PH and ALK low

[sherryinfl]

We just switched our pool to a salt system. I can not get the ph or the TA up. Both very low. On the strip the ph is so low it reads as bright yellow. Any suggestions?

[lbridges]

Low TA buffers (moderates) the pH, causing it to rise slower than, well than a pool with a higher TA level.

You don't say what the levels are, so more specific advise is difficult.

In general, soda ash both raises pH and TA - a cost effective source is Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster (Note: NOT the same as Arm & Hammer laundry detergent).

[chem geek]

You are using test strips so who knows what is really going on with your pool. Please get yourself a Taylor K-2006 or a TF-100 test kit. As was noted above, raising pH and TA together is easy to do using Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (aka as pH Up in pool stores, but much more expensive -- both are sodium carbonate).

[Steve F.]

Yes, I understand that soda ash raises ph, but I've put the soda ash that I have in a jar (the original container dissolved) and I have no instructions. Rather than just throwing some in the pool(and then
maybe going back and forth with acid) can you give me some guide lines?

[chem geek]

You can use The Pool Calculator to calculate approximate dosages. I'd add half of what is indicated and retest, then add more if needed. Please get yourself a proper test kit since if the test strips are wrong, say about TA, then you may get your pH in line and overshoot your TA level.