Map of the Rio Grande River. Will Rogers once described the Rio Grande as âthe only river I know of that is in need of irrigating,â a prescient observation considering how fragmented this fabled river has become.
Low pH (acidic water) can also corrode metal parts of a pool system and damage the plaster finish. The State standard for pH is 7.2 â 8.0 (Recommended range 7.4â7.6). To lower the pH, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid must be added. It is advisable to add the desired amount of acid to a full (plastic) bucket of water before adding to the pool. (Acid introduced directly can stain the pool wall.) To raise the pH, soda ash (sodium carbonate) must be added. ALKALINITY Alkaline (basic) substances are present in all water. Within the 7.2â7.8 pH range, alkalinity exists as a bicarbonate material.
Low alkalinity levels will cause the pH to become erratic and hard to stabilize, while high alkalinity has the opposite effect and makes the pool pH hard to adjust. Your best level of total alkalinity is usually in the range of 80-120 ppm.