Total Alkalinity test kit Hanna HI 38014

The  Hanna HI 38014 test kit comes with 10 mL bromophenol blue indicator, 110 mL total alkalinity reagent, 20 mL calibrated vessel with cap and 1 mL syringe with cap.

Using:

 Total Alkalinity and pH level are closely related, so it is important to test pH after adjusting Total Alkalinity.  Likewise, a proper Total Alkalinity level is important in maintaining the recommended pH level.  Several sodium bicarbonate treatments may  be required to  reach  the correct Total alkalinity  level to maintain the pH at  7.2 to  7.6.

Total Alkalinity is a measure of the "buffering capacity" of water, or its ability to resist a change in pH.

The ideal Total Alkalinity level for pool or spa water is 80 - 120 ppm.  When the Total Alkalinity is too low, the pH level can fluctuate widely and the water can become corrosive.  When the Total Alkalinity is too high, the pH will be high and scale will form on pool surfaces and equipment.

To lower Total Alkalinity, add pH Minus. Retest and adjust the pH.

To raise Total Alkalinity, add Sodium Bicarbonate (not  to  be confused with  Sodium Carbonate or Soda Ash) - This adds to the total bicarbonates in the water, raising the Total Alkalinity.

Note that you should only add sodium bicarbonate at the rate of 1 kg per 50,000 litres of water every 4 days. Raising the TA can therefore be quite a time-consuming, slow process. 

Lowering the total alkalinity is also a slow process. Acid, either liquid or dry, is added to the deepest part of the pool with the filter off. The acid should only be added a little at a time, diluting it before pouring it into the pool. Wait 3 days between applications. It could take days or even weeks to reduce the TA if it is very high.