Total Alkalinity is the measurement of the amount of alkali (in the form of carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides) present in your pool water.

It plays an important part in the control of your pool’s pH level.

If the Total Alkalinity is too low rapid changes of the pH level can result, causing corrosion and unsafe or unpleasant swimming conditions. High Total Alkalinity is not as great as a concern although it does make adjusting the pH level difficult. The most likely problems are cloudy water and limescale.

Total Alkalinity, like calcium hardness, can be easily measured with a pool testing kit. Ideally you should aim for a level between 80 and 140 mg/l (ppm).

New marbelite, concrete and tiled pools may produce a higher than average T.A. reading during their first two years due to a leaking of carbonates and bicarbonates from the materials used.

Remember that keeping Total Alkalinity at the right level, as well as protecting the swimmers, will ultimately prevent your pool from corroding or deteriorating, and make pH control easier.

Adjust Total Alkalinity as follows: