Alk/PH Which order?

[cav]

I have a Vinyl IG 30KGL pool & want to make sure I am doing things in the right order.

Here are my #'s

FC-14
CC-0
TC-Orange
PH-6.8
ALK-80
Cal-200
CYA-50-60
Temp-78

Pool water has been crystal clear all summer & I just shocked last night which accounts for the FC-14. Prior to that the #'s were the same expect for the FC which is usually around 10.

Should I add the baking soda first, 4-6# then retest before I deal with the PH? Or should I deal with the PH first?

Thanks for any help

[cwstnsko]

I would add baking soda ASAP. It should bring your alk closer to the ideal range AND bring your pH up at the same time.

[cav]

Thanks that's what I thought

Should I add the BS overnight instead of day?

[duraleigh]

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure Ben recommends pH adjustment first and then deal with the Alk (which will change when your pH changes).

Adjust either day or night.

[waterbear]

Your alk is within range....raising the pH will bring the reading up even more. Use borax to get the pH up and then retest the ALK. I think you will find that it has gone up some also along with the pH.

[cav]

Thanks Bear,

I added 4#'s of Borax ( I sprinkled it in the deep end & on top of the return jets) Should I have mixed it with water in a buckett first?

Here are my new #'s

FC-9
CC- 0
TC-5
PH-7.0 seemed to jump roughly .2 from 6.8 previous reading
Alk- 70-80 Did not seem to move yet color was a deeper green to Red when I tested it?

I'm thinking another 4#'s would bring it up to 7.2 then retest the Alk again before I add Baking Soda.


1) Do I dilute the Borax prior to adding?
2) Is another 4#'s of Borax in order?


Thanks Again