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.
Algae blooms however, can raise the pH of your pool water. The process of photosynthesis can produce enough oxygen in the water to raise your pool pH levels, particularly if tested near the end of a warm, sunny day. High pool alkalinity levels will make it hard to adjust your pH level. To lower your total alkalinity, use pH decreaser. In most cases, additional treatments will be necessary if you need to lower alkalinity more than 30 or 40 ppm.