How to Treat High Alkaline in a Pool

The most important part of owning a pool is maintaining the chemical balance in the water. Poor alkalinity levels can lead to algae forming on the water's surface, as well as irritating the skin of swimmers who enter the water. Adjust alkalinity in a pool regularly to prevent bad imbalance. Fixing small dips or rises in alkalinity is easier than trying to adjust wildly high or low levels. Always test your pool weekly for alkaline levels.

Pool testing kit
Sodium bicarbonate
Muriatic acid

Instructions

- 1
  Take a pool sample from about 12 inches below the water surface.
- 2
  Place the water test into your testing kit. Dip a testing strip into the water and compare the color of the strip to the color chart that comes with the pool tester to find the alkalinity level. The level should be between 80 and 120 parts per million, or ppm.
- 3
  Add .14 lb. of sodium bicarbonate to a 1,000-gallon pool to raise the alkalinity 10 ppm. Add .7 lb. for a 5,000-gallon pool, 1.4 lb. for a 10,000-gallon pool, 2.8 lb. for a 20,000-gallon pool, 7 lb. for a 50,000-gallon pool and 14 lb. for a 100,000-gallon pool.
- 4
  Lower the alkalinity by adding muriatic acid to the pool. Add 2.56 oz. per 10 ppm you wish to raise the alkalinity in a 1,000-gallon pool. Add .8 pt. per 10 ppm in a 5,000- and 10,000-gallon pool, 1.6 qt. in a 20,000-gallon pool, 1 gallon for a 50,000-gallon pool and 2 gallons for a 100,000-gallon pool.
- 5
  Retest the pool after 24 hours.

The Advantages of Galvanized Pool Walls

How to Build a Swimming Pool Ladder

Swimming Pools & Spas