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What Is Swimming Pool Alkalinity - Canada Salt
Jun

23

What Is Swimming Pool Alkalinity?

If your saltwater pool is showing signs of calcium deposits, then you need to understand that the alkalinity levels are high in the pool. For any pool, alkalinity levels are to be maintained as it prevents sudden changes in pH levels of water. As a pool owner, you might be jealous looking at eye-catching, radiant, and professionally maintained pools and waiting for the summer season to restore your backyard saltwater pool. It is not that difficult to understand the chemistry of alkalinity levels of any pool, and you need to know some simple facts about pool maintenance. If you want to become a proud owner of a beautifully maintained saltwater pool, then read the article to learn more about what is swimming pool alkalinity and what steps to take for proper maintenance of saltwater pools.

What Is Alkalinity?

Alkalinity refers to the total concentration of dissolved carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and cyanurates in water. All the above minerals are alkaline substances that increase the pH of the pool’s water. For testing, kits are available to test the alkalinity levels of water.

Alkalinity Vs pH

There is often confusion regarding Alkalinity and pH when it comes to pool chemistry, and many people think that both are the same, which is not true. The pH of water indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is, and pH is always influenced by the substances present in the water, the scale goes from 1 to 7. If the pH is 1, the liquid is too acidic, and 13 indicates more alkaline. On the other hand, alkalinity is measured in ppm (parts per million).

Levels Of Alkalinity For Your Pool

For any pool, the recommended alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm, and a good testing kit can be used to test the alkalinity levels of your pool. The alkalinity levels can be divided into three groups, too high, too low, and Just Right.

  • Too Low: The pH levels of a low alkalinity pool can swing between high and low levels. The main problems associated with too low alkalinity levels are chlorine inefficiency, corrosion of metals, staining of the pool, and scaling.
  • Too High Alkalinity: The pH will be higher for a higher alkalinity pool, and the water will be cloudy. The other pool problems include clogged filters, rough surfaces, and reduced pool water circulation.

What Causes The Alkalinity To Rise Or Fall?

For increase or decrease in Alkalinity can be because of many reasons, such as natural or chemicals used in the pool.

  • The increase in pH is generally due to the body lotions or sweat washing into the pool and using a high alkaline water source to fill the pool.
  • The decrease in pH can be caused due to excessive rainwater or acid rain, which causes the pH and alkaline levels to decrease at a time.

How To Raise Alkalinity Of Pool?

Before adjusting the alkalinity level of your pool, it is necessary to know the amount of water and the target alkalinity level you are trying to achieve. As you know, the ideal range is 80-120 ppm, and you should plan accordingly. The best way to raise alkalinity is to use baking soda or any product made from sodium bicarbonate. After adding the alkalinity increaser, let the pool sit for about 6 hours before retesting.

How To Decrease Alkalinity Of Pool?

Muriatic acid is the most popular chemical to decrease any pool’s alkalinity. After adding muriatic acid, dry acid, or any other alkalinity decreaser, check the pH level, as it might also have gone down.

Conclusion

For your saltwater pool, alkalinity level plays an important role in pool chemistry, and at the same time, poor maintenance can lead to sudden shifts in the pH level of the pool. Pool experts say there is a clear relationship between pH and alkalinity levels. For proper maintenance of the swimming pool, it is also recommended to use pure pool salt, which also helps in maintaining proper pH levels. If you are a pool owner looking for pure pool salt, you can talk to our pool experts at Canada Salt Group Ltd, the most reliable and trusted salt supplier in North America. Contact us for more details.

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