What Causes Low Alkalinity In Pool? Discover The Reasons and Solutions

If you own a pool, maintaining the proper chemical balance is essential. One key component in this process is alkali or alkalinity, which measures the water’s ability to neutralize acids and maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.

Low Alkalinity can lead to numerous problems such as corrosion of metal parts within the pool, etching on concrete surfaces, eye irritation of swimmers, and the overall deterioration of your pool equipment. Therefore it’s crucial for any pool owner to know what causes low alkalinity in the pool and how to handle it.

“The best defense against low alkalinity is knowledge and prevention – before the issue even arises.” -Mike Farley

This article will discuss common reasons why alkalinity levels drop below optimal settings, ways to test and identify low alkalinity, and proven solutions that can help restore a healthy pool environment. Understanding these factors will not only save money but also guarantee an enjoyable swimming experience for everyone who takes a dip in your backyard oasis.

Chemical Imbalance

Chemical imbalance is one of the major causes of low alkalinity in a pool. The chemicals in a swimming pool work together to ensure that the water is clean and safe for swimmers. If there’s an imbalance in any of these chemicals, different problems start to arise.

For instance, if you don’t maintain proper chlorine levels, algae and other harmful bacteria grow unchecked. In turn, they consume the total alkalinity in the water rendering it weak and frustratingly out of balance. The same can be said of pH levels; when uncontrolled, your pool can become too acidic or too alkaline, causing discomfort to swimmers, corroding metal pipes which could lead to weakening and eventual leakages and damaging plaster surfaces. Low alkalinity then becomes the unfortunate result of neglect and a lack of attention.

“Water balancing is the foundation of good water quality maintenance.” -Taylor Technologies

Chlorine Overdose

When people notice issues with their pool, they often tend to add more chlorine than needful without taking into consideration how the additional chlorine affects the overall chemical composition of the water. Chlorine overdose occurs when above-normal amounts of chlorine have been added to the pool beyond what’s needed—thus dangerously changing the chemistry of the swimming pool water.

This condition causes irritation to the eyes, skin, hair, nose, and throat of swimmers. It also results in low alkalinity because as explained earlier, insufficient total alkalinity leads to weekly chlorines and difficulty sterilizing the water. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your pool always has the appropriate amount of chlorine. This will not only help eradicate extra chlorine but ensures healthy pH and Total Alkalinity levels are maintained that (however important) won’t harm swimmers so severely.

“Chlorine kills germs, but it can also cause skin irritation and rashes.” -Kids Health

pH Imbalance

The pH level in your swimming pool shows how well the water is balanced to use. It determines whether or not your water is acidic or alkaline resulting from dissolved minerals (scaling) present in the plumbing system into your pool water.

A pH imbalance happens when your pool’s filtration system fails to maintain a healthy and acceptable regulation of pH levels. Low alkalinity will be one of the results of an unbalanced pH environment because the other chemicals actively at work in the water are affected by this disruption.

“Maintaining correct pH balance helps keep your eyes from burning and works with chlorine effectively to kill off bacteria and viruses that might make you sick if you swallow a lot of water.” -Better Homes & Gardens

Alkalinity Imbalance

If the total alkalinity level in your swimming pool becomes too low then experiencing frequent changes in pH level is imminent. In fact, the Balance of all these traits provides indication that there’s something wrong with the chemical composition of your swimming pool water— and insufficient total alkalinity is often overlooked as being fundamental.

The leading causes of low alkalinity include neglecting to turn on the pool pump, not brushing the entire surface area of your swimming pool, high bather loads, using the pool filter excessively or infrequently amongst others. Pay better attention; maintaining proper Total Alkalinity is crucial for keeping pH within good limits while hindering the progression of corrosion born out of stagnant water. Avoid accumulating excessive dead situ sludge on any underwater surfaces installed.

“Total Alkalinity should be maintained between 80-120ppm to help stabilize pH and prevent damage to the pool and its equipment.” -Blue Science

Cyanuric Acid Buildup

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is a compound often used in swimming pools that help chlorine to remain active longer under direct sunlight exposure. If too much Cyanuric acid is added to your water, it causes the chemical balance of your entire system to become lopsided. This imbalance prevents chlorine from working as efficiently as it should be— thus exposing swimmers to contaminated water.

Beyond the health effect on humans swimming in the pool, an excessive buildup of cyanuric acid (CYA) also affects the total alkalinity of the water due to interference with cohesiveness brought about by other chemicals like Calcium hardness (CH). Once this happens eventually, you will experience degraded quality or damage to your pool surfaces—that’s if Total Alkalinity values are ignored for too long.

