Alkalinity out of control!

[Buggsw]

txharley -

Something acidic is going on. What other chemicals are you using?

What is the CYA? What are you using to chlorinate?

Try sodium carbonate, which in the pool stores is called soda ash and in the grocery store is Arm & Hammer Washing soda (in the laundry aisle - it's a blue box). Not the laundry detergent. This should bring your TA up rather quickly and will also raise your pH.

Continuing to use bicarb will only bring your TA up so much and then it will only affect your pH.

[Buggsw]

krssterling,

The acid column is a good way to lower alk without affecting pH too much.
The method I use is to turn the pump off so the water is still. Pour 1 cup of MA in one spot, then pour another cup in another spot. Wait 20 or 30 minutes and then turn your pump on.

The next day, retest and retreat the same way, if necessary.

[pk4217]

try aerating to raise the ph, instead of using alot of borax?

[azurepoolsvc]

Maintain your Cl >5.0: Use Household bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite.
Maintain pH 7.4-7.8: Lower pH with Muriatic Acid/Raise ph with Sodium Carbonate.
Maintain Total Alkalinity 80-120ppm: Lower TA with Muriatic Acid; Raise TA with Sodium Bicarbonate.
Maintain CYA (also known as Cyanuric Acid, iso-cyanuric acid or chlorine stabilizer) 40-60ppm

Your TA is too high! Bring it down to the recommended range as written above.
Once you have this within range, then you can proceed to balancing the remaining chemicals.
Good luck.