How to Reduce Total Alkalinity in a Swimming Pool

Chemically unbalanced pool water can cause many problems, so you should check the chemical levels in your water regularly and make any necessary adjustments. Test for pH levels, calcium hardness, total alkalinity and other factors. When the total alkalinity level in a swimming pool is too high, reduce it to prevent damage to the pool.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Note that total alkalinity (T.A.) measures the amount of alkaline substances (carbonates or bicarbonates) in pool water. The recommended total alkalinity range should be between 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).

2. Use a testing kit to check the total alkalinity level regularly. If the total alkalinity level is too high then you have to restore the level to the recommended range in Step 1.

3. Reduce the total alkalinity level in the swimming pool by adding muriatic acid (dilute hydrochloric acid) or dry acid (sodium bisulfate).

4. Dilute the acid (hydrochloric, sodium bisulfate) in a bucket of water before pouring it into the pool. Follow the directions that come with the acid to determine the amount to add, depending on the volume. There are also online calculators available that you can use to calculate the amount of acid you need for the pool (see Resources below).

5. Pour the hydrochloric solution slowly into the deep end of the pool with the circulation pump turned off.

6. Wait a few hours before restarting the pump.

7. Retest the pool water after 24 hours and repeat the procedure until the level is in the correct range, but wait three days between treatments. It may take time for the T.A. level to drop.

Tips & Warnings

• Dilute the acids to prevent etching or corrosion.
• Be careful using these acids, as they may be harmful.

Resources

• Get information here on calculating correct acid amounts.

[wolffman]

on 6/9/2009 ph