Battling high alkalinity in new pool

[waldreps]

Ok, I just went out and tested the pH again and it was 7.5. Hmmmm, I thought it would be lower than that since just two hours ago it was 7.8 and I added a half gallon of acid. I just went ahead and added the other half gallon and will test again in an hour. Looks like I'm going to need a lot of acid.

[PoolDoc]

If you are aerating effectively, you may 'consume' the acid very rapidly indeed. But be careful; as your alkalinity drops, it will take less and less acid to move the pH. You don't want to increase your doses, and then suddenly find you have a pool pH that's testing as 6.8, but is really 4.8!

[waldreps]

Ok, thanks for the warning. What does a pH that low do? Just curious.

[PoolDoc]

Damages liners; erodes concrete and plaster; corrodes metal in pool heaters.

That's enough, isn't it?

[waldreps]

Yeah, that's plenty..lol..I don't have a liner or a heater but I do have concrete. I'll keep a watch on it. Heading to the store now for some more acid. I just checked my pH and alkalinity again. pH is 7.2 and TA is 260...I have a long way to go.

[waterbear]

If you want a more detailed explanation of the chemistry involved in what you are doing this post can explain it.

If you want to know why slugging the acid with the pump off is bogus this will explain.

[waldreps]

Thanks, Evan.