How to test for total Alkalinity

Tatty


Joined: 24/09/2008
Posts: 186

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 09:59

Hi I am using chemicals in my pool the Ph reading is ok the clorine is a bit high. how do i test for total alkalinity with the square type test kit you only get readings for Ph and clorine and what chemicals do you require for adjusting alkalinity readings.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 10:11

You need a more comprehensive test kit that covers TA and also, critically, Cyanuric Acid.

Bring a small bottle of pool water in to me and I will analyse it for you, FOC.

To adjust TA downwards (usual) you can use pH down.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 10:12

Swimming pools must be tested regularly for total alkalinity, which is the ability of the pool water to resist changes in pH. This is sometimes called the buffering capacity of the water, and it's an important factor in keeping the pool balanced. Test for total alkalinity in this way to keep the water from becoming unbalanced, which can lead to corrosion or scaling.

Buy an alkaline test kit, which contains the supplies necessary for testing total alkalinity.





to get your reading with your test kit you are useing if you have the test drops

Put in the mild acidic test reagent, indicated as R-0009, by adding it one drop at a time until the sample turns from green to red. Be sure to count the drops. Multiply the number of drops by 10 to obtain the total alkalinity level, measured in ppm. For example, if you added five drops, the total alkalinity is 50 ppm.



or if you wish we sell a test kit for zerochlor which also tests for total alkalinity

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 12:26

Message 2 and or 3 a bit of advise please



Our pool has been high in Cyanuric acid for over a month now. Pool guy really having a problem with this. Is it so difficult to resolve? In all fairness to him he didn't charge us last month because he couldn't get it right. Thanks in advance.



Chris

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 13:04

Hi Chris,



Your pool guy shouldn't blame himself for this unless he allowed the Cya to get too high. I'm surprised though that if he can detect high Cya and knows that it is a problem that he doesn't know the solution.

There is no chemical cure, I'm afraid. Partial or total drain and refill of your pool is the only answer.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 13:50

Hello nurseawful



The only answer is as vaughan says



you must drain part of your pool when the cyanuric acid exceeds 100 ppm. However, this is depated in the pool industry. It is thought that the cyanuric acid molecule locks up the chlorine molecule when you exceed 100 ppm. Thus, you have a greater chance of the pool clouding, bacteria/virus build up etc.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 13:54

Hey Vaughan. useing zerochlor ive not had any problems with cya?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 14:45

Hi David,



Well, as Cya only really effects chlorine, as far as I know, it shouldn't effect Zerochlor, in theory.

However, the Alligator systems that we fit do mention maintaining good Cya, as we still use a bit of Chlorine (1ppm), as an oxidizer.

If you use chlorine as an oxidizer with your Zerchlor it could still be relevant.

If you use potassium monopersulphate as your oxidizer it may not be an issue.

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 14:52

Cheers vaughan. as you may already know i do use potassium monopersulphate as my oxidizer glad of your answer to confirm my thoughts.

Do you think useing 10% of your normal chlorine use for your oxidizer with zerochlor would or could cause much cya?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/02/2010 15:11

It will eventually, but it will take 10 times as long.

It's not usually a big issue here as most pools in TRNC leak like sieves (not the ones we build!) so the Cya keeps being diluted by water top-ups.

laptarunner



Joined: 02/11/2009
Posts: 217

Message Posted:
18/02/2010 15:15

If you would like to purchase a full test kit, with chemicals in case, which will carry out a full range of all chemicals tests you will ever need.



We are over in early march for 10 days.