“When cyanuric acid levels are high, chlorine becomes ineffective, leading to algae growth and clarity issues.” -Swim University

Water Dilution

One of the main causes of low alkalinity in pools is water dilution. When too much water is added to a pool, it can lower the overall alkalinity level. This typically happens when people add fresh water to their pool as part of their regular maintenance routine.

If you notice that your pool’s alkalinity level is consistently low and you have been adding large amounts of water, this may be the cause. In this case, reducing the amount of fresh water you add during your maintenance routine should help balance out the pH levels in your pool.

“If you’re seeing constantly low alkalinity readings, it could simply be because you keep adding more water than necessary,” says Bob Grieb at Swim University.

Excessive Splashing

Another common cause of low alkalinity in pools is excessive splashing. This is particularly true in busy pools where kids or adults are constantly jumping and splashing around.

When water is splashed out of the pool onto the surrounding decking, it creates an area of stagnant water that picks up dirt and debris from the environment. When this dirty water finds its way back into the pool, it can lower the alkalinity levels quickly.

To mitigate this issue, it’s important to minimize splashing as much as possible. Consider placing “no diving” signs next to your pool to discourage rough play, and encourage guests to avoid creating unnecessary waves whenever they enter or exit the water.

“Splashing can decrease both total alkalinity and pool hardness over time, leaving unbalanced water looking dull and cloudy,” warns Life Hacker.

Overuse of Water Features

While many swimming pool owners love the look and feel of water features like fountains, waterfall walls, and other water elements, overuse of these features can contribute to low alkalinity in pools.

That’s because any time additional water is introduced into a pool, it dilutes the existing water and lowers its pH levels. This impact can be especially pronounced when the water is treated with chemicals like chlorine or algaecide.

To avoid this issue, experts recommend limiting the use of water features to periods of light activity or when you’re actually using the pool actively; turning them off during long stretches of non-use may help ensure that your pool’s water chemistry stays balanced over time.

“Fountains, slides, and other water features might look and sound amazing, but they can add significantly more water volume to your pool,” says Do It Yourself.

Water Leakage

Finally, one major cause of low alkalinity in pools is undetected water leakage. Over time, even small leaks in a pool’s plumbing system can allow water to seep out of the main basin and into the surrounding environment.

In turn, this can lower the overall amount of water in the pool and decrease the concentration of necessary chemicals like chlorine and algaecides that keep the water clean and clear.

Unfortunately, identifying water leaks can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. In general, watch for standing water around the base of the pool or near any equipment, dampness behind retaining walls, and areas where plants seem particularly lush or green compared to others nearby; all of these could be signs of hidden water leaks that are reducing the alkalinity levels in your pool over time.

“Leaks can have disastrous effects on a swimming pool and should be attended to as soon as possible,” warns Geremia Pools & Landscaping.

What Causes Low Alkalinity In Pools?

Swimming pools are a perfect addition to any home, providing an oasis for relaxation and entertainment. However, maintaining the pool can be a bit tricky. One problem that pool owners often encounter is low alkalinity levels.

Acid Rain or Groundwater

One of the causes of low alkalinity in pools is acid rain or acidic groundwater. Acid rain happens when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine with atmospheric moisture and create precipitation containing high levels of acidity. The same thing happens with groundwater – it gets contaminated by various pollutants, turning it acidic and lowering its pH level.

If your pool is filled with water from a well or underground source, it’s highly likely that the low alkalinity is due to contaminated groundwater. Make sure to have your well or other sources tested regularly and consult local professionals on treatment options if necessary.

Contaminated Groundwater

Sometimes, despite taking all necessary precautions, contaminants can still find their way into your pool through rainfall as well. If you suspect contamination, consider shocking your pool with high doses of chlorine and make sure to skim all debris that may be floating on the top.

Air Pollution

Air pollution can also cause low alkalinity in swimming pools. Chemicals and gases released into the air from factories, cars and landfill sites contribute significantly to the depletion of alkaline substances such as bicarbonates and carbonates naturally present in the pool water. This leads to a reduction in overall alkalinity levels.

The simplest yet most effective way of preventing this type of contamination is by covering your pool to reduce exposure. If not possible, try using plants like ferns and succulents around the pool area, which are known to purify air by absorbing toxins.

Chemical Runoff

Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals can also find their way into your pool water through chemical runoff. This is especially common during rain falls when excess amounts of such chemicals mix with fluvial waters. Once these chemicals fade in the pool water, they feed on alkalinity, leading to low levels that may require more than regular water balance adjustment methods.

