Why is Total Alkalinity (TA) important?
The total alkalinity (TA) is a measure of the quantity of alkaline substances present in the water. TA is measured in parts per million (ppm), and a figure between 100 ppm and 200 ppm is about right. When the total alkalinity (TA) is within this range, it prevents rapid pH changes (pH ‘bounce’) and helps to stabilise the pH level. If the TA is too low, this can cause damage to cement walls and grout, corrosion of metal components and staining; in addition, the pool may suffer from pH bounce (random changes in pH rapidly). If the TA is too high, the pH may become difficult to adjust, the water may become cloudy, and the pool may require constant pH adjustment; in addition, your sanitiser may lose its effectiveness. It is recommended that you test the TA regularly, but in practice it changes very little in a well-maintained pool. To raise the level of TA, use Total Alkalinity Increaser (sodium bicarbonate), a little at a time; this will adjust TA without increasing the pH. Use our Chemic
