With pH and Total Alkalinity, it is difficult to decrease one without affecting the other. Liquid acid (muriatic acid or HCl) or dry acid (sodium bisulfate) is used to decrease both pH and Total Alkalinity (TA). To adjust one or the other, use the appropriate technique:
- To maximize the effect on pH, you walk it, or add small amounts several places around the pool.
- To maximize the effect on TA, you slug it, or in other words, add it all in one place.
To decrease TA, the best time to add the acid is when the pool water is not circulating. Dilute or pre-dissolve the acid in a bucket of pool water before adding it into the deep end. Allow at least one hour before starting the pump. Allow to circulate overnight before further testing and making more adjustments.
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