aggressive at first, but will slow down in time. Keeping your TA on the low side will help to limit the pH rise.

The other item that contributes to pH rise is aeration. Do you have any fountains/water features/spillovers/etc. that agitate the surface of the water?

Thank you, this makes sense. I'm new to a new pool AND i have bubblers and a waterfall. So yes all around. Thx!

 

[magiteck]

Thank you, this makes sense. I'm new to a new pool AND i have bubblers and a waterfall. So yes all around. Thx!

If you can turn the water features off when you aren't enjoying them (perhaps with your automation), that would likely do a lot to slow down the pH rise.