How to Lower Alkalinity in a Salt Water Pool

Homeowners with traditional chlorinated pools have many reasons to change to a saltwater pool. While saltwater pools still contain chlorine, the chemical is created by reactions in the pool's water with salt and not by adding the chemical directly to the water. This dramatically reduces the smell of chlorine, and the water no longer irritates the eyes or clings to the skin. Saltwater pools are touted as low maintenance, and while that is generally true, you still need to regularly test and adjust the alkalinity level in your salt water pool.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alkalinity test strips
• Muriatic acid

1. Check your pH and alkalinity levels weekly, after heavy usage, after heavy rainstorms and after processing other chemicals through your pool. The most efficient way to test the alkalinity level is using test strips or kits that you can purchase at a pool supply store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the strips.

2. Read the test strip and compare it to the chart provided by the test strip manufacturer to determine how much muriatic acid is needed to lower the pool's alkalinity to an appropriate level.

3. Pour the required amount of muriatic acid into the deep end of the pool in front of the return jet to get good circulation of the acid through the pool water.

4. Test the water again after 24 hours. Do not use the pool until the alkalinity level is in an appropriate range.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves when using pool chemicals. Never pour muriatic acid into the pool skimmer. Be careful not to fall into the pool when adding chemicals. Do not dip your hands or feet in the pool.

References

• Swimming Pools 101: Saltwater Swimming Pools
• Pool Manual