An alkalinity reducer is a type of pool chemical that is used to lower the pH and alkalinity levels in pool water. It is an important part of pool maintenance, as high pH and alkalinity levels can cause problems with pool equipment and make the water uncomfortable to swim in.

Our Palatine Alkalinity Reducer is typically added to the pool directly from the container. It is important to follow the instructions when adding it to your pool / spa water or similar uses, as adding too much can cause the pH level to drop too low. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of alkalinity reducers and how to use it.

This blog has a useful connection with our “Using Sodium Hypochlorite For Swimming Pools”

What is alkalinity reducer?

Alkalinity reducer is a chemical that is used to reduce the alkalinity levels in pool water and is defined as the amount of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in water. Pool water alkalinity levels are usually between 80 and 150 ppm (parts per million). You can test the alkalinity levels in your pool water with a handheld or digital testing kit, both of which are easily found on Amazon.

Alkalinity reducer is sometimes referred to as a “water clarifier” or “water conditioner.”

High levels of alkalinity can cause the pH level to be high, which can cause corrosion and damage to pool equipment. By adding alkalinity reducer to the pool water, you can bring the alkalinity level down and reduce the pH level.

Getting a balanced pH and alkalinity level is a bit difficult if you have a high pH and TA (Total Alkalinity) as they both decrease as a result of acid but not at the same rate.

Here is the quickest approach to lower pH and TA in your pool without using a water aerator if your pool has a high pH and TA level. You have to be especially careful when sanitizing your pool using granular chlorine to prevent pH and calcium scaling. I recommend using our sodium hypochlorite to shock your pool.

• Protection of the pool/spa water
• Water appearance and quality
• Chemical efficiency
• User comfort

How does alkalinity reducer work?

Alkalinity reducers work by neutralizing the alkaline compounds in water. In water, there are both acidic and alkaline compounds that are dissolved in solution. If there is more alkaline than acidic compounds in the water, it is considered “basic” or “alkaline,” while water with more acidic compounds than alkaline is considered “acidic.”

To balance out the water, chlorine is added to the water as a sanitizing agent, and it converts the alkaline compounds to acidic compounds. However, sometimes the amount of alkaline compounds in the water is too high for the chlorine to fully neutralize it all. This can cause the pH level to be higher than desired, and it can damage the pool equipment. When alkalinity reducer is added to the water, it neutralizes the alkaline compounds and lowers the pH level.

How to add alkalinity reducer to your pool

Before adding alkalinity reducer to your pool, make sure the pH level is between 7.0 and 7.6 and the alkalinity level is between 80 and 150 ppm.

It is critical to avoid over-aeration (a process that allows air into a material) if you want to utilise aerators, as excessive aeration causes the pH level and calcium carbonate level to rise above the acceptable range, resulting in substantial harm to the pool. The method is as follows:

1. Use a tool to take accurate readings of the pH and TA levels, please ensure the tool you decide to purchase is reputable and reliable.
2. A good tip is to use a pool calculator to determine how much is needed and try your best to distribute it evenly across the pool (or whatever you are using this product for)
3. Once the distribution is complete, we recommend allowing the pool to go through a natural aeration process, try to not use jets or streams as this could affect the pH levels. Remember that the recommended level is between 7.0 and 7.6.

An alkaline water pH level of 7 or higher indicates that the water is alkaline; an acid water pH level of 7 or lower indicates that the water is acidic. Stay between 7 and 7.6 pH to maintain water quality.

Why does aeration increase the pH levels?

Adding more oxygen to water by aerating means you eliminate some of the carbon dioxide and improve water quality. When water is aerated, the pH drops because of the formation of carbonic acid.

When acid is eliminated from the water, the pH rises as a result. Aeration removes carbonic acid from the water, the pH rises. When you aerate your pool, you cannot over-aerate it. We advise using natural aeration as a method to eliminate carbonic acid, as mentioned above as it allows you to maintain the pH at acceptable and accurate levels, calcium carbonate must be present in adequate amounts, though.

What are the benefits of using alkalinity reducer?

• It can reduce corrosion and wear on pool equipment.
• It can help keep the water balanced, which prevents the need to add more chlorine.
• It can help prevent the growth of algae in the pool.
• It can keep the water comfortable to swim in, even when the pH is low. –
• It can prevent the need to drain and clean the pool when the pH level is too high.

Conclusion

It is an important part of pool maintenance, as high pH and alkalinity levels can cause problems with pool equipment and make the water uncomfortable to swim in. Follow our instructions when adding alkalinity reducer to the pool, as adding too much can cause the pH level to drop too low.

Please feel free to message us with any questions or concerns that you may have.