Help w/ Numbers

[dustybecca]

Ok here are my numbers, I have a vinyl 22,000 gal pool.
Chl 2
pH 7.8
T.A 210ppm
T.H 740ppm
CYA 80ppm

Last weeks tests
Chl 6
pH 7.5
T.A 170ppm
T.H 600ppm
CYA 70ppm

Looking at my tests last week everything has went up. Im having trouble keeping my Chl up. Chl and 2oz of pollyquat a week are all Im putting into the pool. I have to add well water occationally to maintain water level. Im thinking I need to do the Muratic Acid thing, but Im not sure. Guess I just want some reassurance Im going to be doing the right thing. I have printed out the Muratic Acid directions and am ready to go. Holding off until I get the green light though. LOL
Thanks Becca

[JohnT]

Yes, you need to add acid. Your TA will track up and down with your pH. The acid is dangerous if used carelessly, but pretty safe if you just take basic precautions. With well water, you will probably always fight alkalinity and rising pH. Welcome to my world.

[mas985]

Did I read your numbers correct, total hardness is 740 ppm? This is pretty high. Recommended levels are 200-400 ppm. Do you have very hard fill water or is something else going on? With this high of hardness, you are well above the optimum saturation index which means that you may experience scaling and/or cloudy water.

[dustybecca]

Im using well water to fill the pool, the water in Okla is VERY hard. I am seeing scale around the water line. Thought it was do to high ALK and pH. Suggestions on lowering?

[mas985]

It is pretty difficult to lower hardness other than replacing the water with lower hardness water. There are some flocculants that are supposed to lower it but it is a very messy and time consuming process. It may be easier to purchase some replacement water and have it trucked in.

[dustybecca]

Think I may just hook up hose to a tap in the house, we have a water softner. That should help right? Maybe with the ALK too?!

[Service Guy]

Yes, you need to add acid. Your TA will track up and down with your pH. The acid is dangerous if used carelessly, but pretty safe if you just take basic precautions. With well water, you will probably always fight alkalinity and rising pH. Welcome to my world.

Actually, well water generally runs more acidic than alkaline, so he'll work more on keeping the pH & Total Alkalinity UP.

[PoolDoc]

Actually, well water generally runs more acidic than alkaline, so he'll work more on keeping the pH & Total Alkalinity UP.

Unfortunately, that's true only for specific local areas. In my area, we have -- within 10 miles of each other -- both acidic and alkaline wells. In other parts of the country, most wells are alkaline.

You cannot make any general statement about well water, except that it's often a source of problem.

"Service Guy", you need to slow down on the posts, and stay away from offering answers on chemistry, till you've read more. Some of your equipment posts have been helpful, but you aren't doing so well with chemistry. Please take a look at my other site, PoolSolutions.com, and read some, before you post on pool chemistry again. If you disagree, you are welcome to say so, but only in the "China Shop" section.

Thanks

Ben
"PoolDoc"