Understanding Alkalinity
Most people in the swimming pool and spa industry know how to measure alkalinity, but they don't actually understand what it does. This episode explains what alkalinity is and how it's measured, why it slows down the change of pH, how pH determines the type of alkalinity present in a pool, and how alkalinity impacts the LSI in particular with something called carbonate alkalinity.
Show Notes
00:00 - Intro
02:27 - Alkalinity buffers against reduction in pH
05:27 - Where should my alkalinity be?
08:33 - How much acid does it take to bring a pool from 8.0 pH to 7.4 pH?
11:16 - What is Buffering Capacity?
14:40 - Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) vs Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
19:03 - How to pH and Calcium interact?
19:52 - Hot Starts or Zero Alkalinity Startups
21:23 - Why testing your water is important
24:59 - The Orenda LSI Calculator
28:53 - How to run a low alkalinity pool
Articles & Resources:
- What is Alkalinity
- Carbonate Alkalinity vs. Total Alkalinity
- What Causes a High ph in a Swimming Pool?
- What is the Ideal ph for Swimming Pools?
- Chlorine, ph and Cyanuric Acid Relationships
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