Originally Posted by dirtysouth
I know this one is gonna sound crazy but what exactly is meant on the tester when it says ADD ACID (high pH) and ADD SODA ASH (low pH)?
You use acid (Muriatic or Dry Acid) lower pH. You use either Soda Ash or Borax to raise pH. Soda Ash is sodium carbonate, Arm&Hammer sells it as "Washing Soda" at the supermarket. Borax is usually right next to it, is 20 Mule Team Borax but some others are marketing Borax as well. Borax is better for raising pH because it doesn't raise something else, called TOTAL ALKALINITY, but Soda Ash does.
I've always thought that acid is CYA but I usually don't do anything during those occasions when my pH is high. I never know why it gets high no and then but it always returns to normal on it's own. Is adding CYA the way to lower my pH?
CYA is Cyanuric Acid and is also called Stabilizer or Conditioner. It is not used to lower pH and doesn't seem to have any effect on pH. I suspect it's a very weak acid. CYA in your water cannot be gotten out except by dilution.
Is soda ash simply baking soda? I've always added baking soda if pH was low but I'm hearing people say that it's the Borax that raises pH.
Do not use baking soda to raise pH. It does a poor job but is VERY effective at raising Total Alkalinity. Soda Ash is Sodium Carbonate. Baking Soda is Sodium BI-Carbonate. Arm&Hammer sells both, but, as mentioned above, they sell Sodium Carbonate as Washing Soda. Be VERY certain not to confuse the two.
In a nutshell, how do I raise and lower pH? Haven't had any problems and water is always crystal with no burning eyes or fading swimsuits. But i've never been real sure about this. Thanks.
