New Pool Water Chemistry

[Ghoster]

Hi all,

I have bought and installed a new 15' x 48" pool for my family. I also purchased a salt water system for it. I am having issues with the chemical levels and do not want to let anyone into it cause I don't know what the effects will be on them. My lvls are as follows.

Sodium Chloride = 4450 ppm

Free Chlorine = ~4 ppm

pH = 7.2

Total Alkalinity = 40 ppm

Is it safe to swim in, and what do I need to do to get the lvls in the recommended ranges?

Thanks in advance for your help

G

[Pool Clown]

For Pete's squeaks let the kids in!

Alk is a little low, but I don't see anything that will hurt the kids. If you have any reservations, hose the kids down after they get out. Richard will be around in a while and he'll set you up w/chem know how.

[Ghoster]

What will I need to do to get my Alkalinity up? and what other elements will it effect?

[PaulR]

Nitro describes TA as the thermostat and pH as the temperature. If the pH is persistently too low, bring up the TA (baking soda is ideal for this). If the pH is persistently too high, bring down the TA, which requires acid (but not too much at once). Actually if the pH keeps rising all the time, you need to add acid to bring the pH down anyway, which will eventually lower the TA as well, so if you're patient the problem will eventually solve itself.

If you do want to raise TA, about 1/2 lb baking soda per 1000 gallons will bring the TA up by about 35.

--paulr