LaMotte Pool & Spa Owner's Handbook - Manual (Page 12)

If pH Is Too LOW (Acidic)
n corrosion of pool equipment/staining
n swimmer eye irritation
n etching plaster pool surfaces
n chlorine dissipates quickly
If pH Is Too HIGH (Basic)
n scale accumulates on pool equipment
n cloudy, turbid water
n sanitizing power of chlorine is weakened
n swimmer eye irritation
TOTAL ALKALINITY
Total alkalinity refers to the buffering capacity of the water or how well
the water can resist changes in pH. If the alkalinity is too low, the pH
could potentially change daily. This is known as “pH bounce” and leaves
the pool and spa water vulnerable to pH problems from chlorine
treatments, environmental conditions and even from fresh make-up water.
Low alkalinity water will tend to be corrosive, thus eroding pool surfaces
and equipment.
If the alkalinity level is too high, the pH may
also drift to a very high level. Then, it is very
difficult to reduce the pH and the water may
be cloudy and prone to scaling.
When using the 5-way strip, use pad 3
to determine the total alkalinity reading.
Try to keep results in the blue-green color
range and treat the water promptly if it falls
outside the ideal range. Note: when raising or
lowering the alkalinity level, the pH of the
water will also be affected respectively.
Be sure to check the pH level carefully
within 24 hours after any significant
alkalinity treatment.
10
The ideal alkalinity range for pools and spas is
80 -120 ppm (100-150 if using cyanuric acid).
IDEAL
RANGE!
LOW
ALKALINITY
IDEAL
ALKALINITY
HIGH
ALKALINITY
pH
Value
pH
Value
pH
Value
Allows pH to bounce
Allows proper pH control
Usually means a high pH
and is hard to adjust
The ideal pH
range for pools
and spas is
7.2 - 7.6.
IDEAL
RANGE!