Home swimming pool maintenance is not as mystifying as it might seem. There are, however, a few essentials that you’ll need to know about in order to enjoy a safe and clean pool – water alkaline levels being one of the most important. Here’s how to stay on top of your swimming pool’s alkaline levels – and why it matters.

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What is total alkalinity?

So when it comes to get the pH of your pool right you must first get the total alkalinity right.

Total alkalinity has a big impact on your pool’s pH level because it essentially controls how stable your pool’s pH balance might be. Total alkalinity – also known as TA – measures the amount of alkaline substances are in your water. These include hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates.

These soluble alkalis govern how likely your water is to change its pH level. If there are too many alkaline substances in the water, it becomes hard to adjust the pH level. This isn’t helpful: you’ll want to be able to adjust your pool’s pH quickly and easily, as soon as you notice that it has left the optimum zone.

If your total alkalinity level drops too low, your pool’s pH will become unstable. This means it will change far too easily, even when you don’t want it to. Any chemicals entering the water can cause a change in pH if the TA level is low. Even impurities (e.g. from rain water or soil) can have an impact, making it extremely difficult to monitor and control your pool’s pH level.

It’s really important to note that TA and pH are not the same thing at all. TA affects the pH level of your pool, but only in terms of its changeability. That’s why it’s important to keep your pool’s TA under control.

Managing Alkaline Levels In Your Water

The TA in your pool should remain between 80 and 140 parts per million. You can achieve this by treating the water with the correct chemicals, including an alkaline (TA) increaser if needed.

With your TA levels stable, you won’t have to make many micro-adjustments to keep your pH levels where they need to be, and, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool without any problems.

PH Levels In The Pool

Who knew that your school chemistry lessons would come in handy one day? You may remember the pH scale: substances with a low number are acidic, while substances with a high number are alkaline. Your swimming pool should be kept right at the middle of the scale, with a pH level of between 7.2 and 7.6.

This is important because if your water goes too far in either direction, problems will arise. If the water becomes too alkaline, it can turn cloudy, and your vital pool equipment may be corroded or damaged. The chlorine in the water won’t work effectively, either. On the other hand, if it drops too far into acidic territory, you’ll realise it as soon as you take a dip. The water may irritate your skin and burn your eyes.

As a swimming pool owner, then, your goal is to maintain the pH level of your water in a Goldilocks Zone (between 7.2 and 7.6) that is neither too acidic, nor too alkaline. This is where total alkalinity starts to matter.

It can be difficult to establish exactly which chemicals you need to use in your pool, and in what quantities. If you want to find out more, get in touch with the experts at JB Elite Services. We’ll help you learn which chemicals you should be using to treat your water, and give you all the advice you need.

Contact JB Elite Services today to learn more about how to control these vital levels.

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