Getting Calcium Levels Right

[jmarcum]

I lowered the ph....now it takes 6 drops of R-0006 to get up to 7.0.

TA: 40
CH:250
CYA:35-40

[JimK]

Up to 7???

I hope you didn't drop your pH below 7 (7.2 is the lowest I would go). Doing so risks damage to your pool.

[jmarcum]

Yes, as in its under 7.0. Trying to determine how much baking soda I need to add now. :-(

[jmarcum]

Seems like it's actually borax I need not baking soda. Is that right? I don't know how to calculate this because I don't know what my ph actually is (since it was completely off the charts low)

[JimK]

Seems like it's actually borax I need not baking soda. Is that right? I don't know how to calculate this because I don't know what my ph actually is (since it was completely off the charts low)

Yes, you use borax to raise pH.

Here's a tool you can use to calculate doses

http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html

You may have to initially estimate your pH and go from there. Try raising pH a little at a time instead of trying to do it in one shot.

[jmarcum]

Thanks, I have their iOS app. From an estimated 6.5 it says add just over 5 pounds. How about if I add 2.5 pounds and test again tomorrow?

[JimK]

Thanks, I have their iOS app. From an estimated 6.5 it says add just over 5 pounds. How about if I add 2.5 pounds and test again tomorrow?

That sounds reasonable.

[FormerBromineUser]

I would suggest testing tonight after a couple of hours of circulating the borax if you can. Low pH can be tough on your equipment and yours needs to come up to 7 or 7.2ish.

[jmarcum]

I probably haven't let the water circulate long enough but after 2 pounds and roughly 1.5-2 hours I'm dead on 7.2. I say dead on but as you know testing without sunlight is hard. Under my kitchen floresciants it looks like 7.2

[JimK]

I probably haven't let the water circulate long enough but after 2 pounds and roughly 1.5-2 hours I'm dead on 7.2. I say dead on but as you know testing without sunlight is hard. Under my kitchen floresciants it looks like 7.2

Good. Retest tomorrow morning if possible to see if that's accurate. If it is 7.2, at least you're out of the "danger zone".