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There is NO way to lower TA without lowering pH. Slugging acid in a pool with the pump off will have EXACTLY the same effect as walking the acid around the pool AND can cause damage to pool surfaces. When you add acid you convert bicarbonate (TA) into carbonic acid. This action lowers both pH and TA. Carbonic acid is basically CO2 dissolved in water. If you let the CO2 gas off the pH will rise (since the amount of carbonic ACID) in the water is lessened) and the TA will stay where it is (since we cannot form more bicarbonate).

To lower TA safely without causing damage to pool surfaces:

1. drop the pH to 7.0 and no lower with acid ( use an acid demand test in a good test kit to do this)

2. aerate the water to gas off CO2. (fountains, waterfalls, turning the eyeballs upward in the returns to break the water surface, having a 'splash party' in the pool, or anything else that disturbs the water will work. ) The aeration will cause the pH to rise. When the pH is above 7.4 test the TA. (it won't move much at first but will eventually start to move if it is very high). If the TA is still too high repeat from step 1. When the TA is where you want it you are done.

To sum this up:

The main component of TA is the bicarbonate in the water

The act of adding the acid lowers BOTH the pH and the TA by converting bicarbonate into carbonic acid (basically carbon dioxide dissolved in the water). It lowers pH much faster than it lowers TA

Allowing the carbon dixoide created by lowering the pH to gas out of the water causes the pH to rise again because the amount of carbonic ACID in the water decreases. However the amount of bicarbonate does not increase so neither does the TA.

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How do you lower alkalinity but not change pH in a swimming pool?

Initially, you can't. What you do to lower alkalinity is first lower the pH to under 7.2, but not lower than 6.9. Then you aerate the pool, by creating bubbles with your brush, or by running a water feature, if you have one. This will lower your alkalinity. Maintain this lower pH and aerating until you get your alkalinity where you want it. Then retest your pH. If it is now too low, you add Mule Team Borax, say a 1/4 a cup, and then retest. The borax will raise your pH without raising your alkalinity. See the poolforum.com for more help if needed.


How much muriatic acid do you add and how often to lower 260 alkalinity in 15000 gallon pool?

To lower alkalinity in a 15,000 gallon pool by 260, you would typically add about 3 quarts of muriatic acid. The frequency of adding muriatic acid to lower alkalinity depends on your current levels and how quickly they rise, usually every few days to a week. It's recommended to test your water regularly and adjust the treatment as needed.


How much muratic acid should you add to a 350 gal hot tub to lower the alkalinity?

You can start by adding 1 cup of muriatic acid to the hot tub, wait for a few hours, then test the pH and alkalinity levels. Repeat the process if needed, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when handling muriatic acid.


What are the common uses of muriatic acid in swimming pools?

Muriatic acid is commonly used in swimming pools to lower the pH levels and alkalinity of the water, which helps prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. It is also used to clean and maintain the pool's surfaces and equipment.


How do you raise the chlorine and lower the pH alkalinity in your pool?

To raise chlorine levels, you can add chlorine shock or chlorine tablets to the pool. To lower pH and alkalinity, you can use muriatic acid or pH decreaser. It's important to test the water regularly and make gradual adjustments to avoid overcorrecting levels.

Related Questions

How do you lower alkalinity in spa?

A small of amount of muriatic acid


Your alkalinity is really high How do you lower it without lowering the pH too?

pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity. less than 7 is acidic, more than 7 is alkaline. if you want to lower your alkalinity, add muriatic acid. It will lower the pH though


How do you lower alkalinity but not change pH in a swimming pool?

Initially, you can't. What you do to lower alkalinity is first lower the pH to under 7.2, but not lower than 6.9. Then you aerate the pool, by creating bubbles with your brush, or by running a water feature, if you have one. This will lower your alkalinity. Maintain this lower pH and aerating until you get your alkalinity where you want it. Then retest your pH. If it is now too low, you add Mule Team Borax, say a 1/4 a cup, and then retest. The borax will raise your pH without raising your alkalinity. See the poolforum.com for more help if needed.


How much muriatic acid do you add and how often to lower 260 alkalinity in 15000 gallon pool?

To lower alkalinity in a 15,000 gallon pool by 260, you would typically add about 3 quarts of muriatic acid. The frequency of adding muriatic acid to lower alkalinity depends on your current levels and how quickly they rise, usually every few days to a week. It's recommended to test your water regularly and adjust the treatment as needed.


How do you lower the alkalinity in a 21ft round pool?

1-2 gallons of muriatic acid will break down the buffer solution(alkalinity in the water). Will then probably have to raise pH back up


How do you lower the alkilinity of a swimming pool?

You have to know what you are doing. The addition of muriatic acid lowers the pH and total alkalinity in swimming pools.


How do you lower pH in pool naturally?

Use muriatic acid to lower your pH. Be mindful of your alkalinity also as the muriatic acid will lower it too. You need both (actually everything in balance) pH 7.2-7.8 Alk 80-120


Which is better to use to lower Total Alkalinity level Muriatic Acid or pH Minus?

I tried both types of acid. The pH Minus (dry acid) and then the muriatic acid. I did not have much luck at all with the total alkalinity (TA) dropping with the dry acid. When I used the muriatic acid the TA dropped within a couple of days. So to answer your question I'd have to say the muriatic acid. It is much cheaper ($12 a case) at Leslie's Pool Supply and probably cheaper other places. The muriatic acid was also quicker and had better results.


How much muratic acid should you add to a 350 gal hot tub to lower the alkalinity?

You can start by adding 1 cup of muriatic acid to the hot tub, wait for a few hours, then test the pH and alkalinity levels. Repeat the process if needed, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when handling muriatic acid.


Is powder conditioner used for the same result as using muratic acid?

No, powder conditioner and muriatic acid serve different purposes in pool maintenance. Powder conditioner is typically used to stabilize chlorine levels and protect against UV breakdown, while muriatic acid is used to lower pH and total alkalinity levels in swimming pools. Both are crucial for maintaining balanced water chemistry, but they have distinct functions.


What are the common uses of muriatic acid in swimming pools?

Muriatic acid is commonly used in swimming pools to lower the pH levels and alkalinity of the water, which helps prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. It is also used to clean and maintain the pool's surfaces and equipment.


How do you raise the chlorine and lower the pH alkalinity in your pool?

To raise chlorine levels, you can add chlorine shock or chlorine tablets to the pool. To lower pH and alkalinity, you can use muriatic acid or pH decreaser. It's important to test the water regularly and make gradual adjustments to avoid overcorrecting levels.