Pool / Spa PH control ?

Posted by on . 6 comments.


What is the main reason for the PH in pools / spas to plunge down off the scale. Its just a small 1,000 gal.pool for the kids and the PH was perfect right after filling.



Also; Is Soda Ash much more concentrated then plain Bakeing Soda?

Thanks in advance

Comments

  1. windancerhil says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    There are two different functions for which soda ash and sodium bicarbonate are used. Soda ash raises pH a lot and Total Alkalinity a little. Bicarb raises Total Alkalinity a lot and pH a little. Two different functions for two different chemicals. Typically the pH won't drop if the Total Alkalinity is within range (80-120 ppm). Always adjust Total Alkalinity first. Then pH. When the TA is in range if something acidic enters the water the TA will drop and the pH will remain constant. So TA is a sacrificial buffer. Once the TA has been "used up" then the pH will drop like a stone. Got it?

  2. Eric D says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    go to a pool store/shop, they should know all about the shock and ph stuff nessicary to run a pool

  3. httnmrtt says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    pH refers to acid content, and a low pH means high acid. Yes, soda ash is much more concentrated than baking soda. Your local pool/spa supply can run a more detailed test on your water than you can with the homeowner kit. I wouldn't be surprised to find out the kids are peeing in the pool.

  4. miss piggy says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    I have had similar problems with our pool, except now, due to drought conditions in our part of Australia, we are not allowed to top up our pool, we have to depend on rainfall to do that, which is very rare at the moment.
    Anyway, when we were allowed to top up with the hose, we found that the PH went UP dramatically. I actually did a PH test on our drinking water and it unbelievably high. This was probably the problem in the pool. It does eventually settle down though. It is a similar situation with the fish tank. Just set up a very small tank and the PH was adjusted from the start. The next day it was off the scale. Adjusted again and again the next day, way over the top. But on the third day, it is becoming normal.
    There are a lot of contributing factors with adjusting the pool to the right conditions. As the first answerer said, your local pool shop will assist you in this as they go by your individual water sample. It will take a week or so to get it right, then if you get rain, it will upset it again. Have you heard of acid rain? The particles in the air at the time it rains, falls into your pool and you are back where you started.
    Don't depend on answers from this site as far as chemical suitability is concerned, as I said, it depends on your individual water sample. Get an expert to sort it out for you. And don't think "oh it's just for the kids to paddle around in, it won't hurt them" If the water is not balanced, it will harm their skin and possibly start off problems such as eczma, as when the PH is too low, it is acid.
    Good luck with this. I know it can be frustrating and expensive to get it right. More expensive with a 25,000 ltr pool though!
    Cheers

  5. marilynsplaytime says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    I agree, likely they are peeing in there and also rain water can wreck the balance of chemicals

  6. mauisunsetspas says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    You will need to balance the Alkalinity in your pool. This keeps the pool's pH from swinging wildly, and acts almost like training wheels on a bicycle. pH changes when ever matter with differing pH enters the water, this means you, your guests, and any other foriegn objects effect the pH.

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