Alkalinity FAQ

[VickieC24]

I know I have that aeration info someplace because I've used it myself a few times, but I can't find it as a file on either of my computers. I must have it printed someplace. When I find it I'll try to get it here, unless someone else reposts it in the meanwhile. It's the only way I've found to reduce the TA when the pH isn't also too high.

I reduce the pH of the pool water to below 7.2, usually around 6.9 - 7.0 or so. I point my return jets upwards to vigorously aerate the water surface.
The total alkalinity slowly goes down, but at the same time the pH also rises.
Once the pH reaches around 7.2 or so it needs to be lowered again to keep the process going until you've reached the desired TA. Once the alkalinity has reached a good amount I still aerate a little more to see how high the pH will adjust to on it's own, and once it's not going up from this process alone I add a pH increaser. (Borax will not affect the TA as much but I've also used plain old pH+, but it will bring the TA up with it somewhat.)

This process usually takes my 18x36 inground pool about 2 days of running this way 24/7 get get bring the TA down from around 135 to 100, which is where I like it for the chemicals I use.

Hope this helps.

Vickie

[VickieC24]

I didn't notice that PoolDoc posted the aeration procedure already under the title How To: Lowering Your Alkalinity.

[PoolDoc]

Actually, I think I posted it after you'd already begun looking for it.

Thanks for posting the FAQ!

If you don't mind, I'm planning to update it a bit, repost it as a FAQ, and then delete this thread. But, it may be awhile, what with orders, getting the kit ready, and trying to get the @#@# server to stay up!

Ben