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GUIDE / SWIMMING POOLS

What is total alkalinity ?

Total Alkalinity (TA) is a very important component of water balancing. Its main role is to help maintain the pH in proper balance. The best definition of alkalinity is: « the ability of water to resist a change in pH ». In other words, once you have successfully balanced your pH in the range of 7.4 to 7.6, it is alkalinity that helps you maintain it. The secondary role of alkalinity is to help provide the overall mineral content that all water needs to avoid unnecessary damage to surfaces. Water low in alkalinity (TA) will see the pH bounce up and down almost uncontrollably. Pool surfaces are also at risk of long-term corrosion damage, especially vinyl liners. High alkalinity water (TA) will have a consistently high pH and will need to be reduced, increasing the risk of scale formation and cloudy water.

Ideal TA levels
Vinyl, fiberglass, paint, synthetic surfaces: 125 – 150 ppm
Salt pool; 100 – 125 ppm
Gypsum (Marcite), tile, aggregate: 80 – 125 ppm

Pool chemistry is a difficult subject to master, but it is an essential subject for anyone who owns or maintains a pool.

Whether you are interested in pH and alkalinity balance, what causes alkalinity to decrease or increase, or are looking to adjust your pool’s alkalinity levels, this is a subject you will need to master. Come and meet one of our experts in the laboratory at Piscine Hippocampe so that he can assist you and answer all your questions!