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pH vs. Alkalinity: The Relationship That Trips Owners Up

Balance alkalinity first so pH stops bouncing around all season.

March 28, 2024 2 min read
Clean backyard pool with clear water

Think of Alkalinity as a Buffer

Total alkalinity helps resist rapid pH changes. If alkalinity is far out of range, you can adjust pH today and watch it drift right back tomorrow.

In New England, heavy rain and frequent top-offs can push chemistry around. Stable alkalinity makes the rest easier.

A Practical Adjustment Order

Avoid chasing numbers by changing one thing at a time.

  • Adjust total alkalinity toward your target first
  • Then dial pH into range
  • Only then fine-tune sanitizer and other parameters

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