Learn how low alkalinity in your pool occurs and how it can negatively impact your pool. Find out how to remedy the problem.
As a pool owner, you have several things to monitor, including the water chemistry. Balanced water chemistry ensures your pool is comfortable and safe, and prevents the water from damaging pool equipment.
The alkalinity of the water, which is the water’s ability to resist changes in pH, is one of the most important things to monitor. When the alkalinity is too low, it increases the risk of corrosion and makes your pool more challenging to keep clean.
Find out what lowers alkalinity and how you can prevent problems if you’re concerned that low alkalinity is a problem in your pool.
What to Know About Alkalinity
Alkalinity in your pool keeps the pH level stable. The ideal alkalinity of pool water is approximately 80 to 120 ppm. Above or below that, pH levels can change drastically, putting pool equipment at risk of corrosion and other damage.
Unbalanced pH can also irritate skin. If you notice burning eyes or dry skin after swimming, it’s likely due to a pH imbalance. Unbalanced pH also reduces the effectiveness of the chemicals you use in your pool.
Causes of Low Alkalinity
There are a few common causes of low alkalinity in a pool, including:
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Rainwater: Rainwater dilutes the chemicals you’ve added to your pool water to keep it balanced. The heavier the rainfall, the lower the alkalinity level is likely to be.
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Overuse of acid-based chemicals: pH-reducing chemicals might work well if the pH is too high, but add too much or rely on them too frequently, and you could cause a problem. You want to bring things into balance without overadjusting.
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Water refilling: Refilling your pool with fresh water disrupts its chemical balance. If you need to refill your pool, it’s important to test its chemical balance afterward.
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Not testing: One of the major culprits behind high alkalinity is simply not monitoring it enough. Testing is the best way to ensure everything is balanced. It allows you to make small adjustments when needed, before the problem becomes a bigger issue.
How Do You Recognize Low Alkalinity?
Several indications help you determine if your pool’s alkalinity is too low:
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Corrosion of equipment
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Cloudy water
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Skin and eye irritation
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Rapid pH fluctuations
How Do You Fix Alkalinity Problems?
If you’re dealing with any of the signs of low alkalinity or are concerned the pH might be off, such as after a heavy rainfall, you can do the following:
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Test the water. This allows you to get an accurate measurement and know if there’s an issue.
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Add alkalinity increaser. If the level is too low, add an increaser that contains sodium bicarbonate.
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Adjust the level gradually. This helps you prevent any over-corrections that create instability.
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Continuously monitor. Don’t add the adjuster and assume everything is fine. You’ll need to monitor your pool’s chemistry to make sure it’s where you want it. Pay special attention to your pool’s chemistry during seasonal changes and during any rainy seasons.
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Contact an expert. If you’ve tried to balance the water but you’re still having issues, contact a pool professional for guidance.
Choosing the Best Products
Keeping a supply of pool chemicals on hand makes it easy to maintain your pool and quickly address problems should they arise. Some of our favourite products include:
Pool Pure Alkalinity+ (SKU: 27031P25PP)
Pool Pure Alkalinity+ helps you maintain ideal water chemistry by stabilizing pH levels and enhancing sanitizer performance.
Taylor Full Test Kit K-2005 (SKU: K-2005)
This all-in-one test kit helps you measure chlorine/bromine, pH, alkalinity, water hardness, and CYA (DPD–high range).
Taylor Trouble Shooter DPD-High (SKU: K-1004)
This kit allows you to test chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, and acid/base demand.
Contact Pool Products Canada
All of the products listed above are available for purchase from Pool Products Canada. We make it easier than ever to order what you need to keep your pool functional and enjoyable. A swimming pool is an investment you need to protect. It’s also one of the most appealing features of your home. It deserves care and attention, so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the tools and supplies you need to keep your pool’s water as clean and healthy as possible, all season long.