Alkalinity is a measure of your water’s capability to resist changes to pH balance. It indicates the amount of alkaline substances, primarily bicarbonates, carbonates, or calcium that is dissolved in the water. Alkalinity is a stabilizer or buffer to pH levels of the pool water and help keep pH from fluctuating drastically.

Why do I want to keep my Alkalinity in range?

• - High Alkalinity will result in a pH locked above 8.0. Chlorine is inactive when the pH is above 8.0.

• - Low Alkalinity will result in a pH below 7.0. Chlorine will burnout early, and is an inefficient sanitizer at these levels.

• - High Alkalinity can cause scaling, calcium buildup, and cloudy water which can overwork your pool filter.

The ideal range for Alkalinity ensures that the water maintains a stable pH and prevents potential problems associated with low or high alkalinity.

What chemicals to use to adjusts Total Alkalinity:


• - To raise TA, pool owners can add sodium bicarbonate, or pH Up to the pool water.

• - To lower TA, muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (pH down) can be used.

How to lower your Total Alkalinity

• - Using pH down (sodium bisulfate) to lower TA:
  
  Firstly, refer to the package directions of the product you are using. There are so many different strengths and granulated differences that you want to make sure you follow the manufacturers label.

For PoolZoom pH down:

• - Fill a bucket 3/4 of the way full with water, add the required amount of PoolZoom pH Down. Don't exceed more than 1.5 lbs at a time.
  - Use a wooden stick to mix the solution until the granules have completely dissolved.

• - Carefully pour the dissolved solution around the pool’s perimeter, starting with a deep end.

• - Run your pump for 8-12 hours and retest the alkalinity and pH of your water. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

Using Muriatic Acid to lower TA:

• - Turn your pool pump off and wait until the water becomes still (15 minutes).

• - Calculate how much muriatic acid you need to add to your water.

• - Pour the muriatic acid into the deepest part of your pool.

• - Turn on your pool pump and let it run for 1 turn over (6-8 hours) before testing alkalinity again.

• - Run your pump for 8-12 hours and retest the alkalinity and pH of your water. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

Regular testing and adjustment of Total Alkalinity are essential parts of swimming pool maintenance to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.