SWIMMING POOL BUILDERS TALK ABOUT ALKALINITY

In balancing swimming pool water, total alkalinity is a key parameter in that process. The proper total alkalinity level in a swimming pool provides buffering so PH does not swing in and out of the proper range in response to sanitizer addition, lather load or other factors.

WHAT IS TOTAL ALKALINITY IN A SWIMMING POOL?

Total alkalinity is the amount of bicarbonate, plus the much smaller amount of carbonate, plus cyanurate ions, in the swimming pool water. It is a measure of the buffering capacity of the pool water; that is, the ability of pool water to resist a PH change.

With too little alkalinity, there will not be enough buffering and the PH may quickly drift up or down, and out of proper range. But with too much alkalinity, there will be a tendency for the pool water PH to drift upward.

HOW TO ADJUST ALKALINITY IN THE SWIMMING POOL

Total alkalinity should be corrected before adjusting PH or sanitizer levels.

TO REDUCE:

To reduce, acid is added to the pool water. Approximately 2.1 pounds of sodium bisulfate or 1.6 pints of muriatic acid will reduce TA of a 10,000 gallon swimming pool, by 10 ppm.

TO INCREASE:

To increase total alkalinity, use sodium bicarbonate. Approximately 105 pounds will raise a 10,000 gallon swimming pool by 10 ppm.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TA

Total alkalinity should be maintained between a minimum of 80 ppm and a maximum of 120 ppm.

For more questions about Alkalinity in your swimming pool call: Rich at; 609-313-0300

Excerpt from the APSP Recreational Water Quality Committee; Feb. 2017