How long after adding alkalinity can you swim

Frequently asked questions

What happens if i swim too soon after adding alkalinity?

anyway, swimming too early can lead to skin... You might be swimming through concentrated pockets of undissolved chemicals, which have a very high pH and alkalinity. It also gives an inaccurate reading if you were to test the water, as the chemicals haven't fully mixed.

Does adding an alkalinity increaser make the water cloudy?

if you ask me, yes, it's common for the pool to become temporarily cloudy after adding a significant amount of sodium bicarbonate. This is usually due to undissolved particles and a rapid shift in pH. The cloudiness should clear up on its own as the pump runs and the water circulates over a few hours.

Can i add alkalinity and chlorine at the same time?

It is not recommended. You should add chemicals one at a time and allow them to fully circulate before adding the next. Adjust your alkalinity and pH first. Once they are balanced and stable, you can then adjust your chlorine levels. kind of, this prevents chemical reactions that can reduce the effectiveness of the products.

Understanding total alkalinity and its role

Before jumping into wait times, it's important to understand what Total Alkalinity (TA) is and why it's a cornerstone of balanced pool water. Total Alkalinity is a measure of the concentration of alkaline substances, primarily bicarbonates and carbonates, in your pool. Its most key function is to act as a buffer for your pH levels.

Think of TA as an anchor for your pH. anyway, when TA is within the ideal range (80-120 parts per million), it prevents wild and rapid swings in pH. — if that makes sense Without proper alkalinity, a small amount of acid rain or even a few swimmers could cause your pH to plummet or spike, leading to skin irritation, cloudy water, and ineffective chlorine. When your TA is low, you add an alkalinity increaser, which is typically sodium bicarbonate, to bring it back into range.

Factors that can affect your wait time

While 4-6 hours is a good starting point, several factors can influence the exact duration you should wait before taking a dip. Adjusting your wait time based on these conditions will ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.

• Pool Size and Pump Efficiency:A larger pool with less strong pump will naturally have a longer turnover time. so, if you know your system takes longer to circulate, err on the side of caution and extend your wait time to 8 hours or more.
• Method of Application:believe it or not, how you add the sodium bicarbonate matters. listen, the best practice is to pre-dissolve the chemical in a bucket of pool water before pouring it into the pool. This helps it integrate more quickly. anyway, if you broadcast the dry powder directly over the water's surface, you should brush the pool floor and walls afterwards to help it dissolve and prevent clumping.
• Water Temperature:Chemicals dissolve faster in warmer water. In a colder pool, you may need to allow extra time for the alkalinity increaser to fully dissolve and circulate.