If you have a swimming pool, you need to know the difference between alkalinity and pH and how alkalinity vs. PH work in your swimming pool water.
What are Alkalinity and PH?
PH stands for “power of hydrogen”, which measures the hydrogen ions concentration in solution. When the concentration from ions gets up, the pH is conversely going down. The scale of pH is 1-14 times more or less than the number around it.
For example, when a solution has pH 6, this means it has more acidity 10 times acidic rather than pure water. In other examples, something that has pH 5 is 10 times more acidic than pH 6, which means it has 100 times more acidic rather than pure water.
Alkalinity is the measurement of the entire concentration of all alkaline substances that are dissolved in water. The substances primarily are hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates.
The alkaline substances buffering the pH level on the water by neutralizing the acid. Total alkalinity is the concentration in parts per millions measurement (ppm), and the ideal range is 80-120 ppm, depending on the chlorine you use.
Alkalinity VS PH
The role of them in water chemistry
There are the different role of total alkalinity and pH in water chemistry,
The alkalinity role: the pH in swimming pool water is fluctuating, and when it happens, the pool is fighting against you constantly. It is a good thing to have the right level of total alkalinity as it will keep the stabilized level of pH in water. In simple words, alkalinity is neutralizing acidity.
The pH role: pH is a critical component in maintaining the healthy chemistry of water. It is important to maintain it as its driving factor in the Langelier Saturation Index(LSI), and pH determines its effectiveness. A lower ph level means stronger chlorine. It is important to know the type of chlorine you use that affects pH and total alkalinity.
How to Raise Alkalinity in Pool
If you want to increase the total alkalinity in a swimming pool, you need to know about the pool’s gallonage and, of course, the pH measurement. These will helps you to make an accurate calculator for the right dose you need. Raise alkalinity is simple by adding hydroxides, carbonates, or bicarbonates into your swimming pool.
On the other side, lower the alkalinity by adding acid to your water by diluting acid with a water bucket and pouring it into the swimming pool. Maintain the right balance of LSI for a swimming pool is a must.
Remember to maintain the total alkalinity with a range of 80-120ppm to get healthy water chemistry in the swimming pool. Learn the accurate counting on how to raise alkalinity in your swimming pool.
Remember, the pH measurement is the equilibrium that functions as a scale, measuring the acidity and the basic substances in water. The total alkalinity is the amount of concentration of dissolved ions from carbonates, bicarbonates, or hydroxide. By understanding the basics of alkalinity vs. ph, you can maintain healthy swimming pool water.
