How to Aerate for high alkalinity?

[aquarium]

Being a new guy, I don't want to argue, but are we sure that the aereation method is really permanent? If it's just adding CO2 to the water, that will only affect the alkalinity temporarily. Once the aeration is off, the CO2 will stabilize with the atmosphere and the alkalinity will (I thought) return to where it was before.

What is the problem with high alkalinity anyway?

TW

[haze_1956]

The process removes CO2 from the water, not adds it.

[waterbear]

Being a new guy, I don't want to argue, but are we sure that the aereation method is really permanent? If it's just adding CO2 to the water, that will only affect the alkalinity temporarily. Once the aeration is off, the CO2 will stabilize with the atmosphere and the alkalinity will (I thought) return to where it was before.

What is the problem with high alkalinity anyway?

TW

CHEMISTY NERD ALERT!
High alkalinity makes it difficult to adjust pH to the proper range and can contribute to cloudiness in the water and scaling. Alkalinity is the measure of the carbonate/bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer system in the water. By lowering the pH you force the buffer system to more carbonic acid and less bicarbonate/carbonate and by then airating at the lowered pH you drive off the CO2 which lowers the amount of carbonic acid so the equilibrim moves toward the carbonate/bicarbonate side with the effect of the pH rising and the alkalinity lowering. Very little atmospheric CO2 dissolves at the water surface in a pool because of the normal pH and TA levels of a pool. IF the TA and pH are low then atmostpheric CO2 could have a greater impact

[michladny]

I was reading these posts and I was wondering.....

My Alk was a little high yesterday (and I would rather add small amounts to keep my water in check than have to worry about adding large quantities of stuff)...but anyway,

Can't you just add it slowly to the skimmer or do you have to sprinkle over pool water? I am so DUH (but slowly learning from you all ) I should NOT add anything to PH (as the acid will decrease it--correct? Is that temporary(the decrease in pH?)
My return "eyeball" is pretty close to the top and ripples the water so do I still need to add a jet or "gadget" to aerate?
How much does the pool store charge for Alk decreaser?
I have an AG vinyl -- 16000 gal

Thanks !!

Michelle

[waterbear]

First you should NEVER add acid to the skimmer! It can cause damage.
If you want to lower your ALK you need to add enough acid to get your pH down to 7.0 (but not any lower with a vinyl pool!) and then airate to lower the TA. As you airate your pH will go up and your TA down.
Hope this helps

[michladny]

Thanks...... did NOT know about not adding to skimmer.
I checked the Alk again this morning and it was at 90-100 so I am going to wait a few more days tilll I test again and go from there. (90 if you count the water turning very light pink and 100 if it has to be more dark) I have a Taylor kit.

Would the "eyeball"/return be ok to use the way it is (it really pushes the water on top of the pool---most I know (have seen) are under the water by about 2 inches)....???

THANKS

Michelle

[waterbear]

Thanks...... did NOT know about not adding to skimmer.
I checked the Alk again this morning and it was at 90-100 so I am going to wait a few more days tilll I test again and go from there. (90 if you count the water turning very light pink and 100 if it has to be more dark) I have a Taylor kit.
The test has reached endpoint when the color does not change with the addition of one more drop. Do not count the last drop that caused no further color changel.
Your alk of 90-100 is fine....you don't need to lower that any more!
Would the "eyeball"/return be ok to use the way it is (it really pushes the water on top of the pool---most I know (have seen) are under the water by about 2 inches)....???
As long as the water breaks the surface and agitates the water it will cause the CO2 to gas off and lower the alk.
THANKS

Michelle

Hope this helps!

[michladny]

Thanks A Mill !!!!!