In short total alkalinity is a measure of the ability of the water to resist pH change. If the total alkalinity of water is kept between the ideal range 80-125 ppm (plaster pools) and 125-150 ppm (other pools), It acts as a buffer against change in pH.
So if it rains heavy or a lot of people go for a swim, the total alkalinity absorbs the shock of pH changing events and the pH doesn’t bounce around.
If alkalinity is low pH will bounce around dramatically making it difficult to keep water clear and comfortable.
If total alkalinity is too high you face problems of cloudy water, dry skin, scale formation, and an inactive chlorine residual.
Stay tuned for products that will help control total alkalinity in our next article.