How to "neutralize the acid"

[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.