Alk/PH Which order?

I have a Vinyl IG 30KGL pool & want to make sure I am doing things in the right order.

Here are my #'s

FC-14
CC-0
TC-Orange
PH-6.8
ALK-80
Cal-200
CYA-50-60
Temp-78

Pool water has been crystal clear all summer & I just shocked last night which accounts for the FC-14. Prior to that the #'s were the same expect for the FC which is usually around 10.

Should I add the baking soda first, 4-6# then retest before I deal with the PH? Or should I deal with the PH first?

Thanks for any help

I would add baking soda ASAP. It should bring your alk closer to the ideal range AND bring your pH up at the same time.

Thanks that's what I thought

Should I add the BS overnight instead of day?

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure Ben recommends pH adjustment first and then deal with the Alk (which will change when your pH changes).

Adjust either day or night.

Your alk is within range....raising the pH will bring the reading up even more. Use borax to get the pH up and then retest the ALK. I think you will find that it has gone up some also along with the pH.

Thanks Bear,

I added 4#'s of Borax ( I sprinkled it in the deep end & on top of the return jets) Should I have mixed it with water in a buckett first?

Here are my new #'s

FC-9
CC- 0
TC-5
PH-7.0 seemed to jump roughly .2 from 6.8 previous reading
Alk- 70-80 Did not seem to move yet color was a deeper green to Red when I tested it?

I'm thinking another 4#'s would bring it up to 7.2 then retest the Alk again before I add Baking Soda.


1) Do I dilute the Borax prior to adding?
2) Is another 4#'s of Borax in order?


Thanks Again

You can pour the borax right into the skimmer if you want or predissolve it. If you just poured it into the pool I would brush well to make sure it is all dissolved and mixed. wait 24 hours and retest. If the pH is still low add more.
Why is your FC so high?
If the alk is still low after you get the pH up to about 7.4-7.5 then add about 8 lbs of baking soda which should raise the pH in 30k gal about 20 ppm. You will probably have to lower the pH a bit after adding the baking soda.

Thanks again

I keep my FC high because my CYA has been around 50-60 & I have typically had Algae problems in the past.