You’ll know if your total alkalinity is truly too high when your pH is no longer stable, and more specifically, starts to increase alongside it. The problem with trying to adjust one of these values is that pH and alkalinity are very closely related. This is true to such an extent that lowering one will always eventually lower the other. Immediately retesting your water isn’t necessary, but make sure you complete another test within 24 hours. If your pH and total alkalinity are within the normal range, congratulations! But, if you find they’re still high, repeat the process again. How to Lower pH with Muriatic Acid

If both your pH and alkalinity levels are too low, you can add soda ash to help bring them up. But what if you only need to bring your pH into range? So because it’s an acid, always wear the appropriate safety equipment (including a mask to protect yourself from fumes) and follow the manufacturer’s directions on adding the acid to your pool. Even though muriatic acid is somewhat diluted, certain brands require you to dilute it further before adding it to your pool. You have water features. Water features create a lot of movement and splashing in your pool, this speeds up aeration (the outgassing of carbon dioxide), which ultimately raises pH. Q: What is the ideal pH level for my pool?A: Your pH level should be between 7.2 – 7.6 units. Ideal level is at 7.4. The high pH isn’t good for your swimsuits or goggles. Over time, the chemical imbalance may cause your swimsuit to fade, or degrade the fabric to the point where you can’t wear the suit anymore. Goggles may weaken and break sooner than you’d expect. Damages Pool EquipmentA high pH level isn’t good for your pool, so taking steps to recognize and deal with a rising pH should always be top of mind. When adding muriatic acid into your pool, make sure to turn on the water pump. The pump must be running at the maximum level. To give you an idea of how much acid you might need, below are the average pH adjustments per 10,000 gallons: Method One: Turn off the pool’s pump and add the muriatic acid in a small, steady stream directly into the deep end of your pool. This ensures the acid will go directly to the bottom, rather than floating around at the pool surface. Then turn your pump on and let it circulate the acid through the water.

So when you're maintaining your water, keep in mind that higher TA will mean more acid required to reduce pH, and it will also encourage pH to rise higher. Lower TA will mean less acid required to reduce pH, and will limit how high pH can go. We definitely want TA in our water, but we do not need as much as the textbooks say in some cases...it depends on the time of year (water temperature in particular), and the type of primary chlorine. Acid chlorine like trichlor needs more alkalinity, whereas salt chlorine systems, liquid chlorine and cal hypo can be fine with less than 80 ppm TA, provided you maintain LSI balance.We elaborate on this thoroughly in other articles listed above.Either way, once you have the dosage down, pour the muriatic acid directly into your water. This should be at the deepest end of your pool, directly in front of a return line. HTH SPA pH Minus Micro Balls pH Reducer works to lower your pool waters pH balance using Dry Acid. Dose rate can be doubled in hard water pools. Available in 2kg tubs. The most effective and easiest to control, at least in terms of raising your total alkalinity, is bicarbonate. You can add bicarbonates to your water by simply adding sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This can make it difficult to keep your pH level within the ideal range, which eventually leads to issues such as high chlorine demand, cloudy or murky water, and potentially even calcium scaling.

Q: Why should I be concerned with the pH level?A: Low pH balance can cause corrosion, damaged vinyl, plaster, pipes, while deteriorating other surfaces and pool equipment as well. Low pH can also result in bather eye and skin irritation. A high pH balance may cause scale build up on the interior surface, plumbing, and equipment. This will slow the flow rate and circulation rate of the pool. Your alkalinity is high. Total alkalinity is a measure of all dissolved alkaline substances in the water, so the more you have, the more basic your water will eventually become. While any acid will work, muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) is very effective, widely available, and inexpensive, which is why it’s often seen as the most practical choice for most pool owners. Both muriatic and dry acid will lower your pH level along with your total alkalinity, and this may create a new problem.

What are the benefits of using alkalinity reducer?

If you’re using muriatic acid, simply measure the liquid and pour it directly into the deepest area of your pool near an active return jet. Some pool owners prefer to dilute muriatic acid beforehand, but that really isn’t necessary.

Recommended TA Level is 80-120ppm. If a 2nd dose is required place in a different area of the pool away from any equipment. For most pools, the ideal range for total alkalinity is anywhere between 80 and 120 parts per million. This is the sweet spot for most pools where alkalinity keeps the pH level stable enough to keep everything in balance.For example, if your pH level tends to sit at around 7.8, you may need to reduce your total alkalinity below the 80 ppm threshold. This will free up more acid in the water and keep your pH from rising so easily. Saltwater pools also require a slightly lower level, often somewhere between 50-80 ppm, because you have to account for conditions inside the salt cell where scale formation is more likely to occur. What Causes Total Alkalinity to Change? It’s best to use a liquid drop testing kit for the most accurate readings, however, many pool owners manage to get by on the slightly less accurate (but more convenient) pool testing strips. Ultimately, either strips or drops will work. 2. Add Muriatic Acid to Lower pH and Alkalinity Let’s cover two of the most common acids for lowering alkalinity in a pool, the pros and cons of each, and how to use them step-by-step. Method 1. Use Muriatic Acid (Recommended) An ideal pool alkalinity level is between 80 and 120 ppm. Anything below 80 ppm means that you need to raise the level by adding baking soda or other suitable alkalines. If it is above 120 ppm, you need to lower it using muriatic acid or dry acid. How to Test Alkalinity in Pool Water