Dont quite understand whats going on but when I test the water using a test strip, the pH is low (around 6.7) but the ppm Total alkalinity is quite high (around 140). Doesnt high pH mean its more alkaline? Does anyone have any ideas why the pH saying its low when the total alkalinity is high? " title="Confused" /> Thanks very much. Cheers

By the way, I used soda ash to try and increase the pH but all it did was increase the total alkalinity which is now quite high but hasnt really affected the pH. Do I add more or does it take time for the pH to increase (I waited a day before I re-tested).

Thanks

NOTE: ALWAYS ADD CHEMICALS TO WATER, NEVER ADD WATER TO CHEMICALS!!

Hi there - a commonly confused issue!

PH and TA are different.

pH affects the acidity of the water - acid / alkaline (essintial for the safety of users - if the pH is incorrect then the chlorine or bromine cant do its job, no matter how much is in there)

TA affects if the water is corrosive or scale forming (affects the lifspan of the heater, jet bearings etc)

Ironically, while you use different chemicals to raise the pH and TA, you use the same one, but in a different way to reduce them both!

To lower the pH:

Add pH Minus by adding a capful (or whatever the required dose is depending on water volume) to a large bucket of water, and gently trickling it into the water with the pumps on, trying to spread it out as much as possible.

To Lower the TA:

(WARNING: This procedure involves making a very concentrated, corrosive solution - be careful and follow the precautions below)

You add the same dose as above, but add pH minus to a very small amount of water, (say 10ml of chemical to 100ml or about a half a mug-full of water) in a plastic container. Carefully stir with a plastic stick until fully dissolved. Then make sure ALL the pumps are off, and the water is perfectly still. leaning over to the centre of the pool, slowly lower the vessel into the water, trying to disturb the water as little as possible. The idea is to form a concentrated ball of chemical in the centre of the tub that slowly burns its way outwards. Make sure the pumps will not come on by turning off the power, and leave for an hour or so. Then re-test and repeat as required.

THIS SHOULDN'T BE DONE UNLESS YOU ARE WEARING THE APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE CLOTING - GOOGLES, GLOVES AND APRON ARE ADVISED!

Its not normally necessary unless you have very odd water in your area, or have put too much TA+ in the pool.