Total alkalinity (TA) is a measure of the total alkaline substances found in pool water. It is the measure of your pool water to resist change in pH. Total alkalinity is the overseer that keeps the pH of your water where it needs to be. It “stabilizes” the pH level and stops rapid pH changes. In short, it is the ultimate factor in the acidity or basicity of the water chemistry.

Recommended range is 80-120ppm (125-170ppm are o.k. for vinyl pools)

Low TA:

• METALS WILL CORRODE!!! [ESPECIALLY THE SOFT METALS, SUCH AS COPPER, FOUND IN HEATERS]
• Swimmers will experience eye irritation and itchy skin
• Water can turn green
• Staining can occur
• Painted pool = paint is chalking (rubbing off on hands and/or feet); raise TA to 150ppm in this case
• Pebble Tech, Plaster pool, etc. = finish will become pitted / etched

High TA:

• Swimmers will experience eye irritation
• Water can turn cloudy
• pH is difficult to adjust
• Chlorine loses its efficiency as a disinfectant
• “Rough” pool and spa surfaces occur; scale formation

7 lbs. of Alka-Lite (sodium bicarbonate) will raise TA 50ppm per 10,000 gallons

1 gal. of acid (muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid) will lower TA 50ppm per 10,000 gallons