alkalinity increaser turning your pool purple

[curious]

is it true that adding too much alkalinity increaser at one time will turn my pool water purple

[me]

is it true that adding too much alkalinity increaser at one time will turn my pool water purple

"Alkalinity Increaser" is just baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, it's a base (as opposed to an acid), it acts as a buffer to prevent any wild pH swings. It increases alkalinity and pH. I've seen a fair share of pools myself and have never witnessed the pool water turning purple.

You could try to fill a pail with pool water and add baking soda to it to experiment if you have concerns about your pool water.

[kamkuda]

It is likely manganese. Most pool stores do not test this as it is an uncommon problem. Call the pool store first to see if they can tet for manganese.

[pooldoctor]

Purple pools can be manganese related, but I have also seen a purple pool result from very high cyanuric acid in combination with high alkalinity. The condition has a name, which happens to escape me at this moment. The easiest, fastest treatment is partial drain and refill to reduce the CYA. You can try a floculant before that, though.