How long does it take? Is there a way to know?

[TxDan]

How long does it take for the added chems to do their job? Chlorine is not an issue, test, add and it is there. I am having a problem with Acid, and PH Increaser. We have a 9000 gal pool. I have a program where I put in my test numbers and it recommends the correct dose. How long do I need to wait to get a new correct reading? Same with PH up, said add 3 cups (was VERY low), how long does it take to take effect?

Another thing. When alkalinity is high and you add acid, how long does it take to work. I figure my pool turns over in three hours, is that long enough?

Dan

[Watermom]

in a 9K gallon pool, three hours is plenty of time. What are you using to test with? Can you post a current set of testing results.

[TxDan]

I am using a test kit from here, and I like it. CH is 3.6, PH is 7.2, alk is 185. The program says to add 5.77 cups of acid. I think adding this much acid will lower the PH also. After adding the acid, how long should I wait to recheck and add soda ash, if needed? Thanks for help with this.

Dan

[Watermom]

If you add soda ash, you are going to raise the pH and the alk.

Here are some directions for lowering alk that might help you.

Lowering Alkalinity Step-by-Step

By the way, I think adding that much acid at one time is too much. We advocate smaller dosing, testing, redose rather than trying to do things in one big swoop.

Hope this helps.

[TxDan]

If I choose to use Borax to increase PH (I think I will since it does not raise ALK) is the dosage the same amount. I do aerate every night with a pool cooler like this http://www.poolmister.com/product/inground-pool-mister/ but it does not seem to increase PH. I use it from about 6pm to 6 am. As far as adding acid, how much would you suggest and how often until I get in range?

Dan

[Watermom]

Do you have a return eyeball that you can turn upward to create a lot of splashing on the surface?

In your pool, I would add about a cup or two of Borax at a time, wait 2 or 3 hours, retest and then redose til you get pH where you want it.

On the acid, I would probably do 1/2 to 1 pint doses. But, do NOT try to measure it. Just estimate it. Please read the "Using Muriatic Acid Safely" page in my signature above.