Have you ever noticed that your swimming pool water feels rough and itchy on your skin? This could be due to high alkalinity levels. High alkalinity can also cause cloudy water, scaling, and corrosion of pool equipment. If you’re looking for ways to lower alkalinity without lowering pH, I’ve got you covered.
Image: storables.com
Alkalinity and pH are two different things. Alkalinity measures the resistance of water to pH change, while pH measures the acidity or basicity of water. Adjusting one does not necessarily affect the other. So it is possible to lower alkalinity without lowering pH. More on that later.
What is Alkalinity?
Alkalinity is a measure of how much acid a substance can neutralize. It is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The ideal alkalinity range for swimming pools is between 80 and 120 ppm.
Alkalinity is important because it helps to stabilize the pH of the water. If the alkalinity is too low, the pH of the water can become acidic, which can damage pool equipment and irritate swimmers’ skin and eyes. If the alkalinity is too high, the pH of the water can become basic, which can lead to scale formation.
How to Lower Alkalinity
There are a few different ways to lower alkalinity. One way is to add a calcium chloride solution to the pool water. Calcium chloride is a strong acid that will help to neutralize the alkalinity. Another way to lower alkalinity is to add muriatic acid to the pool water. Muriatic acid is a hydrochloric acid that will also help to neutralize alkalinity.
When adding either calcium chloride or muriatic acid to the pool water, it is important to do so slowly and gradually. Adding too much too quickly can cause the pH of the water to drop too low, which can damage pool equipment and irritate swimmers’ skin and eyes.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips and expert advice for lowering alkalinity without lowering pH:
- Test the alkalinity of your pool water regularly. This will help you to track the alkalinity levels and make sure that they are within the ideal range.
- Add calcium chloride or muriatic acid slowly and gradually. Adding too much too quickly can cause the pH of the water to drop too low.
- If you are not comfortable adding chemicals to your pool water, you can hire a pool service professional to do it for you.
Image: hottubownerhq.com
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about lowering alkalinity without lowering pH:
-
Q: Can I use baking soda to lower alkalinity?
A: No -
Q: Can I use vinegar to lower alkalinity?
A: Yes, but use muriatic acid instead. It’s safer and much more effective. -
Q: How often should I test the alkalinity of my pool water?
A: You should test the alkalinity of your pool water at least once a week, or at least whenever you add chemicals.
How To Lower Alkalinity Without Lowering Ph
Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to lower alkalinity without lowering pH, there are a few different options available. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help to keep your pool water healthy and balanced.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave a comment below and let me know if you have any questions.
