We just finished (sort of) our 19,000 gallon IG pool here in south central Texas and I've been wondering why I've had to add acid about every 2 or 3 days....lol

We have 4 waterfalls, of which just the spa spillway waterfall runs 8 hours/day, but it's a healthy stream of water, dropping about 5 feet though the air, and there's 2 Jandy Sheer Descents and a 12 foot rock slab "grotto" waterfall.

As part of the pool equipment, we got a cheapo "test kit" for chlorine and PH ONLY, but I ordered the poolforum test kit (with salt option) about 3 or 4 weeks ago, and haven't received ANYTHING......not even an EMAIL when threatening to cancel the order! (so I can't verify any numbers except that my Hayward SWG is working and the PH is rising like crazy.)

Another variable.....we have underwater limestone flagstone on 2 separate larg-ish entry and spillway beaches (each 8'X5'). Would underwater limestone rock increase the alkalinity? (it doesn't seem to be reacting to the salt water, but there is substantial initial flaking which is normal, according to all reports) Would it help to place a less alkaline stone below the spa spillway?

Can anyone recommend a more readily available test kit that I can buy online, so that I can get some numbers on my pool chemistry?

Very interesting topic. Thanks for all the great discussion!

STS