Low Alkalinity (+baking soda) & High pH (+muriatic acid)

[sheblime]

Just fired my pool guy and had my water tested by Leslie's. Results attached.
They're saying increase TA. I know to use baking soda, but then they're saying to decrease pH with muriatic acid. Seems counter intuitive. My thought is to add baking soda today and then wait a couple days to see how much pH increases and adjust as needed?

Thanks,
In-ground Pool size: 20,000 with attached spa
Chlorine
Plaster

 

[Newdude]

Hey sheblime and belated Welcome !!!

They're saying increase TA

The use adjusted alkalinity, which is lower. Don't do anything from their testing as it's designed to sell chemicals. Accuracy is not in their MO.

Click here ---> Test Kits Compared

 

[sheblime]

Hey sheblime and belated Welcome !!!



The use adjusted alkalinity, which is lower. Don't do anything from their testing as it's designed to sell chemicals. Accuracy is not in their MO.

Click here ---> Test Kits Compared

Thanks for the info. I use Taylor K-1004 as well. TA was 60. Would you still leave alone? I know 80-120 is recommended, but also recommended to not mess with TA often.

 

[Newdude]

I use Taylor K-1004 as well

You need to order the K1515 for proper FC tests, and also the CYA test so you know your chlorine targets. You're flying blind without them. If the existing kit isn't brand new, you're probably better off starting over with a full kit from the link above.

I know 80-120 is recommended

Not by us. Leslie's recommendations keeps a line of newbs out the door here, and for good reason. We think a 60 TA is super. It'll help keep the Ph from rising.

Have some more reading.
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels
PoolMath

 

[pjt]

I use Taylor K-1004

That covers pH and TA, but you need FAS-DPD chlorine, CH, and CYA tests. I would recommend getting a TF-Pro, especially if you don't yet have a SpeedStir or other type of stirring device.

TF-Pro

tftestkits.net

TA was 60. Would you still leave alone?

Did you keep adding drops until there was no additional color change? Definitely leave it alone.

I know 80-120 is recommended, but also recommended to not mess with TA often.

Not here. TA is the least important parameter, and normal pH control will result in a TA your pool is happy with. TA down to 50 is perfectly fine. Lower TA slows down pH rise.

 

[sheblime]

You need to order the K1515 for proper FC tests, and also the CYA test so you know your chlorine targets. You're flying blind without them. If the existing kit isn't brand new, you're probably better off starting over with a full kit from the link above.

Not by us. Leslie's recommendations keeps a line of newbs out the door here, and for good reason. We think a 60 TA is super. It'll help keep the Ph from rising.

Have some more reading.
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels
PoolMath

Thank you!

 

[sheblime]

That covers pH and TA, but you need FAS-DPD chlorine, CH, and CYA tests. I would recommend getting a TF-Pro, especially if you don't yet have a SpeedStir or other type of stirring device.

TF-Pro

tftestkits.net

Did you keep adding drops until there was no additional color change? Definitely leave it alone.


Not here. TA is the least important parameter, and normal pH control will result in a TA your pool is happy with. TA down to 50 is perfectly fine. Lower TA slows down pH rise.

Yes to adding drops and swirling until no additional color change. Thanks for all the information.