| The total alkalinity for swimming pools and spas, is | | | | too high as well. When it is too high, it will result in |
| the measure of the ability of the water in these | | | | scaling water. Some of the pool water problems from |
| attractions to resist any changes in their pH levels. It | | | | this are as follows: |
| is the buffer that is used in relation to the other | | | | - Clogged swimming pool filters. |
| chemicals when it comes to maintaining proper pool | | | | - You will experience a drop in your pool water |
| water chemistry. To make it a little more clearer, it is | | | | circulation (drop in water flow). |
| the measure of the amount of the total | | | | - Your pool or spa water will become cloudy. |
| concentration of the alkaline substances or materials | | | | - Your pH level continues to move in an upward |
| that are present in the pool water. | | | | direction. |
| Because the alkaline materials found in the water | | | | How to Prevent Pool Water Problems |
| contain carbonates and bicarbonates, it is an absolute | | | | To avoid or prevent the above mentioned pool |
| must that we know the total alkalinity level of our | | | | water problems, it is highly recommended that you |
| pool water. This is especially true in all pool or | | | | test the TA in your swimming pool or spa regularly. |
| installations, that have equipment that may be | | | | Regular testing of your TA will let you know if you |
| exposed to a corrosive environment due to alkaline | | | | have to take action/s to correct it. This can be either |
| water conditions. Examples of some of these | | | | to lower or raise it. In the swimming pool and spa |
| installations or applications are your swimming pool | | | | industry sodium bicarbonate is the chemical of choice |
| pumps, your pool or spa heating systems, and your | | | | for raising the alkalinity levels in swimming pools. |
| air conditioning systems. This buffering system is the | | | | Sodium bicarbonate is used because it will raise your |
| chemical system that will resist any changes to your | | | | TA level without greatly affecting your pH level. To |
| pool water whenever you add an acid or a base. | | | | add the correct dosage of this pool chemical to your |
| Any swimming pool or spa water that does not have | | | | pool or spa, you have to calculate it. This process can |
| any buffering capabilities, will have an uncontrollable | | | | be very time consuming. This is due to the fact that |
| pH. This uncontrolled or dramatic swing in the pH of | | | | you have to add the sodium bicarbonate to your pool |
| your swimming pool is what we call pH bounce. In | | | | at a rate of 1 kg per 50,000 gallons of water. |
| order for your pool disinfectant to stay within the | | | | This is done every few days until the desired level of |
| required state regulation standards, you have to | | | | TA is reached. This procedure also involves constant |
| maintain a proper level of total alkalinity at all times. | | | | testing so that you avoid adding to much sodium |
| Failure to maintain this key element in your pool | | | | bicarbonate at one given time. Now there will be |
| water chemistry will result in some serious pool water | | | | times when you will be required to lower the TA |
| problems. Ideally the desired level for the total | | | | levels in your swimming pool or spa. Lowering your |
| alkalinity in a swimming pool is between 80 and 120 | | | | TA is just as time consuming as raising it. The pool |
| ppm. Achieving and maintaining this desired level will | | | | chemicals of choice for achieving this task are |
| prevent any rapid changes or pH swings. | | | | Muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate. However as a |
| Pool Water Problems | | | | safety precaution, it is highly recommended that you |
| So what are some of the water problems that can | | | | firstly dilute the acid with water in a bucket and then |
| arise from a poorly maintained pool water chemistry? | | | | add the mixture to the deep end of your pool. The |
| Firstly, look at the problems that occur when your | | | | addition of the acid treatment to your pool or spa |
| total alkalinity is too low. When your buffering | | | | should be done slowly because lowering your TA can |
| capabilities are too low, your pool water will become | | | | take a few days or weeks in some cases. |
| very corrosive. This is a pool water problem that will | | | | Besides, you do not want to drop your TA level too |
| cause other problems such as: | | | | fast. You should always add the acid to the water |
| - Your pool wall surfaces as well as the bottom will | | | | and not the water to the acid. Your pool filtration |
| becoming etched (pitted). | | | | system should be turn off during this addition as well. |
| - The metal parts that are installed in your pool | | | | Again this is a calculated procedure that you have to |
| plumbing will become corroded. These metals will | | | | carry out in order for you to add the correct amount |
| begin to dissolve back into your pool or spa. | | | | of muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. To successfully |
| - The walls of your pool or spa can become stained. | | | | maintain your pools TA, you have to know its size |
| - You will get unwanted changes in your pH levels | | | | and volume in order to calculate the correct dosage |
| (pH bounce). | | | | for the acid and bicarbonate. Once you have your |
| - Your pool water chemistry is greatly effected. This | | | | correct dosage for either chemical, you can go ahead |
| can cause your pool water to turn green. | | | | and properly correct the total alkalinity in any |
| On the other hand, you can experience problems | | | | swimming pool or spa. |
| that are just as serious when your total alkalinity is | | | | |