Blue Horizons Total Alkalinity Reducer 5 Litre

Product Information

You have a salt pool. Similar to how water features raise the pH level, saltwater generators create lots of bubbles during the conversion of salt to chlorine, which acts as another form of aeration.

Compare the color in your kit with the kit’s chart. If you have a pH level of 7.2-7.6 on the litmus scale, it means that your total alkalinity is balanced. When you measure pH, you’re looking at how acidic the water is based on how much (or how little) acid is dissolved in your water. This is represented on the pH scale from 1 to 14. Your total alkalinity and pH levels go hand in hand. And it’s your alkalinity that helps keep your pH level stable. Without this buffer, the pH would wildly fluctuate. When your total alkalinity is too low, the pH becomes unstable. And when it’s too high, it can bring up your pH levels with it. It’s easy to confuse pH and total alkalinity because “alkaline” is a measurement on the pH scale, but they’re not the same thing. For example, if your pH level tends to sit at around 7.8, you may need to reduce your total alkalinity below the 80 ppm threshold. This will free up more acid in the water and keep your pH from rising so easily.This works by absorbing acids in the water, which prevents those acids from lowering your pH level. This is why total alkalinity is called a pH buffer, because it “shields” your pH from substances that would normally lower it. Dry acid ( sodium bisulfate) is a granular acid and a popular alternative for those who aren’t comfortable handling muriatic acid. Total alkalinity works hard to stabilize your pH level, but there isn’t anything in the water doing the same for your total alkalinity. Lowering your total alkalinity is simply a process of “using up” the buffer it provides in the form of acid absorption. In other words, you just need to give it some acid to chew on.

Technical explanation: The more of your water’s surface area is exposed to air, the faster it outgasses carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide is acidic, reducing the amount of this substance in your water naturally leads to a rise in pH. While not as problematic for vinyl pools, sulfates can damage concrete or plaster pool surfaces, be corrosive to metal pool parts and fixtures, and even degrade your saltwater generator if you have a salt pool.

Since acid lowers both pH and alkalinity, it’s possible your total alkalinity is now below the recommended minimum of 80ppm. Assuming you keep your pool pump running to allow proper circulation (highly recommended), you can safely test the water after around 15 minutes. To make your summer swims enjoyable and ensure chlorine in your pool can work effectively, there's an optimal range you'll want to keep your pool's pH in. Occasionally, this number can get a little high. Learn how to lower pH levels in your pool in under four hours. Why Should I Lower My Pool's pH?

Your pool pump should also be left running to help circulate the acid and prevent it from concentrating in one area of your pool and potentially damaging your plaster or liner. 3. Allow Time for the Acid to Circulate However, if the amount is lower than 7.2, you need to increase the alkalinity in your pool. Moreover, if the alkalinity is more than 7.6, you need to decrease the alkalinity 2. Determine if the Alkalinity is High or LowIt’s best to use a liquid drop testing kit for the most accurate readings, however, many pool owners manage to get by on the slightly less accurate (but more convenient) pool testing strips. Ultimately, either strips or drops will work. 2. Add Muriatic Acid to Lower pH and Alkalinity Total alkalinity is measured by its concentration in parts-per-million (ppm), and the industry-standard ideal range is from 80-120 ppm, depending on the type of chlorine you use. For example, Trichlor has a low pH of 2.8, so given how acidic Trichlor is, a trichlor pool needs higher alkalinity. Another reason for more alkalinity in a trichlor pool is because the CYA in trichlor offsets alkalinity when doing LSI corrections. Method One: Turn off the pool’s pump and add the muriatic acid in a small, steady stream directly into the deep end of your pool. This ensures the acid will go directly to the bottom, rather than floating around at the pool surface. Then turn your pump on and let it circulate the acid through the water. Unfortunately, many pool chemicals you add to your water can impact your total alkalinity. Similarly, low chlorine levels and a high bather load can increase your pH and alkalinity levels. Cyanuric Acid An ideal pool alkalinity level is between 80 and 120 ppm. Anything below 80 ppm means that you need to raise the level by adding baking soda or other suitable alkalines. If it is above 120 ppm, you need to lower it using muriatic acid or dry acid. How to Test Alkalinity in Pool Water