Need to lower PH and raise TA

[bobfromca]

Had my inground pool replastered Sept. 3, 2012. Contractor suggested a PH of 7.4 and TA of 80.

My PH is 8.0 and TA is 60. If I add acid to bring PH down, TA may come down. If I add Borax to bring TA up, PH may go up.

What is best way to get PH back down around 7.4 and TA back up to 80?

I filled out profile 2 months ago... but here are my specs:
Inground pool
17,000 gallons
CH 2.4
PH 8.0
TA 60
Hardness 250

No heater. Southern CA. Not swimming now through next spring.

Thanks for any help and advice.
Bob

[aylad]

Use acid to bring the pH down, then either aerate water and/ or use Borax to raise pH. Borax raises pH. Baking soda raises TA.

[bobfromca]

Thanks... I read on another site that first you should get TA at proper level (Baking Soda)... then worry about PH.

Not sure I can aerate... no waterfalls, etc...

So when I raise the TA with Baking Soda, PH will also rise... currently it is 8.0.... the other site said correct TA will help stabilize PH. So I guess I will try and get TA up to 80-90 range, then add acid to bring down PH... and do it in small increments and hope TA doesn't come down too far in process.

[aylad]

You shouldn't notice an appreciable pH rise with baking soda. Personally, I would drop the pH with acid to where you want it, then adjust your TA back up with baking soda. I'm assuming you're using drop-based testing and not relying on strips, right?

[bobfromca]

Yes... using Taylor kit not strips. Thanks.