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.
This particular compound increases the acidity of the water, lowering the pH level. Use the test strips to track pH levels. Change the pool water less frequently as another option. Compounds that decrease the pH of pool water, such as calcium carbonate, naturally build up over time. Allowing this buildup to occur will naturally lower the pH. Use the pH strips to determine when the water must be changed. Once the pH is below the recommended pH of 7.2, change the water.