Total alkalinity (TA) is one of the most important things to test for in your pool water.
Unfortunately most pool owners (and many "pool guys") think they should only test the chlorine and ph levels.
The total alkalinity is a measure of how much alkaline substances there are in the water with a normal range being between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million).
When the TA is within this range it prevents rapid pH changes and stabilizes the pH level.
If the total alkalinity is too low marbelite and plaster walls will become etched, metals corrode, the pool walls and floor can stain, the water can turn green, eyes burn and you can have pH bounce (pH rapidly going up and down randomly).
If the TA is too high the pH is difficult to adjust, the water becomes cloudy, the pool constantly needs acid (according to your test kit) and the chlorine loses its efficiency as a disinfectant.
We recommend you (and your pool guy) test the TA regularly and will change very little in a well-maintained pool.
To raise the TA you can use sodium bicarbonate, alkalinity or ph Up.
To lower the TA you can use muriatic acid or ph down (a powder form of acid).
Remember, lowering the TA is a slow process and when you're adding the acid, we recommend adding it while the filter is on by pouring it into the pool next to a return line allowing it to easily mix into the pool.
The acid should only be added a little at a time waiting 3-7 days between applications.
If the alkalinity is very high it could take days or even weeks to reduce.
Here is a table to help you determine how to properly change the TA in 10,000 gallons of water.
Increase TA 10 PPM Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) 1.
4 pounds Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) 14 ounces Decrease TA 10 PPM Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) 2/3 qt.
or 26.
0 fl.
oz.
Sodium Bisulfate (Dry Acid) 2.
1 pounds