• To prevent chemical runoff:
  • Avoid over-fertilizing or overusing pesticides
  • Covering the lawn before applying any chemicals
  • Landscaping works like terracing the soil so that it holds in place, preventing chemicals and other pollutants from seeping to waterways.

Industrial Waste

Last but not least, another major cause is industrial waste. Often industries release hazardous materials like heavy metals and radioactive isotopes into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies causing them to become contaminated and unsuitable for human use. If your pool’s source connects naturally or artificially with a nearby river or canal, then contamination from such unwanted substances could lead to lower pH and alkalinity levels as well.

“Without better regulation of industry-generated pollution, continued weak enforcement of anti-pollution laws and poor management practices at hazardous waste sites, we are setting up communities across America for potentially disastrous health consequences.” – Lois Gibbs

In order to reduce this problem, demand stricter regulations, reduced toxic emissions and proper disposal of waste products from industries located near your area. Filtering or tending your pool may help alleviate severe drops in alkalinity level, although prevention through lobbying and advocacy efforts remains a more effective solution.

There are numerous ways you can prevent low alkalinity in your pool. It all starts with keeping contaminants out of the water from being proactive, ensuring safety measures are put into place and fostering partnerships that encourage better health outcomes for people and communities at large.

Heavy Pool Usage

When it comes to maintaining the proper alkalinity levels in a pool, heavy usage can often be a major contributor to low alkalinity. The more people that are using the pool on a regular basis, the greater chance there is for chemicals to get out of balance.

It’s important for those who own or manage pools to keep track of how many people are regularly using the pool, as well as any additional factors that may contribute to increased usage. For example, if temperatures are particularly hot during a certain period of time, there may be more people using the pool than usual which could lead to fluctuations in water chemistry.

To combat these effects, it’s a good idea to test pH and alkalinity levels frequently and adjust accordingly. This will help prevent large changes in the chemical makeup of the water over time, making it easier to maintain the right balance no matter how much the pool gets used.

Inadequate Sanitation

Maintaining a clean environment in a swimming pool is essential not only for health reasons but also to ensure the proper pH and alkalinity levels are maintained. When sanitation methods are inadequate, contaminants and debris can accumulate in the water which can throw off the chemical balance and lead to lower alkalinity levels.

In order to avoid this issue, it’s recommended that pool owners use appropriate amounts of sanitizing agents such as chlorine or bromine. These agents work to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can negatively affect water quality.

If you suspect that your current sanitation methods may not be adequate, it’s best to seek advice from a professional to determine what steps you should take to improve cleanliness and reduce any risk of infection or injury caused by improper pool maintenance.

Overcrowding

The number of people using a pool on any given day can have a significant impact on its alkalinity levels. This is especially true when there are too many people in the pool at once.

Overcrowding can lead to increased contamination of the water from sweat, oils and other bodily fluids that can throw off the pH balance and lower overall alkalinity levels. Additionally, overcrowding can make it harder for circulation systems to keep up which could cause dead spots where water isn’t being consistently circulated or disinfected.

It’s important to remember that maintaining proper alkalinity levels in your pool requires more than just adding chemicals. You must also monitor usage patterns, ensure sanitation methods are adequate and take steps to prevent overcrowding.” -Larry Josephs

To avoid these issues, limit the number of people who are allowed into the pool at one time and enforce safety guidelines regarding personal hygiene and cleanliness. Additionally, consider upgrading circulation systems if necessary to ensure that all areas of the pool are getting adequate disinfection and filtration.

Low Carbon Dioxide Levels

In order for a pool’s alkalinity to remain stable, it is important that the levels of carbon dioxide in the water are well-maintained. Low carbon dioxide levels can result in low alkalinity and may cause several other issues as well.

When a pool has insufficient levels of carbon dioxide, the pH levels tend to rise, which can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and make it harder to maintain proper sanitation levels. Additionally, low carbon dioxide levels can impact the balance of minerals in the water, leading to problems such as corrosion of metal surfaces and damage to pool equipment.

“Maintaining proper carbon dioxide levels in your pool is essential to ensuring clear, safe, and healthy swimming conditions.” -Swim University

Insufficient Aeration

The process of ‘aeration’ involves introducing oxygen into the water to help break down organic matter and improve circulation within the pool. Adequate aeration is crucial for maintaining good levels of alkalinity since stagnant water can increase pH, making it harder to control water chemistry. The absence of adequate aeration can lead to low alkalinity and many associated problems.

