Sentry
Pool
Where Custom is
Always Standard
 
CELEBRATING 37 YEARS
Swimming Pool & Spa Water Balance Factors
Total Alkalinity

Perfect Range 80 - 155 PPM (depending on temperature and sanitizer)

Temperature + Total Alkalinity + pH + Calcium Hardness + Stabilizer Adjustment + TDS = Saturation Index

Total Alkalinity is a measure of sodium bicarbonate in solution.  It's function is to buffer large changes in pH and prevent "pH Bounce".   It helps to stabilize pH by absorbing the acid and bases in the water.  Total Alkalinity is a component factor in calculating the saturation index therefore it also affects water balance.  An increase in total alkalinity also increases saturation index which increases scaling.

You should always adjust total alkalinity FIRST to establish a minimum of 80 PPM before attempting to adjust the pH, calcium or stabilizer.

Perfect Ranges:

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1529 46th Avenue
Moline, IL. 61265
309-797-9721
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08242007
Total Alkalinity 60 80  100 180 Pool or Spa Above 52 F Ca, Li, Na hypochlorite
Total Alkalinity 60 100 120 180 Pool or Spa Above 52 F DiChlor, TriChlor or Br
Total Alkalinity 60 100 120 180 Pool or Spa 47 to 52 F Ca, Li, Na hypochlorite
Total Alkalinity 60 100 130 180 Pool or Spa 47 to 52 F DiChlor, TriChlor or Br
Total Alkalinity 60 80 155 180 Pool or Spa Below 47 Ca, Li, Na hypochlorite
Total Alkalinity 60 100 155 180 Pool or Spa Below 47 DiChlor, TriChlor or Br