Low pH

[CarlD]

the pH isn't HORRIBLY low but IS low and since I have kids who swim and their friends as well I always want the pool balanced perfectly.

You could say I've become obsessed with it I guess

Oh - forgot to say...it is an inground pool, about 15X30 but L shaped - it holds 11,620 gallons. And yes, we use the tabs to chlorinate, we were told they are the best way! Guess I have a lot to learn...what IS the best way to chlorinate if not with the tabs???

The tabs are why your pH is low--they are super-acidic. Stop using them and switch to bleach and the pH should rise without doing anything else. Check your total alkalinity--it should be 90-125. If it's lower add baking soda--start with 1 lb, wait 12-24 hours, and test again. Keep going until it's in range. Since you have a vinyl pool, don't worry about it being too high unless you reach the 190-200 range--then you have to lower it, which is a pain, and explained elsewhere. But anything up to 180 in Total Alkalinity is not a problem--because you have a vinyl pool.

You also MUST get your CYA level measured--also called Cyanuric Acid, Stabilizer or Conditioner. That determines the minimum level of chlorine you need to maintain--and the max you can use to shock the water.

Since you've been using pucks, (I guessed right on that, didn't I? ) I'm also guessing your CYA is through the roof--100ppm or more. If so, you will either need to drain off a lot of water and replace it, or maintain very high chlorine levels--8-10ppm normally, and 20-25 to shock. Only practical way to lower CYA is by dilution--draining it off and replacing the water. (there is another way but it's very messy and unpleasant).

If you have CYA > 100ppm and are trying to maintain chlorine levels in the .5-3ppm range I can guaranteed you are headed for algae central. Pool guys usually mess this up and add tons of chems. Yours didn't--the clown didn't even show up! I suggest you pay him with Monopoly money--you'll stop pretending to pay him when he stops pretending he's working.