Insufficient levels of aeration also mean that debris and dirt particles accumulate at the bottom of the pool, further reducing water clarity. Inadequate circulation creates hotspots in the water where algae and bacteria grow more quickly, increasing demand for sanitizers and chemicals like chlorine or ozone. This, in turn, reduces the lifespan of these chemicals and makes them less effective over time.

“Aeration is essential for maintaining the proper balance of microorganisms within your pool. Without enough aeration, you’re opening your pool up to viruses, bacteria, and other potentially harmful organisms.” -AQUA Magazine

Limited Plant Life

Having a sufficient number of aquatic plants in and around the pool can have a significant impact on pH levels and alkalinity. Plants use photosynthesis to produce oxygen that helps regulate water chemistry and prevent fluctuations within the pool.

In addition to regulating water quality, having enough plant life can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your pool area. However, limited plant life or lack of maintenance can lead to problems like algae growth and poor circulation, further reducing the pool’s alkalinity level.

“Aquatic greenery is essential for maintaining a healthy chemical balance in pools and ensuring clear, safe swimming conditions.” -Hayward.com

High Bather Loads

High bather loads are quite common, especially in commercial pools, where many people use them frequently. When too many bathers share a small body of water, it can lead to imbalances in water chemistry, including low alkalinity.

Bathers introduce sweat, urine, lotions, oils, etc., into the water, all of which put more demand on chemicals used to sanitize the water — often causing pH levels to fluctuate wildly. In such cases, the pool will require significantly more filtration to maintain consistent acidity and alkalinity levels.

“Keeping track of total dissolved solids (TDS) in pools regularly becomes even more critical with high bather loads. TDS refers to any element present in the water other than hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions, particularly corrosive salts that may reduce water clarity and trigger skin irritation.” -AQUA Magazine

In summary, several factors can cause low alkalinity in a pool, including insufficient aeration, inadequate plant life, high bather loads, and low carbon dioxide levels. To ensure proper water chemistry, regular testing, debris removal, aeration, and chemical treatment should be conducted. By doing so, we can maintain clear, safe, and healthy swimming conditions and prolong the life of pool equipment.

Inadequate Pool Maintenance

Low alkalinity in a pool is often caused by inadequate maintenance. Here are some common reasons why:

Dirty Filters

If your pool filter contains too much debris, it will have difficulty filtering out contaminants. This can lead to an accumulation of organic materials that lower the pH and alkalinity levels in the water.

“Clogged filters can restrict water flow and reduce filtration to a point where algae spores remain active,” warns Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer, Director of Product Technology at BioLab.

To prevent this from happening, you should regularly clean or replace your pool filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Overdue Cleaning

If you neglect regular upkeep of your pool, dirt and bacteria will accumulate, causing a drop in pH and alkalinity. It’s essential to keep the water chemistry balanced and maintain cleanliness throughout the year.

“The best way to avoid significant chemical swings is to stay ahead with great weekly maintenance practices, including consistent cleaning of both the pool and its equipment,” advises Marc Soucie, founder of The Tennis Advocate.

You need to schedule frequent cleaning so that issues don’t develop to a point where they’re hard to fix.

Equipment Malfunction

A malfunctioning pump, skimmer, or heater can also disrupt pool water balance. These defects may go unnoticed until problems like low alkalinity arise, forcing you to find professional help.

“Check pumps for blockages and ensure baskets, impellers, motors, volutes, seals and gaskets are well-maintained to combat pool ebbs and flows,” says Doughboy Pools.

It’s important to make necessary repairs promptly to restore optimal pH and alkalinity levels.

Unbalanced Chemicals

Balanced chemicals play a vital role in maintaining healthy pool water balance. Without the proper pH levels, total alkalinity cannot be correctly measured or adjusted for optimal pool conditions.

“Stick to commercial grade chemicals with clear instructions; never ‘eyeball it,’” advises Brett Abbott, National Sales Manager at Leisure Pools USA. “Chemicals that are not added correctly can damage your pools interior finish.”

To maintain adequate levels of chlorine and other chemicals, you need to test your water regularly and adjust accordingly.

• Cyanuric acid: between 30-50 parts per million (ppm)

• pH level: between 7.2-7.6

• Calcium hardness: between 200-400 ppm

Keeping your pool clean, balanced, and equipment functioning is essential to preventing low alkalinity. Taking care of these key factors will ensure optimal health and lifespan of your swimming pool.

Frequently Asked Questions