Quote Originally Posted by medvampire
I have a high alk and thinking of dropping it using the sticky thread. My test are as follows.

FC 4
TC 4
PH 7.8
T ALK 200 - 210
Ca Hardness 230-240
CYA 35

Pool volume 13000 to 14000
24’ above ground
22 “ 200lb sand filter with about ½ cup de added
2 hp pump
BBB method

Pool looks great but the Ph goes from 7.4 to 8.0 in a few days. I have a fountain like pictured below.



Questions
  • Will the fountain I have work?
Sure, it should.
  • Can I let the kids in the pool with a ph of 7?
Yes, but no lower. Their splashing (water fights are good! ) will aerate the water, raising the pH.
  • How much muriatic acid should I have on hand for this procedure? (Lowes is 45 minutes away)
I don't think you'll need more than one pack of 2 one-gallon jugs, if that. Remember to keep the M/A in a safe place.
  • Will the Ca precipitate at this low of ph?
No, just the opposite. It makes it LESS likely.
  • What are the long term effects of just leaving it alone and adding acid weekly?
That depends. If you add acid weekly to drive the pH down, the T/A will come down with it. Aeration drives the pH back up without raising T/A--that's why we do it.

If you lower pH to 7.2 each week, your T/A should come down (unless your fill water you add is high t/a).

if you don't lower it that much, your T/A won't come down. You may get scaling, and, if calcium goes up, it may precipitate and you'll then HAVE to go through the lowering procedure.
  • I am going to salt my pool for that oohhh so good feeling talked about in the other post. Do I need to wait untill after I drop the ALK?
It's always wisest to clear up one problem before making such a change. I don't know that you'll have a problem--you may not, but I do know you won't if you wait until T/A is right.


I am shooting to do the procedure after the weather warms up. I know the fountain will drop the temp and the pool is way too cold (for me) right now.
Thanks in advance
Steve
Can't help you with the cold water! Get the T/A down and get a solar cover for AFTER. I think the thickest transparent ones work best. They insulate the most and pass the most light. I've tried the blue ones and the opaque ones and I like this best.