How to Fix Alkalinity in Pool

Understanding pool alkalinity

Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels in your pool water, helping to prevent drastic changes that can affect water quality. Here are some key points to understand:

• Importance: Proper alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels, making it easier to maintain a balanced pool.
• Testing: Use a test kit to measure alkalinity levels. If the reading is below 80 ppm, your water is too acidic; if above 120 ppm, it’s too alkaline.

How to Fix Alkalinity in Pool

Follow these steps to adjust the alkalinity in your pool:

1. Gather Required Tools and Materials:
   • Pool test kit
   • pH increaser (sodium bicarbonate) or decreaser (muriatic acid)
   • Protective gloves and eyewear
   • Stirring tool (pool brush or stick)
2. Test the Water: Use your test kit to measure the current alkalinity level.
3. Determine the Adjustment Needed:
   • If below 80 ppm, you will need to add a pH increaser.
   • If above 120 ppm, you will need to add a pH decreaser.
4. Add the Chemical:

   Step 1: Adding a pH Increaser

   For low alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate. Use 1.5 pounds for every 10,000 gallons of water to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm.

   Step 2: Adding a pH Decreaser

   For high alkalinity, add muriatic acid. Use 1 quart for every 10,000 gallons of water to lower alkalinity by 10 ppm.

5. Brush the Pool: After adding the chemicals, brush the pool walls to help distribute the chemicals evenly.
6. Retest the Water: Wait 24 hours and retest the alkalinity to ensure it is within the desired range.

Safety Notes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the process, consider the following:

• If the alkalinity does not change after adding chemicals, ensure you are using the correct dosage based on your pool size.
• Check for any other chemical imbalances that may be affecting the alkalinity levels.

Key Takeaways

• Test alkalinity regularly to maintain balanced pool water.
• Adjust alkalinity levels gradually to avoid drastic changes.
• Use the correct amount of chemicals based on your pool size.
• Always prioritize safety when handling pool chemicals.

Quick Facts

FAQs

• What happens if my pool's alkalinity is too low?

  Low alkalinity can lead to pH fluctuations, causing discomfort for swimmers and potential damage to pool surfaces.

• How often should I test my pool's alkalinity?

  It’s recommended to test your pool’s alkalinity at least once a week during the swimming season.

• Can I use baking soda to raise alkalinity?

  Yes, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an effective and safe way to raise alkalinity levels.