Difference Between Alkalinity and pH

Water alkalinity and pH are not the same. Water pH measures the amount of hydrogen (acid ions) in the water, whereas water alkalinity is a measure of the carbonate and bicarbonate levels in water. Think of carbonates and bicarbonates as dissolved limestone.

1. Do you adjust pH or alkalinity first?
2. Does high pH mean high alkalinity?
3. Can alkalinity be high and pH low?
4. Does pH increase alkalinity?
5. Can I add pH up and alkalinity at the same time?
6. Will pH Decreaser lower alkalinity?
7. How do I lower the pH in my pool without alkalinity?
8. What happens when alkalinity is too high?
9. What causes high alkalinity?
10. Does baking soda raise alkalinity?

Do you adjust pH or alkalinity first?

You should always adjust the alkalinity first to the 80-100 ppm range then the adjust the pH to the 7.2 to 7.8 range.

Does high pH mean high alkalinity?

The pH scale is valued from 0 to 14 – where lower pH indicates acidity, higher pH indicates alkalinity, and 7 is perfectly neutral (i.e. neither acidic nor alkaline).

Can alkalinity be high and pH low?

If your pH is high and alkalinity is low in the same water, you may need to add pH reducer/minus and then alkalinity increaser to your pool to lower pH and increase alkalinity respectively. In very rare cases, your total alkalinity may be high but with a low pH in the same pool.

Does pH increase alkalinity?

And, adding pH Increaser can also raise Alkalinity, compounding the problem. To lower Alkalinity more than pH level, “pool your acid”, using the Bucket Trick below.

Can I add pH up and alkalinity at the same time?

To raise pH and Alkalinity at the same time, start with Alkalinity, and add enough Increaser to raise Alkalinity to 100 ppm. Add 1 lb Alkalinity Increaser per 10,000 gals, to raise Alkalinity 10 ppm. The pool pH level may rise and follow, without added pH Increaser.

Will pH Decreaser lower alkalinity?

The easiest way to lower alkalinity in your hot tub is by adding a pH Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). I know this is confusing because pH and alkalinity are not the same. But it works!

How do I lower the pH in my pool without alkalinity?

The only way to lower the pH without lowering the TA is to inject carbon dioxide in the water. If you add regular acid, this lowers both the pH and the TA. But as I said above, you can have a lower TA if your pH isn't dropping over time. So add acid first to lower the pH closer to 7.5.

What happens when alkalinity is too high?

An alkalinity level that is too high in a swimming pool can lead to problems such as an imbalanced pH level, which contributes to high calcium levels. High calcium levels can cause scaling, cloudy water and clogged filters. Not to mention, itchy skin and irritated eyes for your swimmers!

What causes high alkalinity?

NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ALKALINITY

Phosphates, limestone, and borates give the water a higher alkalinity and buffering capacity. Seasonal weather - spring snow melt and rain can increase runoff which generally also increases acidity, in turn decreasing alkalinity.

Does baking soda raise alkalinity?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.