How to "neutralize the acid"

[aylad]

Did you measure your alk before beginning the chemical changes? Also, if you put the washing soda in the pool, it's going to be cloudy for awhile until the filter has a chance to filter it out. Usually you should add the chemicals (except acid) through the skimmer, and that will help eliminate the clouding. Keep the filter running and brush frequently to stir up any powder that may have settled on the bottom of the pool. That should help in clearing up the clouds. I would add any remaining soda ash through the skimmer instead of directly to the pool.

As for the jacuzzi, if you've overshot the pH, then you probably will have to add a little acid to bring it back down again, depending on how high it is. Does the jacuzzi water spill over into the pool or is it a stand alone jacuzzi? If it shares water with the pool, I'd probably leave it alone for now and see if the water exchange helps lower the pH again.


Janet

[gregk]

Thanks.

My alk is very low. The TA solution starts dark blue green and turns red after 2 drops. So TA is 20. I have Washing Soda and Borax.

So I am draining the jacuzzi and refilling. I am adding Borax through the skimmer for the pool. I am a bit nervous running the equipment with the pH low, but I am going to keep adding until the pH gets close to normal.

Sound OK?

[aylad]

I am a bit nervous running the equipment with the pH low, but I am going to keep adding until the pH gets close to normal.

Yeah, I know what you mean, but in this case you really don't have a choice--the best bet is just to raise it as quickly as you can. Once you get your pH in range where you want it, then you can use baking soda to get the TA up.

(Sorry about that last post, it took a couple of edits before I got it right! )

Janet

[waterbear]

predissolve the washing soda (keep the solution fairly dilute) and walk it around the pool. This should minimize the cloudiness. You are preciptiating out some calcium carbonate most likely. Not that big of a deal and it will fiter out eventually.

[gregk]

Thanks for your help. I usually only need to add acid, so I forgot about using the skimmer for most chemicals.

It is looking good now. The pH is still slowly rising and is around 7.5. I have acid on hand and am monitoring it closely.

Next will by TA, CYA, and adding salt. We knew we would be acid washing during the winter, so I didn't add the salt last year. We definitely misssed the SWG.