Pool chemistry help

[JenLM]

Well, I excel at creating user errors. =P I'm using the black dot tester. I just tested again and it was around 45. This seems to be more in line with what I was getting before. Perhaps I didn't mix the reagent with the water long enough.

I will add acid tonight. I'm thinking our pool might naturally have a higher ph since we've already had to lower in once in the last 2 weeks. It actually seems clearer when the ph is high.

[Watermom]

You need to bring the pH down to 7.8 or lower.

[CarlD]

I missed where JenL said what the pH is, just "high". JenL, you'll find it's much easier to keep your pH down if you get your Total Alkalinity down. Normally I wouldn't worry when a vinyl pool has the TA that high, but since you fight a rising pH problem, it will be far easier with the TA down to at least 100.

Carl

[JenLM]

We added acid and I will test again in the morning. Don't I have to lower my ph before I can start on lowering the alkalinity? Our alkalinity was fine until the pool store had us dump a bunch of stuff in there and now it's too high. Gr... I'm glad I found you all. My pool has come a long way since joining this forum.

Anyway, my ph was 8. I'd gotten it down to 7.7 2 weeks ago.

[CarlD]

During this, run your pump 24/7. Keep adding acid until pH is 7.0-7.2...no lower. You can add acid by a) adding about 1 cup (Ben or 'Mom may suggest more for your pool, but they are better dialed-in on those amounts than me), test after an hour, and, unless you hit your target, add another cup. Keep at it every hour until you reach the 7.0-7.2 level. Check your TA then...it should be down. Now Aerate to raise your pH without increasing T/A...Splashing kids, a fountain, or even just pointing the returns at the surface can work. Wait until pH reaches 7.5 or higher, and start adding acid again by the same routine. When at 7.0-7.2, your T/A should AGAIN be lower. Aerate back to 7.5 or better.

Keep at it until T/A is where you want it. I'm thinking you should be at between 80 and 100 max, to control pH. I've been at a T/A of 60 all season since my pH hasn't moved off 7.6. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Carl