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Total Alkalinity

Total alkalinity is a measure of water's resistance to change in pH.

Total alkalinity is closely associated with pH but rather than a measure of acid vs. base, it is a measure of the water's ability to resist pH change. This buffering capacity of water is desirable because it helps prevent wide variations in pH whenever small amounts of acid or alkali get into the pool.

Total alkalinity should be maintained in the range of 80 to 150 ppm.

If total alkalinity is too low:
  • pH changes rapidly when chemicals or impurities enter the water. pH may drop rapidly, causing etching and corrosion.
  • Add Robelle Total Alkalinity Control
If total alkalinity is too high:
  • pH becomes difficult to adjust.
  • water may become cloudy; chlorine effectiveness may be decresed; scale formation and filter problems may occur
  • it is rare that Total Alkalinity becomes too high, but it can happen. If it does, use Robelle Muriatic Acid