answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Your tests are referring to total alkalinity, not the alkaline nature of something. Total alkalinity (TA) is the amount of pH buffering capability of your water. Low TA allows for pH to change rapidly. High TA on the other hand makes changing pH difficult. Generally speaking, you want your TA to be between 80-120. This allows you to be able to change the pH without difficulty, but prevents pH from "drifting" on its own. Again, generally speaking, pH and TA are lowered together but can be raised separately. Always adjust alkalinity first. If a large amount of adjustment is required, do it over a period of a few days. Then re-test for pH and adjust if required last.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

9mo ago

A low pH and high alkalinity can occur when there are high levels of bicarbonates and carbonates in the water, which act as buffering agents. This can cause the water to resist changes in pH despite having a high alkalinity. It is important to address the root cause of the high alkalinity to effectively balance the pH levels in the water.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is pH low but alkalinity high?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

How can your pool have high total alkalinity and very low pH?

High total alkalinity can act as a buffer and prevent pH from changing. However, if the pH becomes very low due to factors like rainwater, acidic chemicals, or improper maintenance, the alkalinity may not be strong enough to keep the pH balanced. Regular testing and adjusting of both parameters are necessary to maintain proper water balance.


What is the difference between acidity and alkalinity in terms of their effects on the environment?

Acidity and alkalinity refer to the pH level of a substance. Acidity is when a substance has a low pH level, while alkalinity is when a substance has a high pH level. In terms of their effects on the environment, acidity can harm aquatic life and vegetation, while alkalinity can help neutralize acidity and support healthy ecosystems.


How does the pool pH level affect alkalinity in swimming pools?

The pH level of a pool affects the alkalinity by influencing the stability of the pool water. When the pH level is too high or too low, it can lead to fluctuations in the alkalinity levels, making it harder to maintain a balanced pool environment. Keeping the pH level within the recommended range helps to stabilize the alkalinity, ensuring the pool water remains clear and safe for swimming.


If I increase alkalinity in my pool will that increase pH?

Increasing alkalinity in your pool can help stabilize the pH level, but it doesn't directly increase the pH. Alkalinity acts as a buffer against pH fluctuations, so having the right alkalinity level can help prevent rapid changes in pH. If your pool's pH is low, you would need to add pH increaser (such as soda ash) separately to raise the pH.


How does the relationship between alkalinity and pH impact water quality in aquatic ecosystems?

The relationship between alkalinity and pH in water affects the stability and health of aquatic ecosystems. Alkalinity helps buffer changes in pH, which is important for maintaining a stable environment for aquatic organisms. When alkalinity levels are low, pH fluctuations can be more drastic, potentially harming aquatic life. Conversely, high alkalinity can lead to elevated pH levels, which may also negatively impact water quality and the organisms living in the ecosystem. Maintaining a balanced relationship between alkalinity and pH is crucial for the overall health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

Related questions

How can your pool have high total alkalinity and very low pH?

High total alkalinity can act as a buffer and prevent pH from changing. However, if the pH becomes very low due to factors like rainwater, acidic chemicals, or improper maintenance, the alkalinity may not be strong enough to keep the pH balanced. Regular testing and adjusting of both parameters are necessary to maintain proper water balance.


What pH valve measures acidity?

A pH value measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH values range from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline. Low pH values indicate high acidity, while high pH values indicate high alkalinity.


What do i do if Ph is low alkalinity is low chlorine level is fine in pool?

add some form of alkalinity booster for sure. bring it too about 110ppm, chlorine has a naturally high pH, but the higher alkalinity addition will stop acidic compounds from attacking the pH any further. depending on how low the pH is though you may have to add a pH booster, take your water into a pool shop for an in depth water analysis.


What is the difference between acidity and alkalinity in terms of their effects on the environment?

Acidity and alkalinity refer to the pH level of a substance. Acidity is when a substance has a low pH level, while alkalinity is when a substance has a high pH level. In terms of their effects on the environment, acidity can harm aquatic life and vegetation, while alkalinity can help neutralize acidity and support healthy ecosystems.


How does the pool pH level affect alkalinity in swimming pools?

The pH level of a pool affects the alkalinity by influencing the stability of the pool water. When the pH level is too high or too low, it can lead to fluctuations in the alkalinity levels, making it harder to maintain a balanced pool environment. Keeping the pH level within the recommended range helps to stabilize the alkalinity, ensuring the pool water remains clear and safe for swimming.


If I increase alkalinity in my pool will that increase pH?

Increasing alkalinity in your pool can help stabilize the pH level, but it doesn't directly increase the pH. Alkalinity acts as a buffer against pH fluctuations, so having the right alkalinity level can help prevent rapid changes in pH. If your pool's pH is low, you would need to add pH increaser (such as soda ash) separately to raise the pH.


Will pH minus lower pool alkalinity it is very high 300 at the same time the PH is very low 7.0. what needs to be done?

Yes. Adding pH minus (Hydrochloric acid) will lower your alkalinity. You should get it down to the 100 range or so, and the aerate the water to raise the pH to acceptable levels again.


How does the relationship between alkalinity and pH impact water quality in aquatic ecosystems?

The relationship between alkalinity and pH in water affects the stability and health of aquatic ecosystems. Alkalinity helps buffer changes in pH, which is important for maintaining a stable environment for aquatic organisms. When alkalinity levels are low, pH fluctuations can be more drastic, potentially harming aquatic life. Conversely, high alkalinity can lead to elevated pH levels, which may also negatively impact water quality and the organisms living in the ecosystem. Maintaining a balanced relationship between alkalinity and pH is crucial for the overall health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.


How do you fix low stabilizer in your pool and low pH low alkalinity?

make sure chlorine is is at 1-3ppm, if pH is very low raise chlorine slightly higer than average. shock the pool after and run filter for over night. If pool still not stabilize then add PH high chemical.


How much soda ash to us to raise pool pH?

The answer is largely dependent on the total alkalinity (T/A). High T/A requires more soda ash to raise pH a given amount as opposed to a low pH.


Does a high alkalinity cause pool cloudiness?

Yes, high alkalinity in a pool can contribute to cloudiness. Elevated alkalinity levels can cause the pH to rise, leading to issues like scale formation and poor water clarity. It is important to balance alkalinity, pH, and other chemical levels to maintain a clear pool.


Your alkalinity is really high How do you lower it without lowering the pH too?

pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity. less than 7 is acidic, more than 7 is alkaline. if you want to lower your alkalinity, add muriatic acid. It will lower the pH though