The pH will be difficult to control if the Total Alkalinity (TA) is not in the proper range. TA should be 80-100 ppm. If the TA is less than 50 ppm, your pH will swing from one extreme to the other and seldom be in the proper range. This is know as pH bounce. If TA is more than 150 ppm, pH will drift upward, requiring frequent adjustment and large amounts of acid to lower the pH.
Corrective Action:
a) The best way to adjust pH is to use the Acid Demand Test. Check your test kit to see if it includes this procedure. If you don't have an Acid Demand test, you can get one at your Sustain Authorized Dealer. Remember when lowering the pH to walk the pre-diluted acid around the pool adding it in small increments to the water.
b) If your TA is over 150 ppm, you will want to adjust it downward unless your calcium hardness is <200 ppm. If so, let the TA drift down naturally as the calcium hardness increases slowly. [More info...]
Prevenative Follow-up:
Test your water weekly and pay particular attention to pH and FAC. Make additions and adjustments as needed.
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