Ph 6.6 Alkalinity 50 HELP

[Watermom]

Timmie,
The last numbers you posted were from 17 days ago. We need a current set of numbers to advise you. Also, by the way, FC + CC = TC. Always. Retest and repost and somebody can help you.

[CarlD]

Timmie, without current numbers we cannot advise you.

I never say never to any of the basic chemicals. It's always a question of what is appropriate to the status of your water. I use Washing Soda as needed--this season more than usual. Generally, I prefer Borax, but with all the rain my T/A has been low so the Washing Soda does in one box what Borax and Baking Soda do in two boxes.

Likewise, I RARELY use Tri-Chlor pucks but my CYA levels have kept being diluted by the rain this season. So I use pucks in a floater to keep constant FC levels and to keep feeding CYA into the water. Meanwhile, the pucks lower pH and since the rain has washed out the T/A as well as the CYA, regular additions of Washing Soda keep THAT in line as well (that is, pH AND T/A). Since Washing Soda has shot up over 3 years from $.79/lb to about $.98...well, I can still manage to buy a 4 lb box every two weeks!

In a normal season, I RARELY need to adjust pH, T/A or CYA levels, and rely solely on bleach/Liquid chlorine for my chlorine. Since this season has been very different, I have adapted and used appropriate tools. It doesn't, by any means, negate the B-B-B method, it is simply a variation on it. B-B-B implies understanding what each chemical does and how to use it effectively and cost-effectively.