Water Chemistry Problems: pH & Alkalinity

PROBLEM:  Recurring high pH (above 7.6)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Frequent additions of high pH chlorinating products as: calcium, lithium or sodium hypochlorite, failure to test pH frequently and adjust, as needed or addition of too much pH Plus (sodium carbonate).

SOLUTION:  Because the pH can be affected by several factors, test the pH at least 3-4 times per and add the appropriate pH control chemicals — SUN® pH Plus or pH Minus — as required to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6.

PROBLEM:  Recurring low pH (below 7.2)

POSSIBLE CAUSES: Low total alkalinity (below 125 ppm) makes it difficult to control pH, use of low pH, products as: trichlor chlorinating tablets or brominating tablets, addition of too much ph Minus, failure to test pH frequently and adjust, as needed, or natural effects of bathers in water, acid rain and atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SOLUTION:  Test the water for total alkalinity and, if less than 125 ppm, adjust by adding SUN Pool & Spa Alkalinity Plus as directed. The use of trichlor chlorinating products or brominating tablets will require regular additions of SUN pH Plus to offset their acidic nature. Test the pH at least 3-4 times per week and add the appropriate amounts— SUN pH Plus — as required to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6

PROBLEM:  pH bounce (fluctuates frequently)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Total alkalinity is too low (below 125 ppm) to buffer the pH.

SOLUTION:  Adjust the total alkalinity to 125-150 ppm by adding the appropriate amount of a SUN Pool & Spa Alkalinity Plus.

PROBLEM:  High Total Alkalinity (TA) (above 150 ppm)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Nature of the source water used to fill the pool or failure to regularly test and adjust the pH and Total Alkalinity, as needed.

SOLUTION:  Long term use of high pH chlorinating products such as: calcium, lithium or sodium hypochlorite will result in frequent adjustment of the Total Alkalinity.

PROBLEM:  Low Total Alkalinity (TA) (below 125 ppm)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Nature of the source water used to fill the pool, low pH conditions (below 7.2), long term use of acidic products such as: Trichlor or brominating tablets or failure to regularly test and adjust the pH and Total Alkalinity, as needed.

SOLUTION:  Add SUN Pool & Spa Alkalinity Plus according to label directions to raise the total alkalinity to the proper range of 125-150 ppm. Once the TA is optimized, maintaining a proper pH will help keep it within the ideal range. Test water regularly.