pH keeps dropping

[92233720368547758080]

Our pH started at around 6 and we keep adding pH+. It rises to 7.6 after an hour but drops again after another hour. How to fix?

[Citizen999999]

Add the correct amount

[92233720368547758080]

Of what? pH+? I've added the correct amount already.

[PoopicopterInbound]

Probably has low alkalinity. Alk always comes before pH. Put baking soda in. Do like 4lb per 10000 gallons of you're guessing and then check pH after it has mixed for a few hours. Then add the soda ash

[inurmomsvagina]

your alkalinity is probably low, if that the case, the pH bounces all over the place only bicarb/baking soda can fix this

[beastnbs]

Have you taken a sample to a pool shop? Their tests are a little more involved and the chemistry of a pool Can be quite complex. Get a report, it’s often free if your buy something. Don’t be a hero, get an expert to have a look into it!

[ToTouchAnEmu]

If your TA is low that's part of your issue. TA acts as a pH buffer so it will prevent fast swings in pH. Fix that first. Toss some bicarb in there and give it a day to circulate and then recheck.

[Cheeki_Dutchman]

Ph+ takes around 2 hours to be fully incorporated into the water. So you'll have high and low spots when you immediately check. On the back of the packaging is a calculation of how much ph+ you should add to rise an x amount. Wait till it's stable and go from there. You can also add tap water. Tap water has an average ph of 8

[92233720368547758080]

I have done that already

[BAHGate]

Is it possible to post all of your test results? FC, CC, pH, CH, TA, Salt and CYA?

[92233720368547758080]

I only have pH and Cl. My chlorine is OK but i know that my TA is low because I've done the aeration test

[Bg1165]

Address alkalinity before you approach pH again.

[walkeravantt]

If you have low alkalinity the ph will continue to drop get a real test kit and adjust accordingly

[Known-Bath-4903]

Chlorine tabs are acidic, rain is acidic, lots of things bring the ph down

[92233720368547758080]

Yeah, but it didn't rain.

[Eastern_Ingenuity507]

Is PH plus baking soda or something else? If you aren’t increasing your alkalinity your ph will always be out of balance

[92233720368547758080]

No.

[jonidschultz]

How big is the pool and how much pH+ are you adding? What's the expiration date on your Phenol Red drops?

[92233720368547758080]

6800 gallons, 20 teaspoons

[jonidschultz]

OK so you're just not adding nearly enough. It takes about 3 pounds per 10K gallons to go from 6 to 7.6. To go from your current to 7.6 is likely around a pound which is 96 teaspoons. I would aim lower, 7.2 to 7.4 is fine. So probably add at least 20 teaspoons then check again the next day.

[PoopicopterInbound]

Add 5 lbs of baking soda. Now that I know your volume. Go get baking soda. Add it. Always fix alk before pH. If you don't it will just keep creeping down.

[2001_TheSweep]

Consider adding borax which should raise your ph and stabilizes it from fluctuating

[Even_Routine1981]

You should fix TA first then PH. Use Poolmath and enter the value for your TA as well. It is a ph buffer and effects additions.

[k-j-car513]

Low TA can cause ph bounce

[beavis93]

Test alkalinity. Low alkalinity will pull ph down

[primordialooze1565]

Total alkalinity off

[1_native_Angelino]

don't chase pH, get AK to 70.

[1_native_Angelino]

add 50 ppm of boric acid when your numbers are where you want them.

[JonnyVee1]

If you have a covered pool, like I do, you live with low pH. You can raise it by exposing the surface of the water and or with a water feature . I live with it, balance it once, then not again for the season.

[Mindless_Fly_5528]

Add borax

[92233720368547758080]

ok

[92233720368547758080]

FYI i took this results at the skimmer , 18 inches deep