What should my Alkalinity *really* be?

[capricatunes]

Thank you to all of you for this forum! I have learned a ton! First time poster.

In August we replaced our vinyl liner. We're in the Minneapolis area.

My question: My five-way test kit tells me TA should be 80 - 120, my local pool store says 120 - 140, and I've read other opinions too. I'm confused. As of now, my TA is 140. What is the appropriate range for my pool type and location?

I read a number of the 101 articles and did my best to search the forums for this question. So, apologies if it was answered elsewhere.

Thank you!

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

The elevated levels on the kit and from the pool store are based on you using trichlor to chlorinate with. It is very acidic and will drop your pH quickly.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[capricatunes]

Thanks! I use sodium hypochlorite to chlorinate - and I did check out the ABC's, that was very helpful. My confusion lies in the suggested TA range. The ABC's article is one of the "other opinions" that confused me. It says, the TA range should be "50 to 90ppm, sometimes higher."

Thanks again!

 

[tim5055]

The main thing TA does is speed the rise of pH. The higher the TA, the faster pH rises and the more acid you will be adding.

As Marty explained, most "professional" opinions are based on the use of acidic trichlor tabs.

TA 50-60 was the sweet spot for TA in my pool. Generally we say don't mess with TA and it will find it's happy place. Just don't let it go below 50, which it usually won't.

I would recommend a better test kit than your five way. We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. Most folks here use the TF-100 Test Kit ™

Check out our Pool School that explains our system. Most start with these:

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

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

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Richard320]

112.375 +/- .003



You can't just look at TA in a bubble. It has to be considered with other factors. Do you have a plaster pool? Then a negative CSI is a bad thing. Is it vinyl? Negative is ok, high is bad. TA is a big factor in CSI. Do you run a SWG? Do you run a slide, or a fountain, or a waterfall? Is the fill water really high in TA? How often does the pH need adjusting? These all affect what can be considered best for you. I drove my TA down to 60 and the pH is good for quite a while, until I add more water. Then I dose it and everything is fine. You might find that your refills don't affect things much and the pH stays steady at 140 TA. Or 70. You just have to test and track and eventually you will know your pool's personality.

 

[splashpad]

Welcome!!

My five-way test kit

If you are using the drops test kit, you are part-way there Speaking as a budget-driven non-professional pool owner The TF-100 test kit really is the best deal. Even if some parts were $1 more... the whole (with comprehensive instructions), was cheaper because it was one and done! Do you have standalone tests for FAS-DPD (FC & CC) (not the OTO yellow drops) and CYA? Test strips have too many variables (including timing of reading color comparison and other chemical interfeance, they
Splurge for a Speed-Stir! ~ No it's not necessary, but it really does improve the EASE of getting accurate test results!

Thanks! I use sodium hypochlorite to chlorinate - and I did check out the ABC's, that was very helpful. My confusion lies in the suggested TA range. The ABC's article is one of the "other opinions" that confused me. It says, the TA range should be "50 to 90ppm, sometimes higher."

Great choice going with liquid chlorine! By the sounds of it, you are not "new" to pool-ownership, but do have a new liner One thing for us vinyl-liner owners, calcium is not required, BUT too much is a bad thing! We do not need to add it intentionally or otherwise PH is what we DO have to keep an eye on. So to repeat the prev posters, test your FC & PH daily until you learn your pool. If it is high or low, test your TA BEFORE treating the PH "symptom"

 

[capricatunes]

Thank